Conjecture or Conviction

What is the difference between speculation and conviction? Convictions tend to be more certain, while speculations are based on guesswork or theories. Doctors base their prognosis on scientific facts (which often change as they learn more) so their remedies or prescriptions would be on the upper end of speculations. A person hit by a person running a red light would base most of what they say happened on conviction rather than speculation.

John, one of Jesus’ primary disciples, wrote about a lower level of speculation.  The man who says (speculates), “I know him,” but does not do (fact) what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:4, NIV). In another place he wrote, if anyone says (speculates), “I love God,” yet hates (fact) his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother (fact), whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen (1 John 4:20, NIV).

John is clearly saying some speculate about their salvation. Perhaps someone had told them they were saved. Others base their salvation on what they have experienced. Ezekiel 36:25-27 prophetically spells out one distinguishable sign of authentic salvation. The Spirit through Ezekiel identifies that sign when he wrote, I [God] will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules (Ezekiel 36:27, ESV). We are careful about whatever we highly value. Jesus verified this when He said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15, ESV). John reinforced this when he wrote by this, we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments (1 John 2:3, ESV).  Just to be clear, these verses focus on the motives of the heart, not inadvertent sinful deeds. God has promised to forgive when we confess them. (1 John 1:9) If we carelessly practice what God’s Word teaches is wrong, we are mocking His grace.

When Jesus walked with His disciples, on one occasion He asked them, who do men say (speculate) that I am? They reported John the Baptist and Elijah. He then asked, who do you say that I am? Peter said You are the Christ. We find Peter’s answer was not based upon his speculation; it was based upon experiencing (conviction) a Spirit revelation. (Matthew 16:17) His naivety about what he had experienced was clear by him rebuking Jesus only a few verses later. This shows conviction doesn’t necessarily prevent wrong choices. However, it will lead to repentance.

Looking back on my life, I have had speculative thoughts that I’ve naively thought were what God wanted me to do. The truth was, God didn’t inspire the idea, my mind did. That has made life harder for me than God wanted it to be. Through those experiences, I have developed a conviction that I must take more time to seek what His Spirit is leading me to do rather than my stubbornness, mind or emotions. I’ve learned to better discern His whispers in my intuition or conscience from my well-intended yet deceptive ego fabricated ideas. I am so grateful to God that He focuses most on the intentions of my heart rather than my behavior.

Have you learned to discern the difference between speculations and conviction? I have found a conviction comes from deeper within my spirit—often springing from my chest or gut area. Jesus plainly said to those speculating, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers (Matthew 7:23, NIV)! I would rather you wrestle with this now than when standing before His throne.

Who are the Wicked?

When you call a person wicked, what exactly do you mean? Is she/he someone you can’t control or seems to have a Teflon persona? They are like the proverbial cat who always lands on their feet. Or do you mean the person is cruel and abusive? It has intrigued me how often the Bible refers to the wicked. I’ve wondered just what it might take to be classified as wicked in the Bible. At first, I imagined it referred to a sinner who is a personification of Satan himself. But then I remembered Paul wrote Satan disguises himself as an angel of light! (2 Co 11:14).

The fact is, while the wicked may be violent, criminal, guilty of doing wrong, the word has a far broader application. The Hebrews (God followers) who revolted against God in the desert were called wicked. (Numbers 16:26). The wicked are those who do not obey or serve God and His precepts. (Mal. 3:18). They include those who pick a fight against other God-followers. (Ex 2:13). Fundamentally, it refers to those who are in the wrong, whether it relates to violating the social rights of others, being oppressive, greedy, or doing whatever they can in civil court or otherwise to gain what they feel they are entitled to have.

At the root of the wicked is egotism or full-blown narcissism—everything is about them and their aspirations and comforts. It is not just about behavior, although it will result in ill behaviors. Although the wicked would not admit it, it is about having the heart attitude that thinks they are gods whose ways are higher than God’s ways. They will plot to get what they want, even if it abuses others.

In Psalm 1, David contrasts the fruit of the ways of the wicked and the righteous. The righteous person is as stable as a tree while the wicked is as unstable as worthless chaff that gets blown around with even the slightest wind. What might make as unstable us worthless chaff? Could it be they are given to whatever stimulates their selfish imaginations? A greedy person’s ears are tuned to whatever sounds like will make them money. A power-hungry person’s mind is attuned to whatever they believe would give them manipulative power over others. A foodaholic’s eye is attuned to whatever looks good to eat. Jesus told of those who were attracted to the attention and status that goes with healing the sick and casting out devils. They didn’t care about following God’s laws or ways. They only cared about gratifying their selfish lust for power and position. Jesus said to them I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws (Matthew 7:23, NLT2). Paul wrote that in the last days there will come into the church those who have a form of godliness but deny its power. Have nothing to do with them (2 Timothy 3:5, NIV)! Again, wickedness is rebelling against God’s laws to follow their own rules. Knowing God’s authority yet carelessly and repeatedly and selfishly doing whatever they believe to be a better way is wickedness, whether it is found inside or outside the church. Rebellion (wickedness) is found in every human from time to time because each has a sin-nature that is rebellious against God. It is in the heart of an infant when they throw a temper tantrum and continues from time to time as long as they breathe. However, just as a sinner is one who practices sinning, so a wicked person is one who practices wickedness. It is easy to let my mind and emotions get carried away against authority figures when they are acting wicked or unrighteous. But as soon as I become aware of my attitude, I seek His help in realigning myself. God has always opposed the rebellious heart and always will. I urge you to never take wicked thoughts or behavior lightly. Never allow unrighteous (wicked) thoughts or behavior to take root in your life.

Who is the Real You?

When was the last time you put on a smiley face and were courteous to a person you really were angry with and did not trust? Which expression was the real you? It is a form of double-minded thinking. I recently encountered a God-fearing person who was very distraught because, after too much introspection, he was no longer sure he really loved God. He questioned his true identity. Have you ever questioned who you really are?

When a person has been ‘born again’, according to Ezekiel 36:25-27, he becomes a new creation with new desires or convictions deep within. Although the mind and emotions are involved, this is not merely a decision of the mind or emotions. It is much deeper than that. It is a conviction of the spirit that influences the mind but does not control it. I tried to explain to the individual I encountered that since God’s faith is placed deep within our spirit, our defense against such mental or emotional doubts is to refocus our attention on what our innermost being is telling us. In such cases, we have opposing thoughts going on at the same time. If we trust in our mind to defend us against doubts or temptations, it will only last until the next mental or emotional runaway. In times of distress, we MUST look much deeper within for the conviction that alone can empower us to think correctly with our mind.

The Bible character Solomon wrote this frequently used verse in its shorter form. Proverbs 23:7 NKJV For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Eat and drink, he says to you, but his heart is not with you. The context of the verse paints an interesting word picture. A miserly person is saying at a banquet to guests, “eat and drink” while his/her heart has contradictory feelings about them eating and drinking food she/he spent money to purchase and prepare.

When the Bible refers to thinking in the heart, the heart essentially describes what arises, not from the head but from the chest area. It would be like a person thinking they love a person when their feeling is only coming from their bodily hormones or lust for potential money or privilege.

I wonder if such double-minded thinking doesn’t occasionally happen at wedding dinners or a celebration of some sort. Wherever it occurs, we MUST remember, Solomon did not say whatever a man ‘thinks’, he is, but whatever a man thinks in his heart is his true identity—the real you. This alone will be your solid anchor in the face of temptation or spiritual warfare.

This same concept is true when our mind deceives us. Saul, who later became Paul, thought he was being zealous for God by abusing the Christians. After his encounter with God on the road to Damascus, he discovered his self-deception. The real Saul was misguided in his faith. James wrote about a person who also thinks he is religious. James 1:26 NLT If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.

I place great value on my mind or emotions God has given me. However, I must remind myself all too often that my mind and emotions are unstable, therefore untrustworthy in stormy times. My only solid anchor is what He planted in my heart or spirit when I was regenerated. I’ve found stability by distinguishing the difference between thoughts in my head and those from deep within. Are you living out the real you or living the imaginary identity you have conjured up in your mind?

What is Discipleship?

Before Jesus disappeared as He ascended into Heaven, He gave the infamous command, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20, NLT2) What do you suppose may have flashed into the minds of His listeners? Do you think they imagined it meant each of them would select 12 guys who would gather around them and take notes of every spoken word they said?

What comes to your mind when you read the word ‘disciple’ (noun) or ‘discipleship’ (verb)? Either word has been so used and abused, few today would have the same defining word-picture in their minds. Ironically, the most common image would probably include a prescribed teaching environment comprising things like lectures and Bible memorization. A student today is not expected to agree with or be like their instructor, they are only expected to pass the exams.

Biblical discipleship consists more of a transfer of the values, passion, and heart of the discipler than mere knowledge. I like the way the Message reads, …It’s your heart, not the dictionary, that gives meaning to your words (Matthew 12:34, MSG). (cf Prov. 23:7) The most vital part of a teacher, preacher or disciple maker is NOT what he/she knows. It consists of who they are as a person. Jesus called his disciples to follow Him, not be in a classic educational environment.

The disciples’ primary classroom consisted of walking together or sitting together at a meal. Watching Jesus shaped His disciples the most. They observed how he paused to listen for His Father’s guidance before obediently acting. They learned from his humble demeanor when teaching, working a miracle, or responding to rejection or praise. They tried hard to understand what He commanded, instead of merely memorizing His commands. An authentic apprentice of Jesus is far more dynamic than what that person may say or ask others to do.

I compare the disciple’s classroom to that of a child growing up on a farm, a son or daughter of a shoemaker, carpenter, or mechanic. Paul’s primary request of those he discipled was that they pattern [their] lives after [his] and learn from those who follow our example (Philippians 3:17, NLT2). Discipleship is not the result of a formula, or a seminar, or an educational institution. Rather, it is the deep impression one person leaves on another. A spiritual influencer will not be faultless. However, they will exude an authentically humble and kind response to whatever they encounter, be it success or failure.

What have you been seeking to develop most in your life as a believer? Has it been your knowledge, people skills, or vocabulary? Or have you been seeking to nurture your heart’s passion to be more like Jesus? Who you are when no one is looking or when facing what others would consider hostilities, serious disruptions, or tragedies; speaks far louder than your education, smooth words, or charismatic personality. The members of the council were amazed … for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13, NLT2). In short, we focus discipleship on molding the heart of a child, young person, or adult, not just their knowledge, behavior, or skill set. It is a person’s heart that shapes their words and behavior (Matthew 12:34).

Is Christian Service a Duty?

How do you feel about serving in the church? Do you feel a sense of moral duty or obligation when called upon to serve? Does it draw out your best because of what it does for your ego? I suspect the modern perspective of this type of ministry is shallow and sometimes just shoddy. Years ago, church members were asked to bring the clothes they no longer used so a missionary could take them to his/her field of ministry to give to the natives to wear. As I remember, those clothes had buttons intentionally cut off and must have been the more ragtag ones in their house. After all, they thought, “it was just for the natives.” Could it be we miss God’s purpose for us giving of ourselves to others, be it clothes, food, teaching or finances?

Isaiah 58:10 tells us if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the suffering, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. (NASB) I understand that to mean personally, if you or I pour myself out or stretch beyond our comfort zone for the hungry and try to meet the desires of the afflicted, it will lift our depression or the cloud of heaviness around us. This type of service goes beyond the sense of duty or obligation.

Most of what we hear about Christian service today references our possessions, abilities, education or given skill set. People think just giving one of those is what service is all about. Indeed, that is a worthy approach. However, when it is done and said, that kind of service can be reduced to a self-centered spectacle. It is mostly about being seen by others in contrast to sacrificing for them. Isn’t there something missing in that kind of ministry? Let’s admit it. It doesn’t take much to push beyond our comfort zone or sacrifice to give what comes naturally, what we have plenty of; or to serve with our friends. There’s something sacred about pressing beyond what is comfortable, natural to us, or the secret desire for recognition. Interestingly, the recipients intuitively sensed the genuine humility and sincerity Jesus had in those moments.

To be candid, I receive far more from a brother, sister or guest speaker when I sense they are pouring out the very core of who they are. There is something far greater than knowledge, singing, building or whatever, when the server becomes incidental to the spirit within them that freely flows out of their voice, gestures, and eyes. Yes, Jesus miraculously healed and taught with great wisdom in obedience to His Father. But at the end of his life, was He most known and highly honored because He poured out of His life so you and I can live? We are all familiar with the verse in John 3:16, but I suspect few are familiar with what the same anointed writer (John) also wrote. We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So, we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16, NLT2). Far more than moral duty or showing off our God-given abilities, meaningful ministry to others involves giving up our lives for our brothers and sisters, as Jesus did for us. When a person is ready to give their ALL, that includes giving more than their knowledge, natural talent or skills, then they will find His joy of serving and see the spiritual fruit of their giving.

This blog has sobered me. I have not always poured out my innermost being to serve those in need. Paul wrote, my life is being poured out as a part of the sacrifice and service [I offer to God] for your faith. Yet I am filled with joy, and I share that joy with all of you (Philippians 2:17, GW). It is in this context I want to more consistently pour myself out when asked to mentor whoever hungers to grow in their relationship with God and His word.

Relationships

Friendships seem to have played an integral part of humanity since creation. This was God’s idea, not man’s. Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him” (Genesis 2:18, TEV). However, when sin entered the world because of Adam and Eve’s sin against God, relationships led to death when Cain killed his brother Abel. It might be said that relationships can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the heart of the person.

Jesus said You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40, ESV). It is noteworthy that Jesus prioritized them by calling one of them the first and the other the second, but stated each was a commandment. However, if we are not careful, our desire for relationships or caring for others can become more important to us and separate us from our relationship with God. When this happens, it becomes a curse. Our Trinitarian God intends for our love for man to flow out of our love relationship with our God and thereby become a blessing.

Relationships can also be a blessing or a curse to our faith in Christ. We will do fine so long as we regularly feed our spirit and soul on God’s Word. It is when we become weary in working for God, discouraged because God didn’t do what we had expected, physically sick or exhausted, etc. that we become most vulnerable to the words of a misguided Christian or an unbeliever. If, for example, we have a relationship with a cynical believer, Satan will be quick to use that relationship to eat away our relationship with Christ.

Being born again is never about rules and regulations, it is about being restored in your relationship to your triune God. Nor is it about mental assent. The fact is, if your belief in God is only that Jesus died to forgive people in general for their sins—but you don’t believe that Jesus died for you—you aren’t taking hold of Jesus by faith. You only have religion.

When Mary Magdalene went to the tomb on Easter morning, she knew and intensely loved Jesus. She, along with the other disciples, heard Jesus repeatedly say he would die and rise again on the third day. Yet, at the tomb, when Jesus was standing right in front of her, she could not believe he had risen from the dead. It had not even occurred to her. It wasn’t until Jesus called her name (a relational experience) did she believe. This is a great illustration of how no one is born again unless they have a personal encounter with Christ. And when that occurs, a new relationship is born. Everything becomes new and things look very different. It will be this relationship factor that will sustain us through the deepest of dark valleys we may encounter.

Because human relationships are physical, we typically default to thinking only of a physical relationship. We think only of what we see and feel rather than of what is invisible to the natural eye, what is above. This is why Paul had to write specifically Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2, ESV). Remember Jesus said, If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26, NLT2).

Dutiful Obedience—Not!

If you ask someone to do a chore, would you rather they begrudgingly oblige, or do it with a smile and even do more than what was requested? We’re all familiar with those who do only what they’re supposed to do at work. What impression might that person leave on you? What is God thinking about your innermost feelings?

We often find it hard to discern what God wants us to do. We may even try to force God’s hand by wanting a sign of some sort. Yet we know from the Bible He offers to guide us in life. Jesus gave a parable about Him being the good shepherd and His sheep know and follow His voice. However, we feel immobilized because He doesn’t guide us the way we expect. When this happens, we become confused and frustrated with Him. Could this happen in our daily life because there is a misunderstanding between us and our shepherd? Do we become confused as to how He leads us??

Jesus told an odd parable in John 17:7-10 that may reconnect us with Him so we can follow His leading. Keep in mind, Jesus tells this parable in a culture where slavery was common.

7  “When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? 8 No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ 9 And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. 10 In the same way, when you obey me, you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty’” (Luke 17:7-10, NLT2).

What in the world!? … not even a thank you? And what is with these “unworthy servants”? Could it be there is more to obedience that we are missing?

If the person who obediently does their assigned task is still called unworthy, then what would make up a worthy servant? I can only think it would be a servant who went beyond sheer obedience, which would be an expression that shows loving initiative and does more than expected. That would be a person who put their heart into their work and not just did their duty.

In sports, there are those who faithfully attend practice, obediently go through their exercise, and attend all the games. However, they still end up sitting on the bench. Why? Being a starter is more than just being obedient. The coach is looking for the person who knows what to do and when to do it, but ALSO puts their heart and passion into the playing the game. This mysterious ingredient also applies to the job, in a marriage, in a classroom, ministry, or business.

Isaiah chapter 1 describes how people were generous in offering sacrifices, worshiping with lifted holy hands, faithfully attending, and honoring holy days. Yet, God said all their obedience made Him tired and sick! Why? Because their obedience lacked heart or passion. The same was true of the church at Ephesus. (Rev. 2:2-5) God sees when a person’s passion is for their ministry, position, perks, or for knowing and loving Him and His heart for His kingdom. When you sense the heart of God regarding a ministry and share ownership of His heart, hearing His voice in the daily routines of life will be as natural as a baby duckling following its mother. What might you need to do to take more initiative in linking arms with Christ and His mission?

What is a Normal Biblical Christian?

The reason for using the word ‘Biblical’ in the title is to highlight unique qualities that distinguish Biblical Christians from all others. Nominal Christians yield to that pressure and merge culture with Biblical truth. That is called theological synchronism. Biblical Christians face harsh criticism for not adhering to our cultural norms. Consider these examples.

The more anyone strives to be an apprentice of Jesus (a Biblical Christian), the more opposition the world will have towards them. At first, this sounds like it cannot be true. It may even sound repulsive because we all want so much to be liked by everyone. But Jesus said if the world hates you, realize that it hated me before it hated you. If you had anything in common with the world, the world would love you as one of its own. But you don’t have anything in common with the world. I chose you from the world, and that’s why the world hates you (John 15:18-19, GW). But if you read those verses slowly, you discover the hatred referred to is not about your person, rather, it’s about what your lifestyle stands for. Paul warned don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (Romans 12:2, NLT2). Most Biblical Christians love unbelievers. It shows in their attitude and actions. But as soon as an unbeliever recognizes that person’s convictions about God, they will hate that for which they stand. The unbeliever articulates that by calling anyone who seeks to become one of God’s “normal” men or women, a fanatic or religious nut. Jesus Christ was God’s greatest expression of the normal Biblical Christian; yet the world would have nothing to do with Him. They claimed He was “out of his mind” (Mk 3:21).

Consider Jesus’ greatest passion. God, His Father, was the uncompromising center of His life. It determined His every thought and action. While He was the perfect specimen of humanity, He denied His own independent thoughts and desires by insisting on doing only what he saw the Father doing. John 5:19 (NLT2). While He most certainly loved everyone, He was never afraid to repeat whatever His Father said or did at the risk of offending them. Is it normal today to enjoy God and passionately seek a close relationship with Him? Is it normal to pause to ask the Holy Spirit what He might have to say about whom to vote for on electoral ballots, the decisions at work or play?

Unbelievers are not anti-God; they are just little-God. They want you and me to have just enough of God to make us “kind” but never enough to motivate us to kindly expose their unrighteous hearts. Our society’s god doesn’t interfere in people’s lives, judge LGBTQIA+ or abortion, or hold a politically incorrect stance. Their god separates himself from our daily cares of life, including politics. And they can’t understand a Bible God who would tell them ‘No’ or allow any judgment to come to those who deliberately choose to disobey His laws.

The normal Biblical Christian is not obnoxious nor condemning. But if given the opportunity, he or she respectfully resists cultural issues that violate what God’s Word teaches. A normal Biblical Christian pleases God over any human. They will confidently face being falsely accused of being a bigot, racist, intolerant, etc. Why? Because deep within, they have a healthy fear of the Bible God, who they deeply believe will be their ultimate judge. Jesus said, don’t be afraid of what you are going to suffer. The devil is going to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested. Your suffering will go on for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (GW)

Do those in your social circle know you as a normal Biblical Christian? If not, what might you need to do to change that? If I can help you, I will consider serving as your spiritual life coach?

Who or What is Shaping You?

I will never forget the days I spent reflecting on the Bible book of Job. There were times of strong fascination with what it taught me about God and other times I contemplated giving up on my study. But when I finished the book, I wept like a baby. I was so broken. As I looked back on the storyline, I realized how God purposefully allowed Satan to use severe pain and frustration in Job to shape him for his future.

As you look back on your life, I’m sure you can name encounters that shaped your future. My parent’s intense passion for God influenced me to the extent I share the same passion. On the other hand, dad’s insistence that I move with the family in the middle of my senior year of high school led to an inability to trust people. It took the Holy Spirit revealing to me that if I had remained with all my friends while my family moved, I probably would not have married Connie. My perception of God was transformed by that awakening revelation. But this experience also influenced my inability to trust others. How He works with humanity has fascinated me through the years.

God employs life’s events, whether good or bad, to shape us. He uses money, divorce, education, colleagues, sickness, misfortune, failures, and successes are just a few scenarios that contribute. God intends for those formative experiences to make us more like Him. However, Satan and his minions have cruelly used them to twist our attitudes and expectations for our future. I know an outgoing and athletic young woman who became paralyzed below the waist after a devastating accident. With immense admiration, I have watched her develop into a bubbly leader with a compassionate attitude towards life in response to her tragedy.

I marvel at Joni Ericson Tada, who had a tragic accident ending up being paralyzed from her neck down, yet has pressed through it to become a substantial source of motivation with her art (painting with a brush in her mouth) and the books she has written. Nick Vujicic, born without arms or legs, inspires thousands with his positive attitude. Similarly, it saddened me to hear about a young father’s devastating car accident. He and his wife grew angry and bitter. They allowed it to destroy their marriage, friendships and family relationships. I’ve witnessed how bankruptcy, rejection, and misunderstanding can devastate individuals and their loved ones. How you, as an individual, interpret these critical experiences will decide whether they make you a better or bitter person. The bottom line is our future is in our own hands. We can choose to be a victim or become a hero.

Make a list of all the good and not so good, life-changing experiences you’ve faced. Then slowly reflect on how you allowed each one to contribute to your current condition. I’m always amazed at how God can masterfully weave good and unfortunate experiences into a stunning trophy of His grace. David wrote, He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand (Psalm 40:2, NIV). … Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me… (Isaiah 30:15, MSG). He safeguards the steps of his faithful ones, but wicked people are silenced in darkness because humans cannot succeed by their own strength (1 Samuel 2:9, GW)

Change is Hard

In a previous post, I pointed out that we are being saved, which means God intends to continue to change us until we enter His Heaven. I also mentioned that a survey I had our congregation take revealed I was pastoring people who had been stalled in their baby spiritual stage for 25 years or more. In seeking to understand the sad situation, I realized I wasn’t communicating well enough the need to keep changing, but I could also see people simply didn’t want to change. Let’s face it, change forces us out of our comfort zone that can be scary and painful. The only ones who enjoy change are those whose personality loves taking risks. However, these folks even resist change if it is not their idea to change.

The challenge with changes comes because of our tendency to see changes as problems rather than opportunities for learning and growth. The early Greek philosopher Heraclitus said there is nothing permanent except change. You change your life in the only way you can ever change it: change your mind, and then your life will change. You can begin by imagining that you had a baby, and it never grew up. You were still giving them the bottle and changing their diapers when they were 50 years old. Or imagine a stoplight shining red that never changes and a police car always sitting on that corner. Does that exercise make change look better?

When I refuse to change into Christ’s likeness, it is quite possible that God will farm me out to other masters for my own spiritual education. God farmed the Jews of Jeremiah’s day out to serve King Nebuchadnezzar for 70 years to get them to change from worshipping other gods. Paul told the Corinthians to deliver an immoral man in the church over to Satan so that he might come to repentance. (1 Corinthians 5:4-5) Could it be the obnoxious neighbor, boss at work, friend, spouse is who God is using to get us pried free so we can move on in our spiritual journey? After all, marriage is to make us holy more than to make us happy. If this is your situation, it would be to your advantage to praise Him and thank that person for getting you to change into Christ’s likeness. Or would you rather remain comfortable and miss out on God’s purpose for your life?

We must remember, God loves us more than we love ourselves. He is always good, even though we must pass through the valley of the shadow of death before we come to the brilliance and delight of His best for us. This means He will disrupt our life with discomfort if that pain can get us out of the ditch in which we are stuck. Without those disruptions, I will never become what God intends for me to be or never reach those God has planned for me to lead to Christ. Remember, a mother must go through the birthing pains before her baby is born. Jesus had to go through death on the cross before He could experience the resurrection or ascension.

This verse is so encouraging. I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name (Isaiah 45:3, NLT2).