"Look out!"
Ezekiel 31:1-32:32
Hebrews 12:14-29
Psalm 113:1-114:8
Proverbs 27:18-20
If you've ever been to Niagara Falls, you know it is truly an amazing sight. The volume of water that goes over the falls is incredible. It almost makes you dizzy to watch it. When we were there in the summer of '07, we walked through tunnels behind the falls, and the roar of the water was incredible. I had slippery shoes on, and there were a couple of times i hit a slick spot on the tunnel floor, and wiped out. For how many tourists are there I'm surprised it isn't more guarded with safety rails. It seemed to me like it would be very easy for a child or a crazy teenager to walk out on a ledge, and fall over the cliff or into the falls.
As I read the scriptures this morning, I was imagining seeing someone walk out there with slippery shoes. What would I do if I saw that? Would I say anything? Would I do anything to prevent?
When discussing confrontation a friend said, "It's hardest to confront those closest to you. We're great friends, but when it comes to spiritual things..."
Hebrews 12:15 shows us the priority: "Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God's best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives."
This is what it is all about. In pastoral ministries there are some sad stories. I'll sit in my office as the person across my desk has a broken life in their hand. Often it's something that has gone on for years. What makes it so sad, is that many times individuals in this condition have "close" relationships with Christian friends. But, for some reason or another, the struggle never came up in conversation. There may have been comments on the side about a marriage frustration, or even a snide comment about another believer, but for one reason another, it was never discussed. Never confronted.
Enter the bitter root. An individual misses church for a few weeks, and no one "notices". Sure, there's a call from a pastor, or church leader, but what about my friends? The bitterness grows to the point that when a call is made, it seems "too late". The bitter root takes hold, and it causes deep trouble. Not only for the individual, but "hurting many in their spiritual lives."
It's uncomfortable many times to say, "hey man, I notice you're not getting along with your wife very well." Or, "I haven't seen you in bible study for a while. Is everything ok?" We don't want to risk offending the individual. But SO OFTEN, the one who's hurting inside is BEGGING for someone to notice. Someone to ask.
It's like seeing the child on the ledge. "I'd say something, but I don't want the parent to think I'm judging them." "I haven't met them yet. Who am I to say something?"
In a scenario like that the only way you would keep silent is either you don't value the life, or you don't recognize the danger.
Look again at the purpose for this. "Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God's best blessings." If you see me heading down a path that could cause me to miss God's best blessings, why wouldn't you talk to me about it? Why wouldn't you say, "Look out!" Don't you care enough?
The difficulty is that too often people are "judged" instead of talked to. Benny misses two bible studies & he must be in sin. We build a case against him in our mind, build it up to be a huge deal, and we actually become insecure in how to deal with the issue, and afraid to do anything. So, we shake our head, and wonder what went wrong rather than finding out that Benny is discouraged because of a job situation, and could really use a call. We don't value Benny's life enough to pick up the phone.
Relationships Devoted to Unity are "discipling" relationships. It's caring enough to help one another keep conversation and conduct aligned with the word. Look at the people in your world differently. View yourself as God's agent to bring another closer to Christ. Not just unbelievers, but those in your family & the family of God.
There's a pretty good chance that someone reading this email is the one who "needs someone to notice". The enemy wants to keep you isolated and alone. He wants to separate you from the Body so he can destroy you. Don't use the lie that "no one cares" feed into the ploy to drive you to despair. Get connected! Pursue relationships with godly people. EVERY ONE of us have this responsibility!
One thing that I'm discovering more and more is that as the Lord is purifying his Church for his soon return, there are some interesting things happening. In the lives of so many individuals there are things that are coming to the surface. For example, people who have been Christians for a long time are "all of the sudden" struggling with issues and it's being revealed.
As the Lord purifies us, things come to the surface so we can allow God to take them away. What tends to happen, though is that we want to cover them up. We feel we should be perfect because it's time to be mature. But the bible says that we should "confess our sins one to another so that we may be healed." We need to be vulnerable one to another. We need to offer grace one to another. We need to show one another the way out.
We need to Look Out! for one another! If we don't we either don't value the life, or recognize the danger.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Showing posts with label Confrontation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Confrontation. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
9.13.11 "Who's Discipling You?"
"Who's Discipling You?"
Isaiah 12:1-14:32
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 23:9-11
Are you a disciple of Christ? What is a disciple? The dictionary says a follower of Jesus, or a student of a leader. We're commanded in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples..." Jesus had a lot of people around him, but not all of them were considered disciples. Why is that? The disciples were the ones who experienced changes in their behavior, redirection in their lives, and committed themselves to the path.
So "Who's discipling you?" I've asked that question to quite a few people. Some are new in the faith, others have been serving the Lord for years. The reactions to that question are pretty interesting. In fact, there have only been a few times when someone has been able to answer. What does that indicate?
If we are to "go into all the world and make disciples...", that should mean there are many disciples around everywhere right? To some extent, it could be argued that there are, based on our definition. What is a disciple? A follower? a learner? Most Christians would qualify for that definition. So if they're all disciples, who's discipling them?
I'm kind of taking a long way around a point I'm trying to make. There seems to be the feeling that the longer you've been a Christian, the less you need to be discipled. We get the feeling that our growth is just between us and God. This could not be further from the truth.
Empowered through Biblical Training is the element of DREAM that represents discipleship. There are many facets to this, including group bible study, church attendance, personal discipline in the word, but we forget the necessity of personal mentorship that comes through a close discipling relationship.
In today's reading, Paul makes a tough statement: "Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ's presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren't at all?" (2 Cor. 13:5) That's a pretty strong, but it shows something. There needs to be an expectation to feel Christ's presence "more and more". There is a progression, a growth that is necessary to the Christian life.
Paul says at the end of verse 9 " Our greatest wish and prayer is that you will become mature Christians." This is the objective for all of us. How do we become mature? Of course it comes through getting into the word in greater ways, but a major element is being a part of an "iron sharpens iron" discipling relationship.
The root of discipleship is discipline which means "to bring into alignment." We need people we trust to help us stay the course, not grow weary, and to challenge our actions and decisions. This is a vital part of helping us become mature.
Another question to ask is "who are you discipling?" Your friends are not there to make you feel good. Remember, "it's not about you!" We need to be looking at every relationship as a discipling opportunity. A chance to help another come into alignment with the Word of God. It's interesting that we'd be more inclined to stop a friend from buying the wrong car than we would to help them out spiritually. We'll help them with a home improvement project, but we wont ask if they're getting in the Word each day.
We can't Live the DREAM without this. I need it, you need it, your world needs it.
2 Cor. 13:11 "I close my letter with these last words: Be happy. Grow in Christ. Pay attention to what I have said. Live in harmony and peace. And may the God of love and peace be with you."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Isaiah 12:1-14:32
2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Psalm 57:1-11
Proverbs 23:9-11
Are you a disciple of Christ? What is a disciple? The dictionary says a follower of Jesus, or a student of a leader. We're commanded in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples..." Jesus had a lot of people around him, but not all of them were considered disciples. Why is that? The disciples were the ones who experienced changes in their behavior, redirection in their lives, and committed themselves to the path.
So "Who's discipling you?" I've asked that question to quite a few people. Some are new in the faith, others have been serving the Lord for years. The reactions to that question are pretty interesting. In fact, there have only been a few times when someone has been able to answer. What does that indicate?
If we are to "go into all the world and make disciples...", that should mean there are many disciples around everywhere right? To some extent, it could be argued that there are, based on our definition. What is a disciple? A follower? a learner? Most Christians would qualify for that definition. So if they're all disciples, who's discipling them?
I'm kind of taking a long way around a point I'm trying to make. There seems to be the feeling that the longer you've been a Christian, the less you need to be discipled. We get the feeling that our growth is just between us and God. This could not be further from the truth.
Empowered through Biblical Training is the element of DREAM that represents discipleship. There are many facets to this, including group bible study, church attendance, personal discipline in the word, but we forget the necessity of personal mentorship that comes through a close discipling relationship.
In today's reading, Paul makes a tough statement: "Check up on yourselves. Are you really Christians? Do you pass the test? Do you feel Christ's presence and power more and more within you? Or are you just pretending to be Christians when actually you aren't at all?" (2 Cor. 13:5) That's a pretty strong, but it shows something. There needs to be an expectation to feel Christ's presence "more and more". There is a progression, a growth that is necessary to the Christian life.
Paul says at the end of verse 9 " Our greatest wish and prayer is that you will become mature Christians." This is the objective for all of us. How do we become mature? Of course it comes through getting into the word in greater ways, but a major element is being a part of an "iron sharpens iron" discipling relationship.
The root of discipleship is discipline which means "to bring into alignment." We need people we trust to help us stay the course, not grow weary, and to challenge our actions and decisions. This is a vital part of helping us become mature.
Another question to ask is "who are you discipling?" Your friends are not there to make you feel good. Remember, "it's not about you!" We need to be looking at every relationship as a discipling opportunity. A chance to help another come into alignment with the Word of God. It's interesting that we'd be more inclined to stop a friend from buying the wrong car than we would to help them out spiritually. We'll help them with a home improvement project, but we wont ask if they're getting in the Word each day.
We can't Live the DREAM without this. I need it, you need it, your world needs it.
2 Cor. 13:11 "I close my letter with these last words: Be happy. Grow in Christ. Pay attention to what I have said. Live in harmony and peace. And may the God of love and peace be with you."
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, August 27, 2011
8.27.11 "How Much do You Care?"
"How Much do You Care?"
Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
Pastor Greg Lathe
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, November 5, 2010
11.5.10 "When it all Falls Down"
"When it all Falls Down"
Ezekiel 12:1-14:11
Hebrews 7:1-17
Psalm 105:39-45
Proverbs 27:3
Have you ever asked a friend or someone you knew how things are going and their response was "fine" and later discovered their world was falling apart? There's been times when an individual has been hurting so bad, and yet there's no outward sign. Later when everything falls apart, everyone stands around saying "I had no idea". It's easy to say, "If only they had said something, I could have helped them..." That statement may be true, but there's hypocrisy in there as well.
In Ezekiel 13, God is reprimanding Israel for listening to false prophets as they are building the wall. "Tell these evil builders that their wall will fall. A heavy rainstorm will undermine it; great hailstones and mighty winds will knock it down. And when the wall falls, the people will cry out, 'Why didn't you tell us that it wasn't good enough? Why did you whitewash it and cover up its faults?' Yes, it will surely fall. The Lord God says: I will sweep it away with a storm of indignation and with a great flood of anger and with hailstones of wrath. I will break down your whitewashed wall, and it will fall on you and crush you, and you shall know I am the Lord." Ez. 13:11-14
Think of the tragedy: "Why didn't you tell us that it wasn't good enough? Why did you whitewash it and cover up its faults?"
Each one of us struggle in this area. We live with a certain amount of pride and pretension. We want things to look good. When there are vulnerabilities in our life, we don't want anyone to know. We don't want people to see that we have weakness. That we hurt. That we're addicted. That we're empty. So, we paint the wall.
Our mind justifies this: I'll deal with my problems later... no one will ever know... It's just between me & God anyway.... I can fix this...
Then the rains come. The pressure of the flood reveals the weakness in the wall and there is destruction. We find that it's not only one life that's destroyed. It all those around as well. Then come the questions: "Why didn't you tell us that it wasn't good enough? Why did you whitewash it and cover up it's faults?"
Well, we know why. "I don't want to appear weak." "What will people think of me."
We all know that we are created for "Relationships Devoted to Unity". We can recite that, but we forget that the reason we need to be in unity is so that we can bear one another's burdens. So we can help each other align to the Word and strengthen one another. To be vulnerable with one another. The longer we wait, the worse it gets.
A few years ago we built 2 large retaining walls. As it was going up, I came home for lunch, and the man who was doing the labor noticed the look on my face and said, "what are you seeing?" I said, "that block on the 2nd course looks a bit crooked." He said, yeah, I saw that too, but it will correct itself by the time we get to the top. I went back to work, and came home expecting to find all 8 courses in place. Instead, I found only a couple courses at the bottom and stacks of block everywhere. He had left already & I called to ask him what happened. He said, "you remember that one block? well by the time we got to the top, the whole thing was unstable, so I had to tear it all down."
When the Spirit reveals to us that there is something in our life that is a little bit "crooked", we must allow him to fix it. We must go for help. We must confide in a friend. Too often that isn't what happens. We hope with everything within us that by the time we "get to the top" things will have "worked themselves out."
We may get by with that for a while. I'm glad my friend tore the wall down and started over. Otherwise, when the rains came, it wouldn't have been just stacks of block around, it would have been soil, trees, and destruction all over.
Can you imagine the destruction of lives if help is not sought out? "Daddy, why didn't you tell someone you had a problem with the internet?" "Honey, why didn't you tell us we were out of money... you didn't have to steal."
We've seen time and again ministries that have failed because of the hidden sin of a leader. What a tragedy. Regardless of the specifics of the circumstance, one thing we know is that there was a problem down deep that was not taken care of. God loves his people enough to bring that which is in the darkness into the light. He wants us to be pure before him.
Make no mistake about it. It's not easy to tear the wall down one block at a time to take care of it, but it sure beats the alternative.
I'm not saying we need to broadcast all of our secret sins and struggles and put them on a sign in our yard, but we need to be in REAL relationships with people who have our best interest in mind and care enough to tell us the truth and help us to be aligned with scripture. We need to love one another that much.
We need to build the wall God wants. This is the key to living a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship with a heart that is open and pure before him. This wall will not fall no matter what storm may come.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Ezekiel 12:1-14:11
Hebrews 7:1-17
Psalm 105:39-45
Proverbs 27:3
Have you ever asked a friend or someone you knew how things are going and their response was "fine" and later discovered their world was falling apart? There's been times when an individual has been hurting so bad, and yet there's no outward sign. Later when everything falls apart, everyone stands around saying "I had no idea". It's easy to say, "If only they had said something, I could have helped them..." That statement may be true, but there's hypocrisy in there as well.
In Ezekiel 13, God is reprimanding Israel for listening to false prophets as they are building the wall. "Tell these evil builders that their wall will fall. A heavy rainstorm will undermine it; great hailstones and mighty winds will knock it down. And when the wall falls, the people will cry out, 'Why didn't you tell us that it wasn't good enough? Why did you whitewash it and cover up its faults?' Yes, it will surely fall. The Lord God says: I will sweep it away with a storm of indignation and with a great flood of anger and with hailstones of wrath. I will break down your whitewashed wall, and it will fall on you and crush you, and you shall know I am the Lord." Ez. 13:11-14
Think of the tragedy: "Why didn't you tell us that it wasn't good enough? Why did you whitewash it and cover up its faults?"
Each one of us struggle in this area. We live with a certain amount of pride and pretension. We want things to look good. When there are vulnerabilities in our life, we don't want anyone to know. We don't want people to see that we have weakness. That we hurt. That we're addicted. That we're empty. So, we paint the wall.
Our mind justifies this: I'll deal with my problems later... no one will ever know... It's just between me & God anyway.... I can fix this...
Then the rains come. The pressure of the flood reveals the weakness in the wall and there is destruction. We find that it's not only one life that's destroyed. It all those around as well. Then come the questions: "Why didn't you tell us that it wasn't good enough? Why did you whitewash it and cover up it's faults?"
Well, we know why. "I don't want to appear weak." "What will people think of me."
We all know that we are created for "Relationships Devoted to Unity". We can recite that, but we forget that the reason we need to be in unity is so that we can bear one another's burdens. So we can help each other align to the Word and strengthen one another. To be vulnerable with one another. The longer we wait, the worse it gets.
A few years ago we built 2 large retaining walls. As it was going up, I came home for lunch, and the man who was doing the labor noticed the look on my face and said, "what are you seeing?" I said, "that block on the 2nd course looks a bit crooked." He said, yeah, I saw that too, but it will correct itself by the time we get to the top. I went back to work, and came home expecting to find all 8 courses in place. Instead, I found only a couple courses at the bottom and stacks of block everywhere. He had left already & I called to ask him what happened. He said, "you remember that one block? well by the time we got to the top, the whole thing was unstable, so I had to tear it all down."
When the Spirit reveals to us that there is something in our life that is a little bit "crooked", we must allow him to fix it. We must go for help. We must confide in a friend. Too often that isn't what happens. We hope with everything within us that by the time we "get to the top" things will have "worked themselves out."
We may get by with that for a while. I'm glad my friend tore the wall down and started over. Otherwise, when the rains came, it wouldn't have been just stacks of block around, it would have been soil, trees, and destruction all over.
Can you imagine the destruction of lives if help is not sought out? "Daddy, why didn't you tell someone you had a problem with the internet?" "Honey, why didn't you tell us we were out of money... you didn't have to steal."
We've seen time and again ministries that have failed because of the hidden sin of a leader. What a tragedy. Regardless of the specifics of the circumstance, one thing we know is that there was a problem down deep that was not taken care of. God loves his people enough to bring that which is in the darkness into the light. He wants us to be pure before him.
Make no mistake about it. It's not easy to tear the wall down one block at a time to take care of it, but it sure beats the alternative.
I'm not saying we need to broadcast all of our secret sins and struggles and put them on a sign in our yard, but we need to be in REAL relationships with people who have our best interest in mind and care enough to tell us the truth and help us to be aligned with scripture. We need to love one another that much.
We need to build the wall God wants. This is the key to living a Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship with a heart that is open and pure before him. This wall will not fall no matter what storm may come.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Sunday, October 24, 2010
10.24..10 "WuduyaNogood?"
"WuduyaNogood?"
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22 - 3:17
Psalm 94:1-2
Proverbs 26:1-2
I'm guessing you look at that title and are like... "what??" That's how I was when i heard it. My wife and I had driven down to Arkansas to visit a friend. My friends dad greeted us with, "WuduyaNogood?" We smiled and nodded acting like we knew what he said. I wasnt' sure if it was a friendly insult, a cajun greeting, or what. I finally asked him to explain. It's "what do you know that's good?" Basically "WUTSUP!" (THAT I understand!) I was telling the Wednesday night bible study about this, when i was corrected afterward by a couple from Texas they said it's Wutchaknowgood!"
So, Wutchaknowgood?
Knowledge is an incredible thing. What you know shapes what you believe. What you believe shapes how you act. So in actuality, your actions reveal what you know. So, What do you know? Our quest for knowledge needs to be based on truth, not on opinion or circumstance. In a Sunday school class, all our heads nod because we "agree" with that. However, many times our actions and the way we deal with situations bring into question whether or not we really do believe this.
Let's look at it this way: Are you a disciple of Christ? Look at the requirement of John 8:31-32 "...If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Do we know the truth? How do we know it? It is EXTREMELY important that we gain truth from the Word of God. In Timothy 3 Paul is warning of how in the last days the truth will become very confusing. A lot of "gray area". Sounds like today doesn't it? Too often Christians get lured in to foolish arguments and discussions over issues that are not based on truth. And ultimately they don't lead individuals to live holy lives.
So, we need to base our lives on the Word. "You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Knowing the Word teaches us truth, and helps us align to that truth, which in turn helps us to do right. It prepares us for everything we come up against.
You may be reading along saying, "yeah, I know all this." But here is a major connection we need to make in this: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God's people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely , with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God."
This is a really big deal.
First, we must know the solid truth of scripture. We need to know what God says, and align our lives to that.
Secondly, we need to use this knowledge to be able to see what the root of the issue is when it comes to foolish arguments, or more importantly when it comes to dealing with someone's sin, or where they are not "aligned" with truth.
Third, a VERY important thing is that knowing the truth is not JUST about what you know, it's about having the maturity to humbly reveal the truth to others at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Jesus says we are the light of the world. We need to be the light that people are drawn to, not one they run from. Revealing the truth to them in arrogance does not make them want to be like you.
Finally, don't get caught in the illusion that YOUR knowledge will turn people from sin. It's God. Your knowledge of truth that you gain from scripture "equips" you to bring the light of truth to any situation (in humility, of course). Then "they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true." (2 Tim. 2:25) When they know this truth, the truth will set them free.
Your world is desperate for you to get this. You MUST be "Empowered Through Biblical Training". Those around you need you to be. You need to show another the key to open the doors of the prison of sin they are in. So, WuduyaNogood? Hopefully you got it out of the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 44:24-47:7
2 Timothy 2:22 - 3:17
Psalm 94:1-2
Proverbs 26:1-2
I'm guessing you look at that title and are like... "what??" That's how I was when i heard it. My wife and I had driven down to Arkansas to visit a friend. My friends dad greeted us with, "WuduyaNogood?" We smiled and nodded acting like we knew what he said. I wasnt' sure if it was a friendly insult, a cajun greeting, or what. I finally asked him to explain. It's "what do you know that's good?" Basically "WUTSUP!" (THAT I understand!) I was telling the Wednesday night bible study about this, when i was corrected afterward by a couple from Texas they said it's Wutchaknowgood!"
So, Wutchaknowgood?
Knowledge is an incredible thing. What you know shapes what you believe. What you believe shapes how you act. So in actuality, your actions reveal what you know. So, What do you know? Our quest for knowledge needs to be based on truth, not on opinion or circumstance. In a Sunday school class, all our heads nod because we "agree" with that. However, many times our actions and the way we deal with situations bring into question whether or not we really do believe this.
Let's look at it this way: Are you a disciple of Christ? Look at the requirement of John 8:31-32 "...If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Do we know the truth? How do we know it? It is EXTREMELY important that we gain truth from the Word of God. In Timothy 3 Paul is warning of how in the last days the truth will become very confusing. A lot of "gray area". Sounds like today doesn't it? Too often Christians get lured in to foolish arguments and discussions over issues that are not based on truth. And ultimately they don't lead individuals to live holy lives.
So, we need to base our lives on the Word. "You know how, when you were a small child, you were taught the holy Scriptures; and it is these that make you wise to accept God's salvation by trusting in Christ Jesus. The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God's way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Knowing the Word teaches us truth, and helps us align to that truth, which in turn helps us to do right. It prepares us for everything we come up against.
You may be reading along saying, "yeah, I know all this." But here is a major connection we need to make in this: 2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish arguments which only upset people and make them angry. God's people must not be quarrelsome; they must be gentle, patient teachers of those who are wrong. Be humble when you are trying to teach those who are mixed up concerning the truth. For if you talk meekly and courteously to them they are more likely , with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true. Then they will come to their senses and escape from Satan's trap of slavery to sin which he uses to catch them whenever he likes, and then they can begin doing the will of God."
This is a really big deal.
First, we must know the solid truth of scripture. We need to know what God says, and align our lives to that.
Secondly, we need to use this knowledge to be able to see what the root of the issue is when it comes to foolish arguments, or more importantly when it comes to dealing with someone's sin, or where they are not "aligned" with truth.
Third, a VERY important thing is that knowing the truth is not JUST about what you know, it's about having the maturity to humbly reveal the truth to others at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. Jesus says we are the light of the world. We need to be the light that people are drawn to, not one they run from. Revealing the truth to them in arrogance does not make them want to be like you.
Finally, don't get caught in the illusion that YOUR knowledge will turn people from sin. It's God. Your knowledge of truth that you gain from scripture "equips" you to bring the light of truth to any situation (in humility, of course). Then "they are more likely, with God's help, to turn away from their wrong ideas and believe what is true." (2 Tim. 2:25) When they know this truth, the truth will set them free.
Your world is desperate for you to get this. You MUST be "Empowered Through Biblical Training". Those around you need you to be. You need to show another the key to open the doors of the prison of sin they are in. So, WuduyaNogood? Hopefully you got it out of the Word today!
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Saturday, October 16, 2010
10.16.10 "With All your Heart"
"With All your Heart"
Jeremiah 28:1-29:32
I Timothy 1:1-20
Psalm 86:1-17
Proverbs 25:17
"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11) This is one of my favorite scriptures because it's such an encouraging scripture. It's awesome to know that the God of the universe knows my name. He is concerned with my path. He's concerned with where I am.
It is extremely important to always remember the context of this verse, however. In Jeremiah 28 there is a "battle" of two prophetic messages. In Jer. 27, God instructed Jeremiah to wear a yoke on his neck as a symbol, and bring the message that God's people are headed into captivity. Things are going to be hard. This is a result of disobedience, and there will be consequence. In chapter 28, Hananiah, the son of the prophet Gibeon speaks to Jeremiah in front of everyone and says, in essence, "No THIS is the word of the Lord..." and breaks Jeremiah's yoke, and declares God's people free, and basically tells the people what they want to hear. Even Jeremiah responded, "Amen! May your prophecies come true! I hope the Lord does everything you say." (Jer. 28:6)
But, as great as Hananiah's message was, it wasn't the word of the Lord. God's plan was that Israel would be in captivity for 70 years. He told them Babylon would rule the world. He told them to submit to the process. He told them to build homes and plant trees. They're going to be in captivity for a while.
My personality is the type that wants to please people. It's in my nature to want to tell people what they want to hear. I want to be an encouragement. Because of that tendency, when someone comes with a trial, I WANT to say, "this will be over before you know it! Victory will come today!" While there may be times where that IS the word of the Lord, there are many times that is NOT the word of the Lord. It may be that the Lord is using this trial for a purpose that is far greater than we could understand.
So the question is: Is it worth it?
The Israelites would much more love to align themselves with Hananiah's message, but what good would that do them? Would their hearts change? No. The Lord commanded them to submit to their captivity, and to prosper where he had placed them.
The fact that they're in captivity doesn't change the fact that God has a plan for their life. In fact, the captivity serves to GIVE a future and a hope, not to be in the way of it. I think that's an important message to always remember, but the purpose of the captivity is found in verse 13: "You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest." The NIV says, "... when you seek me with all of your heart."
In the midst of the trial, God is found IF we seek him with all our heart. Sometimes we fall short because, "my boss isn't fair!... My spouse wont change... This hurts too bad..." We want the circumstance to show change before we're willing to allow our heart to change. What the Lord is saying is, the circumstance isn't changing anytime soon, so allow me to change your heart. Produce fruit where you are.
The objective is not rosy circumstances, it's a pure heart.
In I Timothy 1:5, Paul says, "What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong." in verse 19 he says, "cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right."
What's tying these all together? "... seek me with all your heart." "... love that comes from pure hearts... Minds clean..." "... conscience clear..."
We need to be giving God our all, all the time. What is the highest form of worship? Obedience. Ps. 86:11 says, "Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name."
"May every fiber of my being..." That is the intensity in which we will truly experience the "Dynamics" of the Lifestyle of Worship. Too often worship is an event. It's a sunday morning service. What a tragedy when our obedience is an "event". Just a moment where we were aligned to God's direction.
Give your all to him today. Serve Him with all of your heart. Give Him a pure mind. Choose to do right. Worship Him with every fiber of your being so that wherever He says to go, you will go there.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 28:1-29:32
I Timothy 1:1-20
Psalm 86:1-17
Proverbs 25:17
"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11) This is one of my favorite scriptures because it's such an encouraging scripture. It's awesome to know that the God of the universe knows my name. He is concerned with my path. He's concerned with where I am.
It is extremely important to always remember the context of this verse, however. In Jeremiah 28 there is a "battle" of two prophetic messages. In Jer. 27, God instructed Jeremiah to wear a yoke on his neck as a symbol, and bring the message that God's people are headed into captivity. Things are going to be hard. This is a result of disobedience, and there will be consequence. In chapter 28, Hananiah, the son of the prophet Gibeon speaks to Jeremiah in front of everyone and says, in essence, "No THIS is the word of the Lord..." and breaks Jeremiah's yoke, and declares God's people free, and basically tells the people what they want to hear. Even Jeremiah responded, "Amen! May your prophecies come true! I hope the Lord does everything you say." (Jer. 28:6)
But, as great as Hananiah's message was, it wasn't the word of the Lord. God's plan was that Israel would be in captivity for 70 years. He told them Babylon would rule the world. He told them to submit to the process. He told them to build homes and plant trees. They're going to be in captivity for a while.
My personality is the type that wants to please people. It's in my nature to want to tell people what they want to hear. I want to be an encouragement. Because of that tendency, when someone comes with a trial, I WANT to say, "this will be over before you know it! Victory will come today!" While there may be times where that IS the word of the Lord, there are many times that is NOT the word of the Lord. It may be that the Lord is using this trial for a purpose that is far greater than we could understand.
So the question is: Is it worth it?
The Israelites would much more love to align themselves with Hananiah's message, but what good would that do them? Would their hearts change? No. The Lord commanded them to submit to their captivity, and to prosper where he had placed them.
The fact that they're in captivity doesn't change the fact that God has a plan for their life. In fact, the captivity serves to GIVE a future and a hope, not to be in the way of it. I think that's an important message to always remember, but the purpose of the captivity is found in verse 13: "You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest." The NIV says, "... when you seek me with all of your heart."
In the midst of the trial, God is found IF we seek him with all our heart. Sometimes we fall short because, "my boss isn't fair!... My spouse wont change... This hurts too bad..." We want the circumstance to show change before we're willing to allow our heart to change. What the Lord is saying is, the circumstance isn't changing anytime soon, so allow me to change your heart. Produce fruit where you are.
The objective is not rosy circumstances, it's a pure heart.
In I Timothy 1:5, Paul says, "What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong." in verse 19 he says, "cling tightly to your faith in Christ and always keep your conscience clear, doing what you know is right."
What's tying these all together? "... seek me with all your heart." "... love that comes from pure hearts... Minds clean..." "... conscience clear..."
We need to be giving God our all, all the time. What is the highest form of worship? Obedience. Ps. 86:11 says, "Tell me where you want me to go and I will go there. May every fiber of my being unite in reverence to your name."
"May every fiber of my being..." That is the intensity in which we will truly experience the "Dynamics" of the Lifestyle of Worship. Too often worship is an event. It's a sunday morning service. What a tragedy when our obedience is an "event". Just a moment where we were aligned to God's direction.
Give your all to him today. Serve Him with all of your heart. Give Him a pure mind. Choose to do right. Worship Him with every fiber of your being so that wherever He says to go, you will go there.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, October 15, 2010
10.15.10 "Get to Work!"
"Get to Work!"
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16
"Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his authority:..."
Got your ears perked up? This must be big. Paul has been talking about the coming of Christ in 2 Thes, and now he makes this statement in 2 Thes. 3:6. It must be important. What could it be?
Here it is: "Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does not follow the ideal of hard work we set up for you." What do you think of that? Sounds harsh doesn't it?
As we spend time studying scripture, we begin to discover in a new light, the things that are really important to God. When you look at this verse, what DREAM principle applies? Is it a lesson on "Relationships devoted to Unity"? Not this verse. A few verses later that comes in.
This scripture shows the importance God places on Active Ministry Involvement. As we've discussed before, the principle of AMI is Responsibility. As with the other principles, this is not just a good idea. It's a necessary element in the way God created us. It's something we must activate in our lives to grow in our Christian walk... To Live the DREAM.
It may be easy for some to think, "Well, I'm in the choir. I'm living the 'A' of DREAM." or "I got that covered, I'm an usher..." We have to come to terms with the fact that it's not just about being a part of a group. It's about applying the principle of Responsibility to every area of life.
An individual who is not properly Empowered Through Biblical Training can read this verse and take it upon themselves to go around and judge how hard each one is working, and then form division in the church based on those judgments, destroying unity. This isn't the point. In verse 15 it says, "Don't think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would to a brother who needs to be warned." This is where "Relationships Devoted to Unity" kicks in: You show you care about me enough to talk to me when you feel I am not being responsible with the resources God has given me.
What Paul is showing by saying "stay away" from the lazy ones is that it is really easy to get lured into their mindset. Verse 11 says, "Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping." A gossip needs someone to talk to. It's very easy to get drawn into that trap. There's a lure to it that is dangerous. The same is true with laziness. Individuals who are not being good stewards of their resources often will say, "Why work so hard? Come on over Sunday night. Let's watch TV..." It has the appearance of a comfortable lifestyle, but comfort is not a scriptural principle. Responsibility is.
Let's encourage one another to "quiet down, get to work" (I Thess. 3:12) and also to "never be tired of doing right." (3:13) Make sure you are being Responsible with what God has given you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Jeremiah 26:1-27:22
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Psalm 85:1-13
Proverbs 25:16
"Now here is a command, dear brothers, given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ by his authority:..."
Got your ears perked up? This must be big. Paul has been talking about the coming of Christ in 2 Thes, and now he makes this statement in 2 Thes. 3:6. It must be important. What could it be?
Here it is: "Stay away from any Christian who spends his days in laziness and does not follow the ideal of hard work we set up for you." What do you think of that? Sounds harsh doesn't it?
As we spend time studying scripture, we begin to discover in a new light, the things that are really important to God. When you look at this verse, what DREAM principle applies? Is it a lesson on "Relationships devoted to Unity"? Not this verse. A few verses later that comes in.
This scripture shows the importance God places on Active Ministry Involvement. As we've discussed before, the principle of AMI is Responsibility. As with the other principles, this is not just a good idea. It's a necessary element in the way God created us. It's something we must activate in our lives to grow in our Christian walk... To Live the DREAM.
It may be easy for some to think, "Well, I'm in the choir. I'm living the 'A' of DREAM." or "I got that covered, I'm an usher..." We have to come to terms with the fact that it's not just about being a part of a group. It's about applying the principle of Responsibility to every area of life.
An individual who is not properly Empowered Through Biblical Training can read this verse and take it upon themselves to go around and judge how hard each one is working, and then form division in the church based on those judgments, destroying unity. This isn't the point. In verse 15 it says, "Don't think of him as an enemy, but speak to him as you would to a brother who needs to be warned." This is where "Relationships Devoted to Unity" kicks in: You show you care about me enough to talk to me when you feel I am not being responsible with the resources God has given me.
What Paul is showing by saying "stay away" from the lazy ones is that it is really easy to get lured into their mindset. Verse 11 says, "Yet we hear that some of you are living in laziness, refusing to work, and wasting your time in gossiping." A gossip needs someone to talk to. It's very easy to get drawn into that trap. There's a lure to it that is dangerous. The same is true with laziness. Individuals who are not being good stewards of their resources often will say, "Why work so hard? Come on over Sunday night. Let's watch TV..." It has the appearance of a comfortable lifestyle, but comfort is not a scriptural principle. Responsibility is.
Let's encourage one another to "quiet down, get to work" (I Thess. 3:12) and also to "never be tired of doing right." (3:13) Make sure you are being Responsible with what God has given you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Friday, August 27, 2010
8.27.10 "How Much do You Care?"
"How Much do You Care?"
Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Job 23:1-27:23
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:8
Psalm 41:1-13
Proverbs 22:5-6
2 Corinthians 2:4 "Oh, how I hated to write that letter! It almost broke my heart and I tell you honestly that I cried over it. I didn't want to hurt you, but I had to show you how very much I loved you and cared about what was happening to you."
In this second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul references the first letter. If you remember, there were some harsh words in I Corinthians. In today's verse, Paul models what it really means to be devoted to unity.
Unity is great when everything is going smoothly & everyone is getting along. But when it comes to dealing with sin, and discipling one another, there can be an awkwardness to it. Here are some possible reactions to seeing someone doing/acting/talking inappropriately:
1. I'm uncomfortable. I'm just going to walk away.
2. I didn't just hear what I thought I heard!? I'm shocked that person would do that. they've offended me.
3. Why doesn't Pastor do something about this individual?
4. How dare they do that! They should know by now that that is wrong! I'm going to "share the truth in love" by telling that person off.
5. I'm going to just ignore this & hope it goes away. I know now I should keep my distance.
6. I need to talk to another friend to make sure I'm not off base in thinking what they're doing is wrong.
There's many more responses, but don't these somewhat represent our initial reactions? Do you realize that none of these are what discipleship is all about?
Discipleship is about love. Yes, it is "bringing into alignment" as we've talked about before. But it's not about bringing into alignment to prove we are "right"! It's bringing into alignment because we care enough about the spiritual and physical health and welfare of the individual. Discipleship is friendship.
Proper motivation will give you the appropriate method of encouraging and correcting one another.
There may be times for a strong word like Paul gave, but when it is done in brokenness and humility, for the purpose of restoration, God is glorified.
Allowing someone to continue walking out of alignment with the word is not only dangerous to the individual, it's dangerous to you. It gives you a callous heart, and builds walls of division in the body of Christ. We really need to truly grow in our love for one another.
There used be an old saying. "Care enough to confront" was the mantra. Usually it translated into, "I was offended when you didn't say hi to me last week", then a couple tears and a hug. That's not what this is about. It's about "I notice you guys haven't been to bible study in a while. Is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?"
How much do you care? How devoted to unity are you? How comforting it would be to know that the Body of Christ is looking out for one another. Not make sure everyone's "toeing the line", but to know that everyone cares enough to stick it out through tough times and bring each other into the alignment of the Word.
Is it uncomfortable? It can be. But there is nothing more secure than knowing that someone is watching out for you.
Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!
P Greg
Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
