Do you always do the best you know? It seems most of us have areas of life where we just do not do as well as we know how. When it comes to eating wisely, my knowledge is much greater than my practice. I am the same way with exercise. It makes me feel better but I have to push myself to get started and sometimes I just excuse myself and put it off another day.
As a youth I thought it was not discipline that made someone practice something they really enjoyed. But when that same person begins to do professionally what they previously did for enjoyment it becomes work instead of play and requires discipline.
When we are young we enjoy sports, music, poetry or many other things in life. We are at the stage of life when we select those things we enjoy the most. Sometimes that choice is made because of what we do well. But those who excel at something can find it much more difficult to continue their progress toward professionalism. It is no longer just entertainment, it is now a profession and requires our full attention to achieve success.
This is where discipline comes in. We devote ourselves to training. We learn all we can and then practice what we learn in order to become proficient at it.
So what are we to make of the discipline in our lives. The Apostle Paul said, "but I buffet my body and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected." The illustration he uses about disciplining himself tells us this is a serious matter.
While there are few things we would call insignificant, such as job performance, diet, exercise, etc., there are none as serious as what Paul is discussing. As Jesus said, "For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul.
There may be some areas where we can be undisciplined and our lives remain unaffected. But we learn from the Bible the eternal well being of our souls is dependent upon living a disciplined life as a servant of God
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
ARE MY POLITICS MY RELIGION?
I have been very leery of mixing religion and politics from the very beginning of Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority. Pat Robertson then picked up the ball and ran with it awhile. Now I get calls from Dr. Dobson at night wanting me to vote my religion.
Before you jump on me too hard, hear me out on my complaint.
I, like most other people prefer legislators who follow more closely the moral compass I have chosen. What bothers me most is when brethren come to believe it is sinful to vote for one man over another because he fails in that regard.
We are not hiring a gospel preacher here. We are selecting someone to govern the country or to at least represent us in that process.
My point is that I should be allowed to vote for someone I believe is a superior governor for that reason alone and not be forced to vote someone into office who is a wonderful person but woefully unqualified for the job. And when I do, I should not need to be ashamed to admit why I voted for that person. Exa. Would you take your car to a Christian for repairs when you were convinced he did not know how to fix it?
When Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's", he authorized a separation of church and state regardless of what Thomas Jefferson would decide some 1800 years later.
All of us are responsible to God to obey His commands if we seek the salvation of our souls. (Heb. 5:8,9) The same people are given the freedom to vote for whatever kind of government they choose without affecting their ability to faithfully obey the commands of God.
We learn early on from the Apostles that we must obey God rather than man. (Acts 5:29) Which would you rather be killed for in service to God? Refusing to have an abortion or refusing to worship contrary to the Word of God? This is the question we must answer if we are to insist on voting for leaders purely on the basis of their moral stand. (Opposition to abortion, homosexuality, etc.)
The reason I say that is there is no clear evidence an atheist will become a ruthless dictator any sooner than a zealous moralist.
How about the last time the majority of the world was ruled by a religious leader? How did that work out for mankind? Bibles burned. People who obtained Bibles and decided to live by God's Word rather than that of the Pope were martyred for that cause.
In a perfect world we could find Christians to rule and legislate according to God's Word, but we do not live in a perfect world. Therefore, let me suggest you decide who you think is the best man for the office according to your ideals and let your fellow man do the same and thus preserve any sphere of influence you might have over him in your efforts to lead him to Christ. After all, wouldn't you rather teach him to be a Christian than convince him to agree with your politics? Teach him to be a Christian first and he will soon have similar ideals to yours politically.
When you have accomplished that you should follow the advice of the Apostle Paul who told the evangelist Timothy, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." (1 Tim. 2:1,2)
Appealing to God will overcome our shortcomings in selecting our legislators.
Before you jump on me too hard, hear me out on my complaint.
I, like most other people prefer legislators who follow more closely the moral compass I have chosen. What bothers me most is when brethren come to believe it is sinful to vote for one man over another because he fails in that regard.
We are not hiring a gospel preacher here. We are selecting someone to govern the country or to at least represent us in that process.
My point is that I should be allowed to vote for someone I believe is a superior governor for that reason alone and not be forced to vote someone into office who is a wonderful person but woefully unqualified for the job. And when I do, I should not need to be ashamed to admit why I voted for that person. Exa. Would you take your car to a Christian for repairs when you were convinced he did not know how to fix it?
When Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's", he authorized a separation of church and state regardless of what Thomas Jefferson would decide some 1800 years later.
All of us are responsible to God to obey His commands if we seek the salvation of our souls. (Heb. 5:8,9) The same people are given the freedom to vote for whatever kind of government they choose without affecting their ability to faithfully obey the commands of God.
We learn early on from the Apostles that we must obey God rather than man. (Acts 5:29) Which would you rather be killed for in service to God? Refusing to have an abortion or refusing to worship contrary to the Word of God? This is the question we must answer if we are to insist on voting for leaders purely on the basis of their moral stand. (Opposition to abortion, homosexuality, etc.)
The reason I say that is there is no clear evidence an atheist will become a ruthless dictator any sooner than a zealous moralist.
How about the last time the majority of the world was ruled by a religious leader? How did that work out for mankind? Bibles burned. People who obtained Bibles and decided to live by God's Word rather than that of the Pope were martyred for that cause.
In a perfect world we could find Christians to rule and legislate according to God's Word, but we do not live in a perfect world. Therefore, let me suggest you decide who you think is the best man for the office according to your ideals and let your fellow man do the same and thus preserve any sphere of influence you might have over him in your efforts to lead him to Christ. After all, wouldn't you rather teach him to be a Christian than convince him to agree with your politics? Teach him to be a Christian first and he will soon have similar ideals to yours politically.
When you have accomplished that you should follow the advice of the Apostle Paul who told the evangelist Timothy, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity." (1 Tim. 2:1,2)
Appealing to God will overcome our shortcomings in selecting our legislators.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
FRANKLY SPEAKING!
It is often difficult to see ourselves as others do. It is so easy to deceive ourselves by thinking we say one thing when in actuality we have communicated quite differently.
There have been a couple of examples I have observed lately that illustrate this.
But first, recognize we all want to think of ourselves as frank and forthright. I have never heard someone say, "Now I just don't like to tell it like it is. I would rather be evasive and avoid any disagreement." We have been taught honesty is the best policy. Yet when is the last time you heard someone in authority genuinely answer, "I do no know the answer to that." So many times they feel obligated to have all the answers and begin to send out a smokescreen of an answer to hide their ignorance.
Recently a politician was asked in a debate, "Tell me, how do you create a job?" The question obviously caught him off guard and rather than admit he did not have a satisfactory answer he rambled on for a long time trying to hide his ignorance and instead displayed it.
On another occasion a different politician answered frankly his beliefs about homosexuality. He said he believed children would be happier if they grew up, were married and raised a family. He further said he did not believe schools or the media should teach or represent homosexuality as an equally attractive option in life to heterosexuality. All this to the detriment of his electability.
What I hope to illustrate is that we too can become evasive with our answers about important issues if we are not careful. Probably we are not intimidated by the electorate or the media. But we might be by our neighbors or co-workers or employers.
When Jesus teaches us to confess Him before men in order for Him to confess us before His Father, He is telling us to wear our faith openly. (Mat. 10:32,33) By the way, He had just told them in verse 28 not to fear men, but fear God.
When the Apostles were threatened for preaching Christ they did not offer excuses or explanations. They proudly stood by their teaching. (Acts 4:19,20)
When Paul was arrested because he taught Christ had replaced Moses as the deliverer of the people he defended his conversion and the things he had spoken among them. (Acts 22)
These faithful men were not evasive or ambiguous. They were forthright about their convictions. I ask you, is it wiser to hide our beliefs to get along with men or to speak out boldly and please the God of heaven who created us, redeemed us through His Son and will reward us with heaven when we have faithfully completed our walk on earth? (2 Tim. 4:7,8)
There have been a couple of examples I have observed lately that illustrate this.
But first, recognize we all want to think of ourselves as frank and forthright. I have never heard someone say, "Now I just don't like to tell it like it is. I would rather be evasive and avoid any disagreement." We have been taught honesty is the best policy. Yet when is the last time you heard someone in authority genuinely answer, "I do no know the answer to that." So many times they feel obligated to have all the answers and begin to send out a smokescreen of an answer to hide their ignorance.
Recently a politician was asked in a debate, "Tell me, how do you create a job?" The question obviously caught him off guard and rather than admit he did not have a satisfactory answer he rambled on for a long time trying to hide his ignorance and instead displayed it.
On another occasion a different politician answered frankly his beliefs about homosexuality. He said he believed children would be happier if they grew up, were married and raised a family. He further said he did not believe schools or the media should teach or represent homosexuality as an equally attractive option in life to heterosexuality. All this to the detriment of his electability.
What I hope to illustrate is that we too can become evasive with our answers about important issues if we are not careful. Probably we are not intimidated by the electorate or the media. But we might be by our neighbors or co-workers or employers.
When Jesus teaches us to confess Him before men in order for Him to confess us before His Father, He is telling us to wear our faith openly. (Mat. 10:32,33) By the way, He had just told them in verse 28 not to fear men, but fear God.
When the Apostles were threatened for preaching Christ they did not offer excuses or explanations. They proudly stood by their teaching. (Acts 4:19,20)
When Paul was arrested because he taught Christ had replaced Moses as the deliverer of the people he defended his conversion and the things he had spoken among them. (Acts 22)
These faithful men were not evasive or ambiguous. They were forthright about their convictions. I ask you, is it wiser to hide our beliefs to get along with men or to speak out boldly and please the God of heaven who created us, redeemed us through His Son and will reward us with heaven when we have faithfully completed our walk on earth? (2 Tim. 4:7,8)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
WHAT DO I THINK OF GOD?
Recently I heard a man from England discussing a potential terrorist plot that had been uncovered.
In attempting to point out how dangerous radical Islamists are he made the following observation about their religion. He said they were loyal to their faith first and the country they live in second.
His point was to explain why they kill and terrorize those who disagree with their faith.
My immediate response was, "Is that not true of Christians?" I have been taught from childhood up to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) This incident with Peter and John occurred when they were instructed not to teach the message of Christ. This was a statement by Peter indicating he and John and others were obligated by their faith to teach it to others so they could enjoy the ultimate benefit of salvation. (Acts 4:19,20) It was not a statement that indicated any plans to overthrow the government or in any way attack those who opposed them. It was a statement that said you will have to punish us if you see fit but we must practice our faith.
Now this is the opposite of the radical Islamists who say if you disagree with us we will kill you anyway we can to eliminate any opposition.
Christians know they are to worship one God only. (1 Cor. 8:4-6) They understand the scope of their loyalty to that God is to be complete; total. "With all your heart, soul and mind." (Matt. 22:37) They further understand He comes first, ahead of all those they love such as family or friends. (Matt. 10:34ff) They understand such a faith will bring about persecution. (2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Cor. 4:11-13)
So what we have are two polar opposite reactions to loyalty to one's faith above all else such as family, government, etc. On the one hand Christians are faithful to God to the point of suffering persecution for that faith while on the other hand radical Islamists are loyal to their faith to the point of bring destruction on anyone who rejects it.
The problem I am trying to expose is everyone is walking on eggshells trying not to offend those who are considered to be moderate Islamists. As a result experts decry being loyal to one's faith above all else rather than pointing out that such loyalty should not cause harm to others. We need to acknowledge one can be loyal to his faith above all else and not be a danger or threat to others around him who are not.
What we need here is to recognize that any faith that calls on its followers to destroy its opponents by physical assault is an invalid faith. Anyone who serves such a God needs to recognize their God is evil or they are serving themselves and attributing it to God.
In attempting to point out how dangerous radical Islamists are he made the following observation about their religion. He said they were loyal to their faith first and the country they live in second.
His point was to explain why they kill and terrorize those who disagree with their faith.
My immediate response was, "Is that not true of Christians?" I have been taught from childhood up to obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29) This incident with Peter and John occurred when they were instructed not to teach the message of Christ. This was a statement by Peter indicating he and John and others were obligated by their faith to teach it to others so they could enjoy the ultimate benefit of salvation. (Acts 4:19,20) It was not a statement that indicated any plans to overthrow the government or in any way attack those who opposed them. It was a statement that said you will have to punish us if you see fit but we must practice our faith.
Now this is the opposite of the radical Islamists who say if you disagree with us we will kill you anyway we can to eliminate any opposition.
Christians know they are to worship one God only. (1 Cor. 8:4-6) They understand the scope of their loyalty to that God is to be complete; total. "With all your heart, soul and mind." (Matt. 22:37) They further understand He comes first, ahead of all those they love such as family or friends. (Matt. 10:34ff) They understand such a faith will bring about persecution. (2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Cor. 4:11-13)
So what we have are two polar opposite reactions to loyalty to one's faith above all else such as family, government, etc. On the one hand Christians are faithful to God to the point of suffering persecution for that faith while on the other hand radical Islamists are loyal to their faith to the point of bring destruction on anyone who rejects it.
The problem I am trying to expose is everyone is walking on eggshells trying not to offend those who are considered to be moderate Islamists. As a result experts decry being loyal to one's faith above all else rather than pointing out that such loyalty should not cause harm to others. We need to acknowledge one can be loyal to his faith above all else and not be a danger or threat to others around him who are not.
What we need here is to recognize that any faith that calls on its followers to destroy its opponents by physical assault is an invalid faith. Anyone who serves such a God needs to recognize their God is evil or they are serving themselves and attributing it to God.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
ARE YOU LISTENING?
It is amazing how many things we hear and understand and then dismiss as either unimportant or at the very least unrelated to our lives.
This happens with commercial ads. They spend a lot of money to convince us all that we need to use their product to make our lives better.
The truth is, some of the products they advertise, we could and do use, while others provide us no benefit whatsoever. We therefore dismiss all of what they have to say about products that have no purpose or value in our lives. Some of those products are not useful to our goals and purposes while others damage those same goals and purposes.
This reminds me of biblical teaching. In reference to Jesus we are instructed to "Hear ye Him." (Matt. 17:5) He is the One through whom God speaks to man at this point in time. (Heb. 1:1,2) To illustrate how we should respond to this instruction, consider God's example to us. John, the Apostle, says He hears us and in so doing answers our requests. (1 John 5:14,15)
Our point is we need to hear Him, as in listen and give attention to, what He says.
Why should we listen to the words of God? It is useful to our goals. Do we desire His blessings? Of course we do. The most irreverent and irreligious people you know pray to God when a loved one has serious health issues. We all want His blessings.
Moses, speaking of Christ, tells us we must hear Him or be utterly destroyed. (Acts 3:22,23) That destruction is spiritual death described in scripture as the eternal punishment one receives for rejecting the words of God and Christ. (John 12:48; 2 Thess. 1:7-9)
This is the reason Jesus says those who do not heed His words are fools. (Matt. 7:26,27) Do we prefer to listen to men of the world and be punished as fools or can we discipline ourselves to listen to God and receive the ultimate blessing of eternal life? It is a choice we make each and every day of our lives. What will your choice be?
This happens with commercial ads. They spend a lot of money to convince us all that we need to use their product to make our lives better.
The truth is, some of the products they advertise, we could and do use, while others provide us no benefit whatsoever. We therefore dismiss all of what they have to say about products that have no purpose or value in our lives. Some of those products are not useful to our goals and purposes while others damage those same goals and purposes.
This reminds me of biblical teaching. In reference to Jesus we are instructed to "Hear ye Him." (Matt. 17:5) He is the One through whom God speaks to man at this point in time. (Heb. 1:1,2) To illustrate how we should respond to this instruction, consider God's example to us. John, the Apostle, says He hears us and in so doing answers our requests. (1 John 5:14,15)
Our point is we need to hear Him, as in listen and give attention to, what He says.
Why should we listen to the words of God? It is useful to our goals. Do we desire His blessings? Of course we do. The most irreverent and irreligious people you know pray to God when a loved one has serious health issues. We all want His blessings.
Moses, speaking of Christ, tells us we must hear Him or be utterly destroyed. (Acts 3:22,23) That destruction is spiritual death described in scripture as the eternal punishment one receives for rejecting the words of God and Christ. (John 12:48; 2 Thess. 1:7-9)
This is the reason Jesus says those who do not heed His words are fools. (Matt. 7:26,27) Do we prefer to listen to men of the world and be punished as fools or can we discipline ourselves to listen to God and receive the ultimate blessing of eternal life? It is a choice we make each and every day of our lives. What will your choice be?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Jim's Gems:
We last wrote pointing out how much our lives at home, in the church and in our nation would be enhanced if men lived up to their responsibilities as leaders.
How much better would the lives of all people be if they lived as Jesus taught?
We are not even addressing the question of obedience to the Lord. We are just asking whether everyone would be happier if each of us truly loved his neighbor as himself. Even those who have no intention of responding to the gospel call would be happier if that rule was followed.
What if everyone went about doing good to all men as they had opportunity? (Gal. 6:10) Wouldn't this make the world a better place to live?
What do you think the effect on our society would be if people simply refused to drink alcohol and take drugs? What if men refused to patronize places where women dance scantily clad? Or quit buying magazines filled with pornographic images? What if they never surfed the net for porn and instead devoted themselves to their wives? What if women rejected the immodest fashions of the day?
If all these "what ifs" took place in our world; how much hatred would be eliminated? How many marriages would be saved and not only be saved but be genuinely happy? How many children would grow up loved and cared for that are not presently?
Well, you see where I am going with this. These are all things Jesus demands of His disciples that the world ignores or rejects.
Yet the benefits to our society in reduced suffering here in this life would be immeasurable if people just accepted the advice of their Creator. He made us and knows what makes us happy and content.
Now He offers even more than happiness on earth for those who will accept His advice. He offers eternal bliss in the next life as well as happiness in this one.
All we have to do is listen to His message rather than the message of so many who are miserable and suffering here while on their way to eternal destruction in the next life.
A rather easy choice, don't you think?
How much better would the lives of all people be if they lived as Jesus taught?
We are not even addressing the question of obedience to the Lord. We are just asking whether everyone would be happier if each of us truly loved his neighbor as himself. Even those who have no intention of responding to the gospel call would be happier if that rule was followed.
What if everyone went about doing good to all men as they had opportunity? (Gal. 6:10) Wouldn't this make the world a better place to live?
What do you think the effect on our society would be if people simply refused to drink alcohol and take drugs? What if men refused to patronize places where women dance scantily clad? Or quit buying magazines filled with pornographic images? What if they never surfed the net for porn and instead devoted themselves to their wives? What if women rejected the immodest fashions of the day?
If all these "what ifs" took place in our world; how much hatred would be eliminated? How many marriages would be saved and not only be saved but be genuinely happy? How many children would grow up loved and cared for that are not presently?
Well, you see where I am going with this. These are all things Jesus demands of His disciples that the world ignores or rejects.
Yet the benefits to our society in reduced suffering here in this life would be immeasurable if people just accepted the advice of their Creator. He made us and knows what makes us happy and content.
Now He offers even more than happiness on earth for those who will accept His advice. He offers eternal bliss in the next life as well as happiness in this one.
All we have to do is listen to His message rather than the message of so many who are miserable and suffering here while on their way to eternal destruction in the next life.
A rather easy choice, don't you think?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Real Men Need to Lead
From the very beginning of man's relationship with God we learn from mistakes made.
There is no question from reading Genesis 3 that Satan deceived Eve who then persuaded her husband, Adam, to join her in eating the forbidden fruit.
Lesson No. 1. The devil is as Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8, a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. So, as Peter says, we should be watchful; on guard against his stealth and deception.
It will not suffice to use the old Flip Wilson line, "The devil made me do it."
Another lesson learned is that God created Eve as a help suitable to man. (Gen. 2:18) He did not create her to make his decisions for him. This is evident from Paul's explanation of why women are to learn in quietness. He says it was Adam who was formed first and then Eve. It was also Eve who was beguiled rather than Adam. (1 Tim. 2:11-14)
Paul makes it very clear there is an order to the relationships between God and His creation. He says the head of Christ is God, the head of man is Christ and the head of woman is man. (1 Cor. 11:3) He then admonishes each to give honor to his head.
The responsibility of man to lead his wife and family is clearly taught in scripture as we can see from these passages.
Please let us not be caught blaming our wives for our actions as Adam did by saying, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat." Let us stand up like men. The first step is to lead and the second is to take responsibility for our own actions.
The church, the home and the nation we live in will all become better if men accept and live up to their God given responsibility as leaders of the home.
There is no question from reading Genesis 3 that Satan deceived Eve who then persuaded her husband, Adam, to join her in eating the forbidden fruit.
Lesson No. 1. The devil is as Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8, a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. So, as Peter says, we should be watchful; on guard against his stealth and deception.
It will not suffice to use the old Flip Wilson line, "The devil made me do it."
Another lesson learned is that God created Eve as a help suitable to man. (Gen. 2:18) He did not create her to make his decisions for him. This is evident from Paul's explanation of why women are to learn in quietness. He says it was Adam who was formed first and then Eve. It was also Eve who was beguiled rather than Adam. (1 Tim. 2:11-14)
Paul makes it very clear there is an order to the relationships between God and His creation. He says the head of Christ is God, the head of man is Christ and the head of woman is man. (1 Cor. 11:3) He then admonishes each to give honor to his head.
The responsibility of man to lead his wife and family is clearly taught in scripture as we can see from these passages.
Please let us not be caught blaming our wives for our actions as Adam did by saying, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat." Let us stand up like men. The first step is to lead and the second is to take responsibility for our own actions.
The church, the home and the nation we live in will all become better if men accept and live up to their God given responsibility as leaders of the home.
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