Needing a Purpose in Life

One season of television watching has recently ended, with viewers beginning another round of television programs and anticipating the return of new and favorites in later months. Counting all of the programs on cable, it is actually astounding that we have evolved into a reality-television society for over a decade. Let me say something on record since I brought this up—we watch far too much television these days (we have become a very hedonistic society of people, driven to seek that which offers us pleasure, much of which we obtain through an electrical box or screen in our homes, but I am in danger of getting off my subject), much of which consists of reality-television themes. While there are just a few that I admit I enjoy (Amazing Race, for one, although I do not like many side-themes or sub-plots), the vast majority of them have recently caused me to ponder with revolt. Why would people actually want to waste their day watching a dance teacher yell at their children? Why would people actually want to waste their time watching a man talk to animals? Why would a Christian want to watch scantily-clad couples dance at all? Mark my words—so much of what we (and our children, especially, need to understand this important lesson) view on television is fake and exploitive! Because so many people drive themselves to catch their moment of fame, they will exploit the audience (as well as television producers) and often sensationalize themselves, as we often see increasingly happen in these types of programming. I personally realized this lesson first-hand many years ago. My wife, Melissa, and I were interviewed by a television producer in hopes of going on a television show on HGTV. We knew as soon as the phone conversation ended that we had no chance, because we were sure that we came across as the most boring couple in the entire world (we may still be, but I digress). Naturally, they did not select us for their program. However, if we had “acted” in a spunky way, possibly coming up with sensationalized attributes about us (if not flat-out falsifying), the outcome would have been different. In my humble opinion, I believe this underscores a serious flaw we currently face as a society—far too many people (and Christians, too) lack any serious purpose in life. As children of God, we must come to realize that our sole existence depends on the glorification of God (Eph. 3:20-21). To accomplish this, we must become dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ: “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

First, to attain our purpose in life, we must deny self. There is no place for selfishness, self-centeredness and pride in Christianity; yet, our television programs reek of it. I must examine myself and ensure that I am living for God and not for myself (cf. Luke 14:26; Phil. 3:8; 1 Pet. 4:1-2). I must deny myself as Jesus denied himself (2 Cor. 8:9). I must put others before myself (Rom. 15:1; 1 Cor. 10:24; Phil. 2:4), and not become a stumbling block to them (Rom. 14:21).

Second, to attain our purpose in life, we must take up our mutual crosses. “And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:38). This is exactly what Jesus told the rich young ruler to do, along with the other conditions He stated (Mark 10:21). Thus, “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter” (Rom. 8:36). This is why Paul was able to declare, “I am crucified with Christ….” (Gal. 2:20). The idea of taking up our cross and putting ourselves to death is to put whatever we have that will get in the way of serving God to death (Rom. 6:6; 8:13; Gal. 5:24; Matt. 5:29; 18:8; Col. 3:5).

Third, to attain our purpose in life, we must replace self with daily discipleship. Just as the Old Testament priests were to offer sacrifices every day, we in the New Testament are to offer our bodies as living sacrifices every day (Rom. 12:1). The problem with being living sacrifices is that many on Monday get up from off the altar and leave. It is not enough for humanity just to know Jesus, but all must conform to His pattern and follow Him! Christ is our example to follow (Matt. 11:29; John 13:15; Phil. 2:5; Heb. 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:21). Therefore, we must follow Christ in both teaching and example!

Therefore, when we are convicted with a passion to live for Jesus Christ every day, we will not seek to sensationalize ourselves in a reality-television way, neither will we enjoy others doing so, but we will truly understand what it means to glorify God in all that we do!

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Judges 17

Judges 17:6, “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.“

We often hear that things are different today, that times have changed. But an honest look at the world we live in, compared to the men of old, reveals that man’s nature has not changed at all.  Sure, there are always segments of the population that are honestly seeking to serve the Lord and walk faithfully according to His will. However, it seems likely that we are living in an age not unlike the days leading up to the “Great Deluge” or the time prior to the destruction of the “Cities of the Plains.”

I believe that what was true of Israel in Judges 17:6 is also true of us today. True in our homes, our nations and sadly even in the church. It is not that we do not have a King, for we do (1 Timothy 6:15). But this King and his proclamations we have ignored. We have become guilty of relying on the unreliable wisdom of man. “O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23).

Our homes are filled with promiscuity, a lack of discipline and structure. Christ is not the nucleus around which the family is structured. There is a lack of love, compassion and respect for God and thus for each other.

Our society has deteriorated to the point where what God calls good is spoken evil of and what God condemns is now socially acceptable. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).

And as the home and society has left off Christ; the church has become infected with sin. Man’s way and not God’s Way has become more and more the pattern we behold. Compromise, selfishness and a lack of humility have led many congregations down the dark valley of apostasy. A lack of love and respect for God and His Word, a people void of zeal for the old paths has left men with false hope.

Friends, God’s proclamation is true! In Ezekiel 22:30 God said He, “sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.” Will He say the same for our generation?

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Help Your Child to Know God

Our culture has lost its way with respect to parenting and lacks a sense of direction like a rudderless ship without a compass. In this age, many people have children, but do not want to be parents because our culture convinces us to quench our personal thirst for fulfillment. This seems to be why so many parents talk about getting in “quality time” with their children when in the days of yesteryear; it was about quantity of time. The fact is parents are spending the minimal time with their children. How did this happen?

It is no mystery that Dad is rarely seen as the boss of the home and that Mom doesn’t have to be obedient to Dad because our society has changed the way we think about authority and rights. It seems that everyone is screaming out for their rights and sadly, children sit in this climate and are no longer able to sit still, no longer fearing consequences of talking back and no longer accept a submissive role in life. Let’s face it, the old ways of parenting no longer work as they did and we lament the passing away of this way or raising children. Alas, as a result, parents are frustrated and confused. Children don’t act like they should and parents don’t know why. Many today even think it is impossible to do the work of a parent.

Parents, church and friends, we are losing our children in and out of the church and these problems grow up with these children who will in turn pass it to the next generation. But, I believe you can raise children in Godly ways in the 21st century while at the same time, not caving in and saying its impossible to parent a child even though experience tells you it is inevitable. Friends, experience is not a safe guide. The only safe guide is the Bible. It is the revelation of God and absolute truth that is both robust, complete and accurate and it gives us a picture not only of parents, children, family values, but of training, nurturing and disciplining, which is equipping us for the task of parenting. It is true that God’s ways are not inadequate to today.

God calls his creatures to live under authority. He is our authority and we must never be embarrassed to be authorities for our children. Parents often forget that we exercise authority as God’s agents and direct our children on God’s behalf for their good. Thus, we cannot be “do it or eat it” parents nor can we be a “wimp”. God calls parents to be kind and to exercise authority, not in making them do what you want, but in being servants to them. It seems I already know the answer, but how many parents would lay down their lives for their children? So, why hold them under our power when we need to be empowering them to be self controlled people living freely under the authority of God? Jesus is a prime example of this in Jn. 13 who knew that the Father had put all things under his authority. Yet, he used a towel as he washed his disciples feet, serving them.

As parents, even though we exercise authority, we must require obedience of our children because they are called by God to obey and honor you. Therefore, we exercise authority because we love them and if authority best describes the parents’ relationship to the children, the best description of the activity of the parent to the child is shepherding. The parent is the child’s guide helping him to understand himself and the world in which he lives. He shepherds the child to understand not just the “what” of the child’s actions, but also the “why.” As the shepherd, you want to help your child understand himself as a creature made by and for God. You must shepherd his thoughts, helping him to learn discernment and wisdom. Thus as Prov. 13:20 tells us, “He who walks with the wise becomes wise.”

As parents we cannot forget that God’s word is the power of God to salvation for our children. And therefore, we need to direct the attitudes of their heart. For, successful parenting CANNOT simply be well–‐behaved children. Your children must also understand why they sin and how to recognize internal changes teaching them that out of the heart can comes destruction. And, it is the Gospel that enables us and our children to face the worst in ourselves (sin) and yet, still Dind hope because of the grace of God. But, when we fail to hold out God’s standard, you rob your child of the mercy of the Gospel. Ultimately, our children must internalize the message of the Gospel and so while the child holds the claims of the Gospel at arm’s length, will our shepherding roles as parents help him to embrace God or cast Him away?

Parents have a marvelous opportunity to help his child pursue with honesty all his questions of faith. Let us not forget that the Word of God is robust and that the Christian faith can withstand close, honest scrutiny. Thus, as we walk and talk with our sons and daughters and even grandchildren, that we are not just talking, we are instructing them. We ought to be sharing the goodness of knowing God.

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Thank God for Common People!

The events in the week prior to the Lord’s death are so remarkable. Riding on a borrowed donkey, He had entered the city with a great multitude spreading garments and palm branches before Him. Their voices proclaimed that He was the son of David and that He had come in the name of the Lord. Some of the Pharisees shouted, “Teacher rebuke your disciples” (Luke 19:39), all to no avail.

The next day, Jesus entered the temple grounds and drove out the thieves who preyed on the common people who sincerely were coming to worship. Immediately, the political and religious leaders joined rank to thwart the impact of this triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Every question they asked—tribute to Caesar, marriage in the resurrection, religious authority—was easily answered. These frustrated leaders were silenced and laid plans to kill Him.

Two expressions describe the response of the multitude. “All the people were very attentive to hear Him” (Luke 17:48), and “The common people heard Him gladly” (Mark 12:37). What a contrast! The elite, the renown, the upper echelons of society and those generally seen as being above most around them all turned their backs on Him. Yet, the common people readily accepted Him!

No one ever believed in the ordinary man like Jesus did. He took a shepherd boy and made him the greatest king who ever ruled Israel. He took a tax collector and fishermen and made them foundation stones in the kingdom of heaven. He took a man clothed in camel’s hair and made him the forerunner who announced the coming kingdom.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “God must have loved the common people—He made so many of them.” The truth is that it has always been the common people who have most loved God. Paul observed, “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called” (1 Cor. 1:26). Add to this the words of James, “Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those that love Him” (James 2:5)?

So what does this have to do with us? Probably far more than we imagine. The church is made up of common folks, yet it has a profound impact on the survival of our nation and impacts the eternal destiny of our society. So the next time you see the rich and famous, feel sorry for them! They have chosen not to be the chosen! On the other hand, one choice you made, as a common person, has made you the prized possession of heaven. Keep listening to Him!

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Some Things Christians Can Do

Did you ever consider the fact that some Christians do not understand that there is work to do in the Kingdom/church of the Lord. Indeed there are some people that consider themselves to be part of a congregation yet do not think that God expects anything of them. This is a view of the Christian’s relationship to Christ that the Bible does not teach. Let us examine the teaching of the Bible about this subject to see what the Bible does say about “Christian Duty”.

Hebrews 10:24-25 – and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

This passage teaches the Christian that he/she ought to assemble faithfully with other Christians whenever the church comes together.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 – Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. ASV

This passage of Scripture teaches the Christian that he/she ought to give of their money to support the work of the congregation where they are members.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – But this (I say,) He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. (Let) each man (do) according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. ASV

This passage of Scripture tells the Christian the kind of disposition they ought to possess toward their money as it relates to their worship of the one true God.

John 4:24 – God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. ASV

This passage tells the Christian the kind of disposition and standard that is acceptable to God for worship, in spirit and according to truth.

James 2:18-20 – Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from (thy) works, and I by my works will show thee (my) faith. Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? ASV

This passage teaches the Christian that “good works” or “obedience” is expected, God expects the true Christian to show their gratitude and love by doing those works that glorify Him. Other passages of Scripture that teach this point are:

TO ANCIENT ISRAEL:

Exodus 20:6 – and showing loving kindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

Deuteronomy 5:10 – and showing loving kindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. ASV

JESUS DISCIPLES:

John 14:15 –If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.

John 14:23 – Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ASV

Matthew 22:39 — Love our neighbor – And a second like (unto it) is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. ASV

Luke 10:27 — Love our neighbor – And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. ASV

Romans 13:8-10 — Love our neighbor – Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. ASV

Note — The Christian can do these things if he/she is conscious of the need to do so, will we do them?

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