This morning in preparation of Thanksgiving, I have been reminded of sacrifices. The first groups that come to mind as an American are our men and women in the armed forces and their families. We are so thankful for their personal, daily sacrifices (and should take the time to tell and show them!).
As Christians, the overwhelming sacrifice we think of regularly is that of Jesus Christ, God as man, God taking His own wrath for my sin. No sacrifice can compare to Jesus' humble, total, torturous gift of Himself on my behalf.
But if, in our Christian walk, we think of Christ likeness as gentleness, patience, and love apart from personal loss, we have lost focus. Being like Christ is to put off my personal reputation and walk in obedience regardless of others' acceptance. Being like Christ is to represent God at all times in all places verbally and actually. Being like Christ is to submit to all authority with meekness. Being like Christ is to bear the misunderstandings of others. Being like Christ is to challenge that which is man-centered and self-centered and put it in the perspective of God, and God alone.
In this way, through daily, moment by moment dependence I become a living sacrifice. My life, my thoughts, my actions, my choices are each offered to God as a gift. "Is this what you would have me do, Lord?" "Is this what you would have me speak?" "Is this what you would have me give?" The moments of my day then become a conversation with God. I become that living sacrifice, a purchased gift with a specific purpose (Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
But what do I do when the cost is too great? When God challenges my reason, my rights, my needs? A dear friend shared this verse which resonates with me even as I consider giving the sacrifice of thanksgiving. "God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar" (Psalm 118:27). Sometimes, realistically, I can't give thanks. Sometimes, realistically, I can't give God the obedience He desires. Most of the time, realistically, I don't want to. And this verse has become a repeated prayer, "Lord, if you must, bind me to the horns of the altar." Only God can give me the motivation, the love, and the obedience that is required to please Him (Philippians 2:13, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Hebrews 11:6). In giving to God what is His due there is peace and joy--not because God wins and I lose. If that is my view of Christian service, I do not know the true and living God.
God loves me infinitely, purely, wholly. In doing what He commands I fulfill my purpose and He receives the worth-ship that belongs to Him and Him alone. This Thanksgiving I am praying for a more dependent, grateful attitude. One that esteems God above all others, especially myself, even if it means tying my hands to the horns of the altar! For "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11).
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A Bad Christian
"So I said to him, 'You know, Dad, you're a really good religious person, but you're a bad Christian.'"
That comment has stuck in my head since yesterday afternoon. A new friend was sharing herself with me and that is how she saw her dad, a pastor. A tragedy for the people he ministered to, a tragedy for his family, a tragedy for his eternal self. But I was encouraged by my friend's discernment. Too many of us are "good religious people" but "bad Christians."
Here are a couple of things she brought up that are worth mentioning to those of us who minister in our local church Bodies:
1) Once a notable member of the congregation brought three guests with her. They were of a different race. They were beautiful. They were well-to-do. And no one greeted them. No one talked to them. For weeks after that incident, everyone gave that church member the cold shoulder. Hmmm. Would I react this way?
2) Once a woman with a "spotted" past confessed her sin, God changed her life, but she was held at arm's length. "She scrubbed the floors for those people, she made them meals, she washed the dishes after potlucks, and they treated her like dirt." Hmmmm. Would I react this way?
I must say that, during our visit I did some dirt-checking of my own. How do I think of others? How do I treat others in our church Body? If she were to come to our church, what would she see? What do others see? Do they see Jesus at work? Or are we just a bunch of "religious people" playing church?
As we parted I shared an insight of my own. "I've realized that it's not just about reading your Bible. Even if people read the Bible everyday, it doesn't mean a thing until they come to the point of saying, 'God, you're right. I'm wrong. I need you to make up the difference.'" And that is where Jesus Christ comes in. There is no change--in fact, there is only petrification of stubborn pride--until I repent and submit to God. Then, as I walk in the reality of my own frailty and failure, I am more accepting of others and more ready to point them to an all-sufficient, all-loving God.
I continue to chew on our conversation, with an eye on my attitude: Am I defensive or repentant? It's the difference between being a good religious person or a true Christian.
That comment has stuck in my head since yesterday afternoon. A new friend was sharing herself with me and that is how she saw her dad, a pastor. A tragedy for the people he ministered to, a tragedy for his family, a tragedy for his eternal self. But I was encouraged by my friend's discernment. Too many of us are "good religious people" but "bad Christians."
Here are a couple of things she brought up that are worth mentioning to those of us who minister in our local church Bodies:
1) Once a notable member of the congregation brought three guests with her. They were of a different race. They were beautiful. They were well-to-do. And no one greeted them. No one talked to them. For weeks after that incident, everyone gave that church member the cold shoulder. Hmmm. Would I react this way?
2) Once a woman with a "spotted" past confessed her sin, God changed her life, but she was held at arm's length. "She scrubbed the floors for those people, she made them meals, she washed the dishes after potlucks, and they treated her like dirt." Hmmmm. Would I react this way?
I must say that, during our visit I did some dirt-checking of my own. How do I think of others? How do I treat others in our church Body? If she were to come to our church, what would she see? What do others see? Do they see Jesus at work? Or are we just a bunch of "religious people" playing church?
As we parted I shared an insight of my own. "I've realized that it's not just about reading your Bible. Even if people read the Bible everyday, it doesn't mean a thing until they come to the point of saying, 'God, you're right. I'm wrong. I need you to make up the difference.'" And that is where Jesus Christ comes in. There is no change--in fact, there is only petrification of stubborn pride--until I repent and submit to God. Then, as I walk in the reality of my own frailty and failure, I am more accepting of others and more ready to point them to an all-sufficient, all-loving God.
I continue to chew on our conversation, with an eye on my attitude: Am I defensive or repentant? It's the difference between being a good religious person or a true Christian.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
End Notes
After arriving home from ladies' Bible study this morning, I realized we'd left loose ends in Sunday school, Young Adult Fellowship, and this morning's study. Here are the resources and biblical references I didn't have on hand when they came up in discussion:
Sunday School—Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp: Here’s a book that biblically confronts the deceit of self-esteem: Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World by Jill Rigby http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Unselfish-Children-Self-Absorbed-World/dp/141655842X.
Young Adult Fellowship—Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges: The book, The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence was mentioned. Inside the cover it says, “‘Lord of all pots and pans and things…Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates!’ Thus Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God.” http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0800785991
Ladies’ Bible Study—The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges: Amos was referred to this morning as an example of someone who was taught by God (i.e. Titus 2:11-12 “…the grace of God…teaches us….”.) The reference is Amos 7:14-15.
Household management—my top pick is Bonnie’s Household Organizer by Bonnie McCollough. There are a lot of good resources out there! Although this is an older book, it is family-centered (not house centered) and has more practical ideas than I could ever use--there's always something I can improve on even if I learn s-l-o-w-l-y.
http://www.amazon.com/Bonnies-Household-Organizer-Essential-Getting/dp/0312087950
Sunday School—Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp: Here’s a book that biblically confronts the deceit of self-esteem: Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World by Jill Rigby http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Unselfish-Children-Self-Absorbed-World/dp/141655842X.
Young Adult Fellowship—Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges: The book, The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence was mentioned. Inside the cover it says, “‘Lord of all pots and pans and things…Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates!’ Thus Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God.” http://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0800785991
Ladies’ Bible Study—The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges: Amos was referred to this morning as an example of someone who was taught by God (i.e. Titus 2:11-12 “…the grace of God…teaches us….”.) The reference is Amos 7:14-15.
Household management—my top pick is Bonnie’s Household Organizer by Bonnie McCollough. There are a lot of good resources out there! Although this is an older book, it is family-centered (not house centered) and has more practical ideas than I could ever use--there's always something I can improve on even if I learn s-l-o-w-l-y.
http://www.amazon.com/Bonnies-Household-Organizer-Essential-Getting/dp/0312087950
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