What God Desires

The Man with Six “I”s

Perhaps, if you didn’t see how “I’s” was spelled in the sub-title of this article, you might consider this to be the beginning of a scary tale.  Sometimes things are not what they seem, for this is the beginning of a scary tale.  Many times a scary tale is simply the working of words in fantasy made to indulge the senses, however, a scary tale can also be made to convey realities which bring more horror than the story itself.

what man desires and god desires should be the same

What man desires and God desires should be the same.

The basics of the tale begin with a parable of Jesus.  It is found in Luke 12:16-21.  A parable is a story which is made up to convey a truth, principle, or lesson.  The parable reads as follows:

Luke 12:16-21 – And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry. But God said unto him, Thou foolish one, this night is thy soul required of thee; and the things which thou hast prepared, whose shall they be? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The parable is often referred to as “The man with six I’s”, because of the six “I” statements made within it.  The principle set forth is that a man is foolish who focuses on getting ahead in life instead of focusing on God.  The horror of the story is that despite all the man’s riches, all the man’s plans, all of his preparation to make it through his physical life, he did not do the same for the preparation of his soul.  Thus, the day came when he died and would have no more time to prepare for the moment he stood before God.

I will be the first to admit, that often when I hear of terrible things happening to folks, it is not often I break down into tears for them.  I know folks who do.  I actually wish I would.  Still, for whatever reason, my upbringing, my experiences, or perhaps simply because of how I am wired, I am not often shook by the tragedies of others.  To be clear, I never wish tragedy on anyone.  I try to help them where I can.  Yet, for me to feel their pain, I often mentally have to put myself in their position.  This is really the situation with the parable of “the man with six I’s”.  I try to put myself in his situation to understand the horror of the circumstance.

So here is the tale of horror, put yourself into the story.  You are a simple, average person (I Thess. 4:11).  You work to provide for your family as you should (I Tim. 5:8).  You try to save and plan for the future.  You try to fill your extra time focusing on your family.  You take small trips on the weekends to reward the family or you have friends over to BBQ.  You involve the kids in sports.  You take a few hours each Sunday to watch the football games after church.  You have invested in a few toys, but not too extravagant (the neighbors have more).  You understand that you are reaching those slowing down years and you still haven’t focused much on God – but you plan on it.  You just don’t seem to have much spare time and you are getting tired.  Then, one day, you experience major pains in the chest.  You holler for help, but the family is off to the store.  You dial 911, but before anyone gets there, it is too late.   You are dead.  Your time is up.  You realize the afterlife is a reality.  It is more than just some moral lessons on a Sunday morning.  Will you panic?  Will you be prepared?   Will you realize your life was spent as a “fool”.

No man has an excuse for not having a knowledge of God (Romans 1:18-21)  Some have made use of that knowledge and look forward with peace to their last day on earth.  Others as Hebrews 10:31 states, find “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”  This is the horror that awaited the man with the 6 I’s.  His focus had not been God.  It was not his priority.  Yet, Matthew 6:33 tell us “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…”  Be certain, God does not owe anyone salvation.  Man does not earn it.   However, God does expect certain things of man.  You can win a prize from a radio contest, but if you don’t go and pick it up, you won’t get it.   They expect you to drive down and visit.   So, how do you not end up like the man with 6 I’s, fearful, and unprepared?  What is it that God wants?

Yes, there is a full Bible full of 66 books explaining the behavior God desires of mankind.  However, I believe I can sum them up with a few key points.

First, God desires you to put Him first in your life.

Matthew 22:37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. God knows you have time you must work and provide for your family.  He knows there must be times of rest (Mark 6:31-32).  He understands you must pay attention to your spouse (I Corinthians 7:32-25, Eph. 5:28).  There is an understanding you must direct and raise your children (Eph. 6:1-4).  So what does putting God first mean?  Colossians 3:17 –   tells us, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”.  This means everything you do, must have God’s blessing, his authority.   Indeed, 2 Pet. 1:3 states he has given us all we need for life and godliness.  So we are not without direction (see the Bible).  When we love Him, we do so by keeping his commandments John 14:15.  These are not a burden to those that love God (Mat. 11:30).

Second God desires you to love your neighbor (James. 2:8).

Your neighbor is mankind.  This means you have his best interests at heart.  It means you are kind and good to them.  It requires you to be not only concerned for their physical well being, but their spiritual well being.  This means you must share God’s Word with them (2 Tim. 2:24).  The only way you can do that is to study it (2 Tim. 2:15).  At times, you must be able to defend what you believe and protect them from false teaching (I Pet. 3:15, Jude 1:20-23).  Above all, you must live the proper example to keep them from stumbling away from what God wants them to do (I Cor. 10:23-24).

Third God desires you to live a life of purity.

Eph 4:17-24, directs we give up the pride, lusts, and greediness.  Romans 13:13-14 points us to giving up the sexual sins (those outside the sexual relationship between man and wife) and to put away drinking and partying.  Our behaviors and surroundings should be those of wholesomeness, purity, and virtue (Phil. 4:8).  Our speech should not be that which corrupts, but that which builds up (Ephesians 4:29).  Your life should be one that when people say something bad about you, it will only bring them shame, because there is nothing to sinfulness to convict you (I Pet. 3:16).

Fourth God desires you to worship Him.

What is worship?  It is “kissing toward” or showing respect to God.  In John 4:24, Jesus establishes that worship is something that must be done by worshippers with a focus on God in your heart and with actions he has commanded.   Some folks wonder if it is an ego thing that makes God want you to worship Him.  I think it is a common sense thing.  He has given you a brain in your head that should make you say, “Wow!  God cares about me.  He provides for me.   He blesses me every single day.  How can I not show my love for Him!”  This is not something that is pointed out in only one verse of the Bible but is stated over and over throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament (I Sam. 12:24, I Kings 2:4, 3:6, II Kings 20:3, Josh. 24:14, Ps. 86:11, Is. 38:3).  It’s seriousness is demonstrated by historical examples of God’s direct punishment upon men due to their disobedience of his commands.  God wants what he has stated, not what man dreams up or thinks God wants.  Man has been commanded to assemble together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) and at that time engage in worship.  Elements of worship can and do occur at other times as well, but the first day of the week has been identified as a time of assembly which man is not allowed to skip based on their earthly desires.

Following these points, you do not have to feel horror at the day of your death as did the man with six “I’s”.  Do these four points tell you all you need to know?  In general yes, in specific no, this is why it is mentioned that we must study.  We must put God as our focus and learn of his ways.  God knows we all have varying obligations in our lives.  However, he does not excuse us from sharing His word.  He knows if we have put him first in our lives or put other things first (Matthew 25:14-30, I John 3:18-20, James 4:17).  He knows if we have applied the fruit of the spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).  He knows if we have lived lives serving others or ourselves.  That was the tragedy of the man with the six “I’s”, it was all about him and no one else.  Let us not make his horrible tale our own, but find peace and salvation in God (John 6:68, 2 Peter 1:2).

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Evangelism & The High Dive

Evangelism and Jumping Off the High Dive

the high dive is very similar to evangelism

The High Dive is Very Similar to Evangelism.

Every summer, sprinklers, pools, ponds, lakes, creeks, rivers, and oceans are invaded by swarms of people looking to escape the heat. Water is wonderful! It offers a refreshing playground in which to frolic. Great memories are had around water including fishing, skiing, surfing, tubing and swimming. Many swimmers have feelings of fear and joy when it comes to remembering the high dive. It doesn’t matter if the high dive was the standard board 12 feet above the water, a rock outcropping, or a local bridge. The experiences all take the individual through a similar range of emotions. In reflection, it seems the Christian approach to evangelism travels a path also paralleling the high dive. In order to view the phases of evangelism in a different light, this article will attempt to demonstrate how evangelism and jumping off the high dive are similar. There are seven specific phases which will be discussed: Preparation, expectation, stepping out, the decision, taking the leap, response, and do it again.

Climbing the Ladder – Preparation
To dive, one must begin by climbing the ladder of the high dive. Others have done it. So it should be easy right? It’s just a matter of taking one step at a time. Each rung brings reassurance to the individual. Each bit of effort brings the goal of diving in the water closer. All along the way the diver envisions himself being successful.

All Christians should set a goal to evangelize. Matthew 28:18-20 gives the words of Jesus to the apostles. He tells them to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach. Those becoming disciples were expected to grow in the Word (I Peter 2:2). Thus, the gospel would grow by the preaching of man (I Corinthians 1:21). However, men then and now need to climb the rungs of study (2 Timothy 2:15). Before they begin to lead others, they need to know the path themselves (Ephesians 6:13-15, Psalm 119:105). When the rungs of the Word have been climbed, the Christian is prepared to evangelize.

All Eyes are Watching – Expectation
Once an individual has climbed the ladder of the high dive, climbed the hill to the cliff, or walked to the middle of the bridge, there is expectation. Everyone takes notice of the steps the individual has taken. Something is supposed to happen. A bit of uneasiness may enter the divers mind about their decision, are they ready? Still who would climb the high dive and not fulfill the purpose of the journey?

When a Christian has prepared himself in the Word, he is expected to share the Word (2 Timothy 2:24). He is supposed to encourage, exhort, and admonish from the preparation of the Word (I Thessalonians 5:14). If the expectation is not fulfilled, then doubt is cast upon the individual. He doubts himself and others may doubt his faithfulness. It is at this point, the urge to give up is very present in the individual’s mind. Yet, with the knowledge the Christian has studied to gain, how could he neglect such opportunity (Hebrews 2:3).

Stepping Out – Goodbye Comfort Zone
The diver now decides he will walk the board. He will step out away from the handrails. He will walk to the edge of the cliff. He will climb over the bridge railing. Sometimes, the biggest battle is just going to distance to the goal. Knees will shake, sweat will break out, but the feet keep moving and the diver is looking over the water. It seems counterintuitive to leave safety, but eagles can’t fly if they don’t leave the nest.

Many Christians face great fear leaving the confines of the Church building. How can they possibly go up to someone and share their faith? How can they walk down that long sidewalk to someone’s door? They may drive the block five times first. Yet, they do eventually take the walk (Psalm 23). Their brain is worried about what will happen and their mouth is dry, but God has their back (Romans 8:31).

Standing on the edge – The Decision
Standing on the edge of the diving board, toes curled and hanging on tightly, the diver has a big decision. Many a first time diver has stood there for what seems like an eternity. How many below have watched and chanted for them to jump… or chanted “Billy Bob is a Chicken”. This is the moment. This is decision time. Once you leave the board, you are committed. There is no turning back once your body commits to jump.

The Christian evangelizer has reached the door. Do they ring the bell? Do they knock? Do they just leave their flyers and run? Does the Christian trust his emotions or God (Hebrews 2:10-13)? Satan is hoping against the Christian. He wants the Christian to turn back. Yet, God has commanded. Will the Christian deny Christ (Matthew 10:33). Those who have chosen to suffer the life of a Christian are to commit themselves to God (I Peter 4:19).

Taking the Leap – Evangelism
Launching himself from the edge or closing his eyes and stepping forward or just merely falling forward, the diver makes his decision to do what he has come to do. Screaming on the way down is quite common. Frantic thoughts of “what on earth did I just do” are expected. At times like this, even the biggest of men will call for their “mommy”. The water is fast approaching and if the diver isn’t wet yet, he will be quite soon.

The Christian’s trembling finger touches the doorbell. It sounds like Big Ben echoing across the land. A dog begins to bark. The heart is pounding, because the decision has been made. The mind isn’t screaming “mommy”, but rather “Help me Father!” The line has been crossed to stand with God (Exodus 32:26, Joshua 24:15).

Hitting the Water – Response
Splash! Kawooosh! The water responds to the diver’s body. Sometimes, the sound is Slap! Belly floppers will not die, but they will holler. The folks who were rooting for the diver explode in hurrahs and cheers. Those who aren’t so friendly may discount the action as no big deal or laugh at the diver’s misfortune from a belly flop. Regardless of whether the dive was a perfect 10 or a 1, the diver overcame fear, inexperience, distance, criticism, and doubt to accomplish what they set out to do. A sense of accomplishment should be felt.

For the Christian who has knocked the door, responses can come in many forms. For the Christians who wish the best for the evangelist, pride and joy are felt. The recipient of the evangelist may respond in a number of ways. Typically, they respond kindly even if they are not interested. However, some recipients are rude. They slam doors, curse, or yell (Luke 6:22). Regardless of the recipient’s response, the evangelist should feel comfort and joy in their heart for showing their love for God (Philippians 4:4). They should know that God is pleased (Galatians 1:10).

Do it Again
The diver has taken the plunge. Yet, complete fear is not gone. Perhaps the fear is slightly higher because of a belly flop the first time. The best thing to do is to get out of the water and dive again. An afternoon of diving and diving and diving will build great confidence. The more practice taking the leap, the better the diver will be. However, the longer the wait, the more difficult the journey will be again. Much greater joy will come from diving and diving often.

The Christian has evangelized. If the first time was rough, the impulse is to never leave the Church building again. However, the wise action is to try, try again (Matthew 10:14). There will be easy moments and tough moments. However, the more an individual evangelizes the greater their comfort level will be. Their ability to handle scripture will grow. There example will aid others and save others (James 5:20). Failing to evangelize will grow further doubts about their own faith. Such actions may likely cause the Christian to enter a shell of inactivity, being neither warm nor cold, but lukewarm and displeasing to God (Revelation 3:16). The work must continue, for men should not be feared (Matthew 10:28) and God should be loved (John 14:15). There will be great joy at seeing Christian brothers and sisters in heaven (I Thessalonians 2:19).

Final Thoughts
As has been shown, there are a great number of parallels between the high dive and the Christian Evangelist. The Christian is directed to evangelize. Therefore, the faithful Christian will go through the seven steps mentioned: Preparation, expectation, leaving his comfort zone, making the decision to evangelize, evangelizing, encountering the response of evangelism, and then doing it again. There is great joy in knowing your actions are serving God. There is great comfort in knowing He is pleased. There is great relief knowing others will be saved through evangelism. Start today, do not delay.

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That Big Tree

The Silver Maple

we can learn a lot from a tree

We can learn a lot from a tree.

We had a silver maple that was planted next to our home, many years before we moved in.  How many years?  No idea really.  In comparison to the home, the tree rose up and above the home’s highest two story peak.  To say that it was big, is not an exaggeration.  Was it solid?  Absolutely!  We had a tree service fall the tree for us since it was so close to our home.  The tree service moved pieces off the driveway, but left the clean up and cut up for us to handle.  Little by little I whittled away on the tree with saw and axe.  Slowly, I was able to size the tree into pieces to which I could move off my driveway.  By the next winter, the tree was warming someone’s home as it’s wood crackled in a fireplace.

How many things that tree must have seen over the years.  How many storms it must have endured.  How many children did it hold upon it’s limbs?  The tree was surely looked upon as stately and strong simply for the length of time it has been in its place.  Soon, not even the stump will remain of the once towering tree.  The tree could not defend itself against attack.

How many christians have been in their place for a long time (third pew on the right, back from the front, first place to sit).  How many are known simply for the length of time they have been in that place.  Due to longetivity, they have seen everyone come and go.  They know everyone in the building.  The have seen babies born, grow, and leave.  When their time comes though, will they be able to defend themselves.  Many brothers and sisters, though given ample opportunity, don’t know their bible.  They don’t read it outside of services. They don’t know their savior.  They don’t know their faith.  When it comes time for them to defend themselves scripturally, they cannot.  As the tree, when the time to defend themselves comes, they are cut down to size.

2Ti 2:15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

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Act like Men

It’s Time to Behave like Men

At an alarming rate, our congregations are changing. They are becoming older, emptier, or filled with innovation. Where are the men to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30)? Some people are calling out warnings (Ezekiel 33), but we need men to lead and engage the Christians.

me stand up grab the word share it lead

Men, stand up! Grab the Word. Share it! Lead!

So many congregations are sheep without shepherds. They have no leadership. They have no elders. They have no direction. They have no discipline. Those who could be qualified don’t want to step up. They do not want the responsibility of guiding the souls around them. Running the church by men’s meeting seems to be the appropriate scapegoat for responsibility. God did not intend for unqualified people to guide His Church (I Tim 3, Titus 1). They run like Jonah, make excuses like Moses, or hide like Elijah when it comes time to show their faith by their works (James 2:20). They could be great with God on their side, but they choose timidity.

Where are the men? Where are the men of God who are sculpting their entire lives so they can be qualified to say, “Here Am I Send Me!” (Isaiah 6:8)? When the Church is afraid, discouraged, feeling alone, Godly men show courage! They lead! Maintaining discipline, the Word of God is followed. Righteous men are the first to be out evangelizing. They show others how it is done, enacting the Word of God (Joshua 1:6). They rely on God as David did leading the people of God to victory (I Samuel 17). When they trust in God, the ranks swell. When men who should be leaders behave as feeble women, the congregations sputter and die. Drop the excuses of: “People are too busy today”, “this is just a difficult town”, “we tried that before”, or “folks just aren’t friendly” – Faithful men such as Stephen (Acts 7/8) or Paul (2 Corinthians 11) likely have little sympathy for such excuses.

What fear is grappling so many elderships and Christian men today that stops them from doing the work of the Lord? Have they bought a field, oxen, or taken a wife (Luke 14:16-24)? Why are they staying behind when it is the time to go to war (2 Samuel 11)? It seems they prefer administration and talking of great things, rather than humbly, yet boldly working in their communities sharing the Word of God. Their fear breeds fear among all the Christians. Their laziness breeds generations of slothfulness. “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). There is a time for rest, but now is not that time!

As the Lord, told Job, “Gird up now thy loins like a man” (Job 38:3, 40:7). God has called Christians to be soldiers, to put on his armor (Eph. 6). Yet, the only battles many see are gossip and backbiting within the Church. It’s time for the gray haired to dust off their Bibles and share the knowledge of the ages with the lost. Do something before life is gone. Finish the fight in the glory of service while you still can! Do not hold onto pews in fear and shame any longer. Teach the young men to be shepherds, not sheep. Instruct the world in the compassion and wrath of a righteous God, lest you too become a victim of His wrath.

 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

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Prisoner Dilemma

Prisoner Dilemma

Some years back I had the great opportunity to preach in a prison facility. This blessing extended for about two years. It really enabled me to see and understand a great number of things about those inside and outside of the prison system. I am not a person who is in favor of any frills or extras in the prison system. I guess you can say I am a Sheriff Joe Arpaio fan. If an individual breaks the law, my preference is the punishment seriously deters them from every committing the same mistake. Not only should it deter the transgressor, but those who would ever contemplate committing a crime. For crimes against children and murder, I am in favor of public capital punishment. I say this because I want it understood where I am coming from as this article is written.

one free from their debt will the prisoner repeat

Once free from their debt, will the prisoner repeat?

Every Sunday for the time I and other church members were allowed to preach to the prisoners was time well spent. We were allotted approximately 4 hours with the inmates. The largest portion of this time was spent with the general population in a classroom where we were allowed direct contact. By direct contact, it should be understood there were no guards present or barriers between ourselves and the inmates. For approximately an hour after our visit with the general population, we were able to teach the inmates who were in for violent crimes including murder. The setting was the same as the general population, direct contact with nothing separating us. There were no incidents that ever arose where I felt in danger. The inmates attended each Sunday by their own choice and 99% of them were very respectful as we were to them.

Some of the inmates we dealt with were to be institutionalized for most of their life. One in particular was just beginning a 45 year sentence with no chance of parole. He was still a teenager. He will be an old man when he gets out. For one year, I and another Christian brother taught him Christ. He listened attentively, studied, prayed, and was baptized by us. He understood by the grace of God he did not receive capital punishment, though he deserved it. His blessing by God, as is the case for all those serving life in prison, is his life, a roof over his head, clothes on his back, and meals each day. With access to the Word of God, it was made clear to him that he had great opportunity ahead of him to lead spiritually though in prison. God expects no less (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

The situation for the short term prison inmate is very different. Many are in for a few weeks up to three or four years and then they are out. Though I have not checked statistics to see how much the average prisoner serves, what crimes they committed, or the involvement with alcohol or drugs as related to their crimes, I can comfortably state that the wide majority of inmates I met had problems with alcohol and drugs. Whether addiction or simply under the influence, these men put themselves in illegal situations where they chose not to have complete control of their senses. The time spent in prison presented these men with a situation where they were no longer under the control of these substances. A good percentage of these men expressed realization about the positions they had put themselves in due to the use of substances. They wanted a change in their life. They didn’t want to be the people they were before. Some became Christians and resolved to live their lives like Christ. I wish it could be said that they were able to do so. Typically, following release, a few weeks maybe a month or two would pass before we would see them imprisoned once again.

The scenario of the prisoner who becomes a repeat offender reminds me of a great number of those who clothe themselves in Christ. They come to a realization that they are under the influence of the sin of the world. That sin becomes theirs through foolish choices. The day they put on Christ they declared their resolve. They truly wanted to be like Christ. For the record, I believe most prisoners felt the same way when the put on Christ. It is was not, nor is it my place to judge a man’s conscience. Like the prisoners, many Christians free from their debt of sin, energized in Christ, after a period of time, find themselves to be repeat offenders. They engage in the same sins they embraced before Christ. Why did this happen? What causes the prisoner to return to his crimes, a Christian to return to his sins? What a pitiful situation this is to behold. It is certainly a position which is worse than before (2 Peter 2:22). How they get to this situation is what I call the prisoner’s dilemma and what the remainder of this article will focus on.

Proverbs 1:32 – For the backsliding of the simple shall slay them, And the careless ease of fools shall destroy them.

The concept of the prisoner’s dilemma is when an individual goes back to where he was and does what he did. Why is this? The prison inmate when released typically must return under a system of parole. A system of parole typically demands the prisoner stay within the boundaries of a certain location i.e. city or location until a specified time is fulfilled. Where do these people live? Well, they will likely return to the home or neighborhood they were in before. Their family and friends are generally aware of their return. They are now marked by their crimes and consequently finding work will be more difficult. Having returned to the environment they left before their “cleansing” in prison, they are often subject to the same temptations as before. Friends, acquaintances, family, will introduce drugs and alcohol back into their lives. Unhealthy communication and living will surround the former inmate. So now he is back where he was, what does he do? He does what he did. He didn’t plan on it. He thought he would be free from it. He thought he would resist it. However, he succumbs. He parties, he does things he shouldn’t thinking no one will know. He may get away with it for awhile, but sooner or later, he finds himself not only out of control, but in trouble with the law again. Back he goes to prison. He is disappointed, ashamed, frustrated, and each time he goes through this scenario he will be less likely to try to change.

The prisoner’s dilemma applies to many Christians as well. At one time, the Christian was under bondage to the sin of the world as all men. As all men he is called to be free (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Those answering the call of Christ were released from bondage (Romans 6:6). However, the Christian while separating himself from the world is still in the world (John 17:11, 16). He must continue on his “parole” unable to leave until his time is fulfilled. Temptations are present. The Lust of the flesh, eye, and pride of life tug at him when given opportunity. Family members and friends tell him it is ok to give in to a little temptation. The Christian is approached with sweet sounding words of falsehood. The Christian has been marked by the goodness of his life in Christ. Much like the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, the world is attracted to the purity and wants to defile it (Genesis 19). If the Christian gives in he finds himself in sin once more. He feels as if he is again part of the world. However, he has the blood of Christ which cleanses him. He simply needs to confess his sins and call upon his savior for forgiveness (I John 1-2:2). However, with continued sin he becomes disappointed, ashamed, frustrated, and like the prison inmate each time he goes through this scenario he will be less likely to try to change.

Jeremiah 2:19 – Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast forsaken Jehovah thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord, Jehovah of hosts.

I have been asked before what I think the solution to the prisoner’s dilemma is for those who have been released from prison. What will enable them to stop the cycle? First, I personally believe presenting the prisoner with opportunities to improve his lot in society helps. Second, enabling them to be relocated somewhere separating them from the old crowd and its wicked vices. Finally, make certain they have people surrounding them who they can call on anytime to keep them out of trouble. I believe these steps will greatly help the inmate, but they will still not stop all temptation. Do I see this becoming a reality? Truthfully, I don’t, though I wish it would. It is not only a matter of a societal change, but it would have to be the will of the inmate as well and many think they can do the same old thing with different results.

The backsliding Christian can be free of the prisoner’s dilemma in the same manner as the prison inmate. God has created man for the purpose of walking in good works (Ephesians 2:10). Open doors abound for the Christian if they are seeking for them (Matthew 7:7-8). To separate himself from the old crowd and its wicked devices the Christian must relocate himself. He must dwell in the Word of God. That is, he is no longer to hang out with the sinful people or in the sinful locations he did before. He is to surround himself with his brothers and sisters in Christ. He is to remove sinful influences from his home. The leader of a home has control of this situation. Those who are not the head of the household will have a greater difficulty. They must rely upon being a good example and refuse to take part in the sin. This type of situation makes the final part of being free of the prisoner’s dilemma even more important. The brothers and sisters in Christ must encourage, comfort, and aid whenever and wherever possible (I Thessalonians 5:14). The Christian must always remember they have a savior who will not forsake them. They have a God who will always be faithful to them (I Corinthians 1:9). Will these steps stop all temptation and backsliding? As with the prison inmate, temptation will continue and choices will still reside in the lap of the individual. Yet, God has promised no trial will come that they are not able to withstand (I Corinthians 10:13). He has instructed them to resist the sin (James 4:7).

This is the prisoner’s dilemma. An individual is freed from bondage just to go back to where he was and do what he did. It is tragic and it is sad. God does not wish this for man. He desires that none should perish (2 Peter 3:9). He has provided what all men need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Through God’s Word is opportunity, separation from the world, and encouragement. God calls daily for the backslider to return and to be free from the bondage of sin. It is up to the individual to humble himself and call upon God (Matthew 5:3, Romans 10:6-10). If the Christian returns to God, none can stand against (Romans 8:31).

Jeremiah 3:22 – Return, ye backsliding children, I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we are come unto thee; for thou art Jehovah our God.

 

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