"How Do You View Greatness?"

Our idea of greatness and God's idea of greatness are two opposite thoughts. We measure greatness by our success in our jobs, our degrees held or owning fine homes or vehicles. Pride swells up in us and we become a little arrogant thinking we have arrived and people take notice. All the while, it escapes our notice, "God is opposed to the proud!" (Jam. 4:6) The "pride of life" will cost us our relationship with the Lord and our souls in the end. (I John 3:15-17)

The last night of Jesus' life before His crucifixion, he sat at a table with thirteen men. He knew His hour had come (John 13:1). Luke tells us the apostles were disputing among themselves which one of them was the greatest (Luke 22:24). Poor, poor us! What did Jesus do? He showed them God! He arose from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, took a towel and washed His disciples feet. Peter protested at first (John 13:6). It seemed awkward for their Master, the One who walked on water, defied nature, gave life to the dead and healed many who were sick, to be on His knees washing dirty feet!! That's not greatness of a leader in the eyes of man. That's a lowly servants job! That's a job for the 'nobodies' who can't do better!

What does this teach us? In God's eyes, real spiritual minded people are servants. Service is the very heart of God and Jesus. The Creator of the world, the Holy One who called things into existence that never existed, who has all power and demonstrates that power, came into a world in the form of weak and feeble man. He died the death of a criminal, while shamed in the eyes of mankind. He had a following like no other. Multitudes upon multitudes crowded around Him. In all this, He served! He looked for ways he could serve the lives of others. The God of heaven and earth was on His knees washing the feet of His creation!

How much effort do we place on looking good in the eyes of others? What you do and what you go after reveals where your heart is set. What you love the most is shown in what you dedicate your life for and what you sacrifice for. I've watched numerous people destroy themselves because they go after the finest things in life, thinking it sets them apart as being somebody, only to lose it all because their lusts overextend them. They give little thought to service and great efforts toward externals. The pride of life is not from God, but from the world and it will cost many a person their souls. So...how do you view greatness?

"Why Preach?"

A friend of mine said that he would like to preach. I asked him why and he said, "I've taught some Bible classes and people have told me I would be good at it! It got me to start thinking." Most people only see a very small part of the work of an evangelist on Sunday's and Wednesday's. The majority never see the struggle in study of God's word and the time spent in prayer to know what to teach/preach. You have to deal with disturbing situations among the brethren. You see brethren, have little interest as they sit "boringly" while God speaks and there is nothing you can do for them. Sometimes you become the target of some, listening for any misspoken word or something misstated in their mind so they can correct you. Some constantly complain about something someone else does or complains against the elders. Some have bad attitudes and you can do nothing for them. You deal with those sick, families in crisis and those outside of Christ and their ungodly ways. People threaten you at times and you deal with fleshly brethren who do not even realize they are fleshly and it makes it difficult (if not impossible) to get them to understand spiritual things. You watch some walk completely away from the Lord which creates a deep heartache. You deal with marital issues in which some are very sensitive. You must be prepared to deal with those struggling with mental issues, depression and confusion. In the whole, you deal with your own family and meeting the needs of your mate. For someone to think about preaching just because they taught a few classes and get compliments needs to seriously read I & II Timothy and Titus to see what is expected of the preacher. Why go through all this to preach?

Isaiah, a prophet of God, offered freely to go preach/teach God's message to God's people (Isa. 6). But he wasn't expecting the insight he received from the Lord. God explains this people he would be preaching to has insensitive hearts, their ears are dull and have no understanding (Isa. 6:10). Isaiah asked the question, "Lord, how long?" (Isa. 6:11) How long is Isaiah going to have to preach to this kind of people? God informs him until He devastates the majority of them! (Isa. 6:12) What a message for a preacher to hear, knowing little result will happen in your preaching. Why even bother?

Jesus tells His own apostles that they would be mistreated, some of the scourged and killed for preaching God's word. Why go through all this?

Paul explains to the young preacher Timothy that he will be persecuted. Brethren will turn on you , some will leave the faith and others will be ungodly in their attitudes and actions. There will be those who do not want the truth but their ears tickled. Why would you want to preach knowing all this?

At times I reflect on all these things. It becomes clear that God needs preaching and teaching of His truth just to save some. Too many are preaching that have no business preaching. They do not understand the need. Jesus died for us! He didn't just die for me but for all. He died for me when I didn't care and was rebellious and someone reached out with a saving message. Thank God for such! You labor and strive because of your hope (I Tim. 4:10). You persevere because the Lord wants people saved and you realize your life is hidden with God through Christ which keeps you safe. But in all of this, you hear the word of the Lord speak this it is a good fight and taking hold of eternal life (I Tim. 6:12). That's what I want! It's not about personal gain or loss in the eyes of people. It's about salvation, being driven by the death of Jesus knowing without someone trying to help, all would ultimately be lost. In the end, it will be worth it all.

"Losers Really Win!"

I was reading a back issue of the Reader's Digest, September 1998 to be exact, and came across an article about Ted Turner who owns several television networks. In this article, Mr. Turner states, "Christianity is for losers!" as he was describing what he thought of those who believe in God's word. After reading the article, it made me realize that in his eyes, winners are those who are successful financially and powerful in society! Bottom line, he believes being a winner has nothing to do with Christ Jesus.

Think carefully about the statement, "Christianity is for losers!" He has a very valid point. Christ is for losers! Now don't start with the positive thinking mind set. Follow me here. We are a people who had lost our way, alienated ourselves from God and at times, failed miserably in our lives. God's word reminds us of this very thing in Rom. 3:23. People can act like they have never sinned or think themselves as above sinfulness, but the facts from God tell us who we really are. "There is none righteous, not even one." (Rom. 3:10) In God's eyes, there is not one person good enough to make it on their own. We are all losers!

Here comes Christ into the world and who is He reaching to? The ungodly losers! "For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." (Rom. 5:6) Christ died for the sinful, pitiful, ungodly people that have destroyed relationships and wandered off into sin, while separating themselves from God. Christ did not die for us when we were winners, but losing sinners! Our lives were doomed to an eternal separation from God, a place of eternal doom and condemnation. What did God do? He wants us to win, to be saved, so Christ became the One to lay down His life in our place.

Now comes the real beauty. Christ took us, a bunch of ungodly, sinful losers and made us winners...real, eternal winners! Our sins were atoned for and taken out of the way that cost us a relationship with God, with Christ Jesus paying the ultimate price. We were united with Him in baptism (Rom. 6) and raised with Him, being clothed with Him (Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12). God views us differently because He sees Christ instead of us. We are holy and blameless before God because of Christ (Col. 1:22).

Mr. Turner was right, "Christianity is for losers!" Without Christ our Lord, there will be no winners! All of us loser really win!! Rejoice, your sins in Christ have been forgiven and God is for us (Rom. 8:31-39)! Victory is ours through Christ! I wonder where this puts Mr. Turner and others with his mindset?

"The Gospel According To Andy Griffith"

There is not many that enjoy the Andy Griffith Show more than myself. It's a classic and good fun. Why Barney Fife is the epitome of fleshliness! The reason I bring this up is for one reason: today in many places, the Andy Griffith Show has been made into a series of Bible studies! It is more popular in the southern states. Larger congregations are using it to help increase their attendance and stir a 'renewed excitement' for the local congregation. It is called "The Andy Griffith Bible Study Series." Please know that I am not finger pointing or trying to bash. That serves no purpose. What I am doing is showing how easily we can become persuaded "through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." (Col. 2:8 - emphasis mine)

Let me make some spiritual observations about such so we are not deluded by persuasive argument. (1) There is nothing wrong with using things as object lessons. God's word certainly does that, but never in a fleshly way. (2) What does God want? His word preached/taught (II Tim. 4:1-2). There are no substitutes for that. To use a man-made show to teach God's word is a little backward from what God wants. Paul said he preached nothing but Jesus and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2). When we begin to promote Barney over the teachings of Jesus or putting him beside the teachings of His apostles, there is something wrong. The Andy Griffith Show never brought anyone to knowing God (John 17:3)! The Andy Griffith Show never converted one single person to Jesus! There is no one led to Christ, baptized into His death or raised to walk in newness of life. There is no real, genuine saving faith produced, as that comes only from God's word. Yes, it has moral values, but those moral values can never be substituted for Christ and His word. God word is reality, reveals His truth and is the only source of spiritual direction! His word teaches the best morals, more than any man can dream up. (3) God confronts man with his sinfulness, showing a need for a Savior. The Andy Griffith Show never confronts the sinfulness of man but shows tolerance and acceptance. From the beginning of creation to Revelation, one message was preached and that message led people to repentance and salvation. (4) When one assembles with the saints to worship, we are to draw near to God. Mayberry has never brought anyone to worshiping God, much less drawing near to God through Jesus.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires."(II Tim. 4:3) Now that's something to take serious!

"Looking at the Wrong Source"

He headed to the country of the Gerasenes, opposite of Galilee. Upon setting foot in this land, a man from the city came toward Jesus and the man was demon possessed. He was naked, living among the tombs which gives us an indication he probably wasn't the cleanest of people. The man cries out, falling down before Jesus. The unclean spirit within speaks. What did it sound like? The voice of a man! Jesus commands the unclean spirit to come out and asks, "What is your name?" The response came, "Legion!" There were many demons in this man. Jesus showed no anxiety, no fear but stood firm before this man. What is amazing is these many demons knew who Jesus is and the power He possesses. They beg Jesus not to send them away into the abyss, a place of immeasurable depth. They wanted to go anywhere but the abyss and knew Jesus had the authority to do what He wished with them. These demons could do nothing unless the Lord Jesus allowed it. Over there, a herd of swine. Jesus gives them His permission to enter this heard of swine. You look at the herd, and see them start reacting to something unseen and suddenly, over the steep bank they go into the lake to their ultimate death! (This is recorded in Luke 8:26-33.)

Right here is where so many people get stuck, on the bank focused on the swine. "Why did the swine have to die?" some wonder. Bible classes bog down on the issue. "Why did the demons enter the swine?" others question. You might listen and even hear some animal activists cry out, "Cruel and inhumane!" Here we are standing on the bank looking, wondering and talking about the swine. As long as we stand on the bank looking and speaking about the swine, we completely loose sight of the point. This true life event is not about swine or the demons. It is about Jesus and His power over all, even in the demonic realm! His strength, His control and His ability to stand in the face of Satan's army and command them where He wishes!!! Let's move away from the bank and swine and not get stuck. Look at Jesus! Look at Jesus!

Paul taught it is all about "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col. 1:27) Paul spoke nothing but Jesus and Him crucified (I Cor. 2:2) in order for lives to change. Paul spoke plainly that "we proclaim Him." (Col. 1:28) It is in Jesus that all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden (Col. 2:3). Many times our lives are lived so weak and helpless because we "stand on the bank focusing on the swine" when we need to be looking at Jesus. Life wants to overwhelm us and we look and listen to everyone and everything except Jesus. Satan attacks us and accuses us through people. We react and find ourselves upset at the people or react in a wrong way. We need to be looking at Jesus! When we are sick, afraid or angry, look to Jesus! Our lives improve so little because we are always looking at the wrong source in our lives! "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith..." (Heb. 12:2)

"Too Easy To Cast Off"

We look at all the mess our government has made. That's not a political statement because I am not a political person. It's just the truth. The more our government (man) gets control on things, the more they mess things up. Regulations for every part of our society seems to be their answer. In the meantime, the small business suffers, families suffer and it destroys our economy. My own father, who owned a tv and appliance store, was put out of commission in one part of his business because of government regulations. (They made a law in order to use any freon, he had to buy expensive equipment to catch the old freon and get licensed to purchase any further freon!) To top it off, we have now been scared into thinking about global warming, to which politicians say it will eventually lead to warmth all over the earth. That goes completely against what God's word says. There will always be seasons, cold and hot, on this earth as long as it remains (Gen. 8:22). Only the strong survive seems to be their motto!

When we turn to the church, we look at those who have lives messed up. Sin has taken hold and devastated homes. Sin has found a resting place in the heart of some of those in Christ and they live in ways that are opposite of what Christ would want. What do many do? They just cast them off as lost! There is little reaching out to try to bring them back to their senses and the Christ who cares so much for them. Brethren just want nothing to do with them. I was listening the other day to some brethren who were speaking of another couple they had eaten with. This couple gets caught up in their fleshliness so easily but I have seen them at times to strive to move forward. There were some disheartening moments during the meal and even a comment that was not appropriate about the wife that came from the husband. How did the other brethren react? They wanted no more to do with them! It was stated they would never ask them to eat with them again. Out of the situation, one brother realized the weaknesses and the opportunity for sin to completely consume this brother and sister. Rather than cast them off, he decided he would go and talk to them face to face to get them to see what is happening. That's a spiritual man! "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, each on looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." (Gal. 6:1)

Our government makes messes. Our brethren make messes. I'll let the Lord deal with our government leaders but I need to do what I can to help those who are in Christ see their relationship and the power of His love to change their lives before it is too late. It seems too many in the church really could care less about those that at one time were in fellowship with Christ and when they are caught in sins, it is too easy to cast them off. Remember, Jesus invested His life in them. May the Lord open our eyes and hearts to help one another to heaven!

"Trust in God"

People that are sensitive and tender hearted know the pain and depth of their guilt. So much physical illness, emotional trauma and 'below par' living is the direct result of unresolved guilt! People have great feelings of inadequacy and their minds hold to past failures keeping them in their inadequacies. As long as guilt stays with us, spiritual growth is impossible.

Take some time and read what David said in Psa. 32:1-7. Until he sought and found forgiveness with God, David was down right miserable! As long as he refused to come into the presence of God and confess his guilt, he was wasting away. Do we realize and really believe that God delights in forgiveness? It thrills Him to no end to forgive the humble, sensitive soul that seeks His forgiveness. Just read Micah 7:18-19. Isaiah implores man to return to the Lord, call upon Him, forsaking our evil ways and the Lord will abundantly pardon (Isa. 55:6-7). God wants and loves to offer forgiveness!

To those sensitive in heart, it becomes difficult to come back to God, asking for forgiveness over and over. That's good and the way it should be. But listen, we have got to stop "acting" so humble!!! We need to learn to trust God and His pardon offered. God speaks about Himself as One willing, delighting and abundantly forgiving. Wrap your heart around that! We need to trust God for what He says about Himself and not look at our weak and failing lives. Jesus said heaven rejoices when one repents (Luke 15:7,10). Why can't we rejoice rather than look at our miserable failure thinking God will reject us? That's not reaching for His love and forgiveness. That is being self consumed, trusting in our own thoughts. We must learn to trust God for what He says about Himself!

Sometimes our failure and guilt has taken us so low that we think we have so little to offer the Lord. Once again, the focus is on us and that is what makes us weaker. Christ is thrilled when we offer ourselves back to Him, no matter how little we think we have. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) It is sinful to not honor God and His Christ as He speaks about Himself! He says He is "faithful and righteous to forgive". How sinful is it for us to believe otherwise? Sensitive people are poor judges about themselves!!!! They look at their failures rather than the Christ who wants to forgive and make them into a new creation.

Bottom line is, we don't need to think ourselves as someone great, because we are sinful. We don't need to try to make ourselves sweet because we are anything less. We don't need to try to whitewash who we are but whatever else we do, do not sit in a state of guilt and judgment on yourself when Christ is waiting! Trust Christ to transform you! Trust God to raise you (Col. 2:12)! Above all, surrender your life, your heart to the Lord and take God at His word. That's the only way to overcome your burdened heart.