This past Sunday, my pastor preached on World View vs. Word View. It was a very well spoken message! There were several points that jumped out at me. One was the world view of "hedonism" which is "pleasure is god." This jumped out at me because I often run into this world view today, especially on the college campus!
I often hear people say, "God wants me to be happy. He wouldn't have put this [person, situation, etc.] in my life if that wasn't what He wanted for me!" Well, how can you be so sure? Our enemy, Satan, disguises himself as an angel of light. So, what is tempting us looks shiny and "right" but is it really? Stop asking yourself, "will it work?" and ask yourself, "is this right?" because there is a big difference! "and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
- Ephesians 5:10
Another common argument is, "I'll just do this now, and get back on track later. I'm not ready now." or "This is the time of my life I want to have fun and live it up! God will be there when I'm done." The temptation of sin is so heavy that holiness is no longer the focus, but pleasure is. "You’re addicted to thrills? What an empty life! The pursuit of pleasure is never satisfied." - Proverbs 21:17 Beckah Shae hits on this point in her song Supernova, "We all know what it's like to live the nightlife, mixin' wrong with right leads to nothing but a dead life." God will indeed be there when your time of sowing wild oats is over, but your consequences will be very present. We don't think about the possibility of falling into the wrong crowd, finding ourselves so severely under the influence that we don't remember important details, or being lured into seemingly romantic yet promiscuous situations that could end with disease, a baby or simply a broken heart. All of those things come with their own set of consequences that may last an entire lifetime. Is it worth "living it up" now to pay for it all later? "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life."
- Galatians 6:7-8
Jesus teaches us that there's nothing wrong with happiness, but happiness can't be the end goal. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:10 That world "blessed" = happy. Persecuted people don't feel good, but they do it for righteousness' sake. Happiness is always a byproduct of living out the purpose that God has called you to live. They're happy because they are holy. And that is what God wants for all of us, above all else, holiness! The feeling of happiness is temporary, but the joy of the Lord lasts forever. And when you are walking in righteousness with integrity, that joy will be overflowing and much more meaningful than any moment of happiness the world can offer.
"By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin."
- Hebrews 11:24-25
Showing posts with label wise counsel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wise counsel. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Permissible vs. Beneficial
In the last little while, I have noticed an increase of Christian's who are in a relationship with the Lord, partaking in things that are more permissible than beneficial. I think due to my past/life before Christ, I am extra sensitive to these types of things -- excessive drinking, bar hopping, foul language, immodest dress, inappropriate relationships, etc. However, I don't think I am totally off base here.
How are these things justified? Yes, Jesus ate with the sinners. That's one fair angle. But my angle would be... the light of Christ needs to shine brightly through all of us who are Christians. The light surely will shine brightest in a dark place. But if the dark places are your most frequent places, where is growth happening? where are you being fed? when does the light recharge?
I am absolutely, 100% about reaching people for Christ. And spending time talking with people in bars, that is certainly one way to reach lost people. And no, I am not saying that is a wrong way. I think that is how it all starts for a lot of people, anyway. But when bar hopping, excessive drinking, etc. are the things that we as Christians do for fun, we are dimming the light of Christ and no longer focusing on reaching the lost but more on having a good time. I am all about having a good time. But sadly, many Christians in our society today would call me "boring" because I'd rather play a board game with friends than go grab a 2-for-1 special during happy hour.
This may totally be opening up a can of worms, but it is something that has been heavy on my heart for a long time now. I want to clarify again, I am not against drinking, but it is such a gray area that I think it needs to be done with heavy discernment, sound judgement, and proper motives.
My thoughts/advice and what I try to ask myself before entering into a "gray" area type situation-- Be aware of who is watching you. Seek to be above reproach. Be focused on the cross, not yourself. Aim to please God, not people. What is permissible may not be beneficial. And bottom line, be more concerned with spreading the name and love of Christ than having a "good time."
"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial." - 1 Corinthians 6:12
How are these things justified? Yes, Jesus ate with the sinners. That's one fair angle. But my angle would be... the light of Christ needs to shine brightly through all of us who are Christians. The light surely will shine brightest in a dark place. But if the dark places are your most frequent places, where is growth happening? where are you being fed? when does the light recharge?
I am absolutely, 100% about reaching people for Christ. And spending time talking with people in bars, that is certainly one way to reach lost people. And no, I am not saying that is a wrong way. I think that is how it all starts for a lot of people, anyway. But when bar hopping, excessive drinking, etc. are the things that we as Christians do for fun, we are dimming the light of Christ and no longer focusing on reaching the lost but more on having a good time. I am all about having a good time. But sadly, many Christians in our society today would call me "boring" because I'd rather play a board game with friends than go grab a 2-for-1 special during happy hour.
This may totally be opening up a can of worms, but it is something that has been heavy on my heart for a long time now. I want to clarify again, I am not against drinking, but it is such a gray area that I think it needs to be done with heavy discernment, sound judgement, and proper motives.
My thoughts/advice and what I try to ask myself before entering into a "gray" area type situation-- Be aware of who is watching you. Seek to be above reproach. Be focused on the cross, not yourself. Aim to please God, not people. What is permissible may not be beneficial. And bottom line, be more concerned with spreading the name and love of Christ than having a "good time."
"I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial." - 1 Corinthians 6:12
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Reading List
As an elementary school aged child, my mother signed me up for the Babysitters Club Book Club. I hated to read. Reading bored me more than anything else! As a member of the Babysitters Club Book Club, the books would come by the tens or so each month. Is that a joke? The pressure I felt to read these books probably contributed to the perfectionistic tendencies I have today. I could not possibly read them all before the next batch came, so why even try? was my thought. Needless to say, that book club unfortunately ended up being a waste of money.
It wasn't until college that I began to enjoy reading. I finally found books that challenged me and seemed purposeful to read. I am grateful for the turn around in my attitude towards reading, because I realize now that books are such a valuable resource!
I am finishing up a book that has been hard not to read in one sitting. And as I finish this one, I have one lined up to read next. My list of books read and to-read got me thinking... there are so many good books out there, but often times it's hard to know if the one you pick up off the shelf at the bookstore is going to be good and worth the purchase. I have read these books over the past few years and would highly recommend them:
What books have you recently read, enjoyed, and are worth recommending? Are there any books you have lined up to read next?
It wasn't until college that I began to enjoy reading. I finally found books that challenged me and seemed purposeful to read. I am grateful for the turn around in my attitude towards reading, because I realize now that books are such a valuable resource!
I am finishing up a book that has been hard not to read in one sitting. And as I finish this one, I have one lined up to read next. My list of books read and to-read got me thinking... there are so many good books out there, but often times it's hard to know if the one you pick up off the shelf at the bookstore is going to be good and worth the purchase. I have read these books over the past few years and would highly recommend them:
- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
- A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
- Completely His: Loving Jesus Without Limits by Shannon Ethridge (and accompanying devotionals!)
- Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment by Shannon Ethridge
- Changes That Heal by Dr. Henry Cloud
- Boundaries in Dating by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
- How People Grow by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
- Safe People by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
- The Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's Eyes by Robert S. McGee
- Wilderness Skills for Women: How to Survive Heartbreak and Other Full-Blown Meltdowns by Marian Jordan
- Sex and the City Uncovered: Exposing the Emptiness and Healing the Hurt by Marian Jordan
- Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Staci Eldredge
- The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Emerson Coleman
- Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper
- Soul Print by Mark Batterson
- In A Pit With A Lion on A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
- Radiant: Living as Light in a Dark World by Marian Jordan
- Sacred Marriage: What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy by Gary Thomas
- To Be Told: God Invites You to Coauthor Your Future by Dan Alendar
- Personal Disciplemaking: A Step-By-Step Guide for Leading a New Christian From Birth to Maturity by Christopher Adsit
What books have you recently read, enjoyed, and are worth recommending? Are there any books you have lined up to read next?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Wise Counsel
Too often, we make hasty decisions without consulting anyone. Think back on the last three major decisions you made.... Did you ask anyone for their wisdom, counsel, or prayer? Who did you ask? What was the outcome? Would the outcome be any different if you had sought out wise counsel, or counsel from someone different?
"Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance..." - Proverbs 20:18
As Christians, we are instructed to seek out wise counsel! This often occurs out of a humble heart and a desire to earnestly seek God's will. Does this mean we allow others to make our decisions for us? Absolutely not! But as we are seeking God through His Word and prayer, we should also be talking to our mentors and fellow Christians about their thoughts. I know for me, talking through things with my mentors and other Christians is helpful because I am a verbal processor.... so even just talking out loud helps! And I find that when I think God is directing me in one way, and it is confirmed by several people, it is easier to rest in that and move forward as God is leading.
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." - Proverbs 11:14
"...in abundance of counselors there is victory." - Proverbs 24:6
An abundance... could sound overwhelming! However, this is important in order to avoid misleading. If what multiple, safe people are saying all line up... and more importantly, line up with what God's Word says, then you can be more certain of the counsel. If you currently only seek out wise counsel from one source, I would encourage you to check your heart and the healthiness of that relationship. Appropriate boundaries should be set in place to avoid codependency. I once heard Marian Jordan say, "If you fear someone other than the Lord, they have too high of a priority in your life." And Francis Chan once challenged a crowd I sat in with these questions, "Are you saying things your mentor told you to say? Or are you saying/doing things that are from your time with God?" Basically, listen to God first but seek out wise counsel from several healthy sources and apply the wisdom as it lines up with what God says.
"He who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me." - Psalm 101:6
I remember when I first read this verse. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Early in my walk with God, I would take everything and anyone any Christian said as "Truth." Even now, I am still learning the differences that Christians have views and beliefs on and sorting that out as I grow in the Lord. However, this verse is very important. When we seek out wise counsel, it should not be advice from a whole bunch of people who are not walking with God. Wise counsel should come from people who are walking closely with God, are seeking to do His will for their own lives, and want God's best for you! It is those people who should minister to you. Counsel from people who are not walking alongside God, is mere advice.
I hope this encourages you to seek out wise counsel, in conjunction with your own seeking God through His Word and prayer, the next time you make a [major] decision!
"Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance..." - Proverbs 20:18
As Christians, we are instructed to seek out wise counsel! This often occurs out of a humble heart and a desire to earnestly seek God's will. Does this mean we allow others to make our decisions for us? Absolutely not! But as we are seeking God through His Word and prayer, we should also be talking to our mentors and fellow Christians about their thoughts. I know for me, talking through things with my mentors and other Christians is helpful because I am a verbal processor.... so even just talking out loud helps! And I find that when I think God is directing me in one way, and it is confirmed by several people, it is easier to rest in that and move forward as God is leading.
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." - Proverbs 11:14
"...in abundance of counselors there is victory." - Proverbs 24:6
An abundance... could sound overwhelming! However, this is important in order to avoid misleading. If what multiple, safe people are saying all line up... and more importantly, line up with what God's Word says, then you can be more certain of the counsel. If you currently only seek out wise counsel from one source, I would encourage you to check your heart and the healthiness of that relationship. Appropriate boundaries should be set in place to avoid codependency. I once heard Marian Jordan say, "If you fear someone other than the Lord, they have too high of a priority in your life." And Francis Chan once challenged a crowd I sat in with these questions, "Are you saying things your mentor told you to say? Or are you saying/doing things that are from your time with God?" Basically, listen to God first but seek out wise counsel from several healthy sources and apply the wisdom as it lines up with what God says.
"He who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me." - Psalm 101:6
I remember when I first read this verse. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Early in my walk with God, I would take everything and anyone any Christian said as "Truth." Even now, I am still learning the differences that Christians have views and beliefs on and sorting that out as I grow in the Lord. However, this verse is very important. When we seek out wise counsel, it should not be advice from a whole bunch of people who are not walking with God. Wise counsel should come from people who are walking closely with God, are seeking to do His will for their own lives, and want God's best for you! It is those people who should minister to you. Counsel from people who are not walking alongside God, is mere advice.
I hope this encourages you to seek out wise counsel, in conjunction with your own seeking God through His Word and prayer, the next time you make a [major] decision!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
What Do You Believe?
Over the past several weeks, I have been going through training for my new job with Athletes in Action. During the training, I have taken two seminary courses- Bible Study Methods and Introduction to Christian Theology. While in these courses, I was faced with a harsh reality... there are many different beliefs out there! It was not long before it was evident that I needed to not only know what I believed, but also how to articulate my beliefs.
Why is it important to know what you believe?
There is a saying that says, "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." So true! Until you know what you believe, you will be more likely to take the word of another person as truth, rather than the Word of God. As Christians, not only do we need to understand the basics of our faith, but we need to dig to find out what it is that we, individually, believe to be true. I do not think I realized how many different "acceptable in the Christian circle" views on things there were....just to name a few: creation/evolution, birth control, drinking, the accuracy of the Bible. For most of my Christian life, I have chosen to not think too deeply into controversial topics and to "live by faith". Well, that was really ignorant of me. God blessed me with a sound mind and has called me (and you!) to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Loving with all my heart, soul, and mind requires fully investing myself using all three of those! So I am now using my mind to really search and make conclusions about my beliefs on specific issues.
Here are some starting points to start thinking and searching through to narrow down and understand what it is you believe (but don't limit yourself to this list!):
I'm glad you asked!
First, I would look into what it is your church or (your ministry) believes. I know for me, I want to go to a church that I agree with and can fully support! Again, that list is a starting point.... and my personal thoughts. But I certainly see the value and importance for knowing what your church believes and attending a church with beliefs you agree with and support. Check your church's website for their statement of faith to find out what they believe.
Why is it important to know what you believe?
There is a saying that says, "if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything." So true! Until you know what you believe, you will be more likely to take the word of another person as truth, rather than the Word of God. As Christians, not only do we need to understand the basics of our faith, but we need to dig to find out what it is that we, individually, believe to be true. I do not think I realized how many different "acceptable in the Christian circle" views on things there were....just to name a few: creation/evolution, birth control, drinking, the accuracy of the Bible. For most of my Christian life, I have chosen to not think too deeply into controversial topics and to "live by faith". Well, that was really ignorant of me. God blessed me with a sound mind and has called me (and you!) to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Loving with all my heart, soul, and mind requires fully investing myself using all three of those! So I am now using my mind to really search and make conclusions about my beliefs on specific issues.
Here are some starting points to start thinking and searching through to narrow down and understand what it is you believe (but don't limit yourself to this list!):
- What do you believe about the Bible?
- What do you believe about who God is? who Jesus is? who the Holy Spirit is? Do you believe the three are related in any way? How?
- How do you believe the earth was formed? What about animals, people...?
- What do you believe a person becomes a Christian?
- Once a person is a Christian, do you believe that they can lose their salvation?
- When does life begin?
- Do you believe in heaven? Do you believe in hell? If so, when does a person go to either heaven or hell?
- What do you believe about baptism?
I'm glad you asked!
First, I would look into what it is your church or (your ministry) believes. I know for me, I want to go to a church that I agree with and can fully support! Again, that list is a starting point.... and my personal thoughts. But I certainly see the value and importance for knowing what your church believes and attending a church with beliefs you agree with and support. Check your church's website for their statement of faith to find out what they believe.
- What do they believe about the Bible? [If you come across words you do not know (such as inerrant, infallible, canonicity, etc.) look them up!!!]
- What does your church believe about how a person becomes a Christian?
- What do they believe about who God is? who Jesus is? who the Holy Spirit is? Do they believe the three are related in any way? How?
- Once a person is a Christian, do they believe that the person can lose their salvation?
- Do they believe in heaven? Do they believe in hell? If so, when does a person go to either heaven or hell?
- What do they believe about baptism?
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