CHARACTER MATTERS

 Ephesians 5:1-2

    Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

                We live in a world that has divorced character from public life, especially when it comes to those who are chosen to take positions of leadership. Nowhere has this been more evident than in the political upheaval of recent years. We have been willing to place people into positions of significant leadership who have questionable characters because publicly they have promised us what we want. The lesson we have not yet learned is that character and public performance go hand in hand. Character shapes everything that a person does for good or ill. If a person’s character is faulty, them their actions will be faulty as well.

                As disturbing as it is to realize that we have entrust the leadership of our country to people with questionable character, it is far more disturbing when we discover we have done this within the church as well. I have been listening to a challenging podcast from Christianity Today which exposes the fall of some prominent Christian leaders and the reasons behind their fall. One of the common threads that winds its ways through each of these stories is the lack of a well-developed spiritual character. People have been placed in positions of influence based on their giftedness before their character was ready to handle them. Each of them had amazing “success” for a season, but then had a tragic fall when the reality of their character broke through the façade of giftedness. Character matters far more than outward giftedness.

                Jesus made that clear in Luke 6:43-45. "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

                James highlighted this reality when he pointed out that the origin of sin is within us, not outside of us. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15)        

                Deeply embedded in Jesus’ sermon on the mount is the truth that character matters. We can put on a false front but if our heart is not right the truth will eventually come to light. So, Paul challenges us to do some spiritual house cleaning. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

                The point is not for us to become character police for others, but to take an honest look at our own character. What allows us to place people with flawed character into positions of authority is our own flawed character. When we develop a truly godly character we are blessed with the gift of discernment. Discernment is not sitting in judgement of others, but the ability to recognize when things are not right. Discernment can raise a red flag to stop us from moving forward, or a yellow flag that cautions us to slow down. Godly discernment causes us to treat others with kindness and compassion, rather than judgement and criticism.

                Paul gave us sound advice when we encounter those who may be headed in the wrong direction, whether they are a leader or a follower. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1) A person with a godly character will always seek to correct and restore the other person rather than punish them.

                As I have listened to these podcasts about fallen leaders, it has caused me to examine my own character. There is the temptation for me to take some delight or pleasure in their fall, but that is the wrong response. My first response should be to grieve, both for the fallen leader and for the Church. Then I need to look carefully at my own character and ministry. Where have I strayed into a spiritual ego trip that has caused damage to others’ walk with Christ? Where have I sought my own glory instead of the glory of God? How can I discipline myself so that my character is growing more and more Christlike? Ultimately, at the end of the day, character matters far more than a façade of outward success. God’s will for us is not that we would be successful, but that we would be whole and holy.

Colossians 1:9-10

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

 

BEARING FRUIT

 John 15:8

    This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

                When we bought our new home, one of the things that I was very excited about was that we had fruit trees; apple, cherry, pear, and peach. In anticipation of a harvest of fruit, I fertilized and sprayed our fruit trees. In the end, my results were less than successful. Our apple tree died. One of our cherry trees produced about a dozen small cherries, with worms. Our pear tree, which had been prolific the year before, produced three or four pears. Finally, our peach tree produced a dozen small peaches, which would not win any beauty contests. Let’s just say that I was disappointed, but I will do my best to get better results next summer.

                Jesus said that it was the Father’s will that his disciples would bear much fruit. His focus was not on peaches and pears, but on spiritual fruit. My experience with my fruit trees may shed some light on the process of bearing spiritual fruit in our lives. There are basically three lessons that we can learn from my fruit trees.

                First, we need to do our part to create a positive environment for fruit to grow and mature. Being a novice at growing fruit trees, I did some research to discover what steps I should take. I learned that if I wanted healthy trees, I needed to fertilize them in the Fall and in the Spring. So I went out and bought fertilizer specially formulated for fruit trees. I also discovered that my fruit trees needed a regular dose of water (surprise, surprise). Fortunately, the former owner of our house installed an irrigation system, which allowed me to water my trees freely.

                When it comes to bearing spiritual fruit, we need to do out part to create a positive environment for fruit to grow and mature. We need to be fed and watered spiritually through personal Bible study, corporate worship, and active service (spiritual exercise).

                The second thing that I learned was that I needed to do my part to eliminate negative influences on my fruit trees, in the form of parasites and fungus. So I went to the nursery and bought some fruit tree spray. I faithfully sprayed my trees according to the guidelines I was given.

                If we want to bear spiritual fruit, we need to do our part to eliminate the negative influences that would stifle our growth. Obviously, we need to deal with any known sin in our lives. We need to keep short accounts with God and with those around us. We also need to pay attention to what other influences we are allowing to speak into our lives. In our negative, combative world, we can get swept along by some unhealthy waves. Instead, we need to heed Paul’s admonition. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) The voices that we allow to speak into our lives will shape the kind of fruit we produce. If those voices are negative and condemning, we will produce distorted fruit. If those voices are positive and affirming, we will produce good fruit.

                The last thing I learned was that I am not in control of the fruit. I did everything that I knew to do to produce good fruit, yet my results were less than satisfactory. There were things at work outside of my control that hindered a good harvest this year. I am hoping for better results next year.

                When it comes to bearing spiritual fruit, we are not in control of the outcome, God is. Jesus made this very clear in John 15. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:5-6) The essential element for bearing good fruit is remaining attached to the vine, to Jesus. We can do all of the right things, but if we are doing them independently, in our own strength, we will not produce good fruit. It is only as we stay connected with Jesus that His power and strength will flow through us to produce the fruit that we want and He desires.  

                A side note. I have (or had) four different kinds of fruit trees in my yard. They produced four different kinds of fruit. When I was a child, growing up in church, I got the idea that there was only one kind of spiritual fruit; leading someone to faith in Jesus. That idea put a lot of spiritual pressure on me to perform, which I did badly. I have come to realize that there are different kinds of spiritual fruit that God wants to produce in my life. There is the fruit of a character that is being conformed to the image of Christ. There is the fruit of active service to God and others. There is the fruit of a loving community that displays the glory of God. And there is the fruit of introducing others to Christ. But remember, we do not save anyone. All we can do is create the environment where a person can encounter Christ on their own. It is God, through the Holy Spirit, who works to transform a life once they have responded to His call. We are the conduits through which God’s grace is extended to them, but the results are in God’s hands.

                God’s desire for everyone of His children is that we would bear much fruit. He will accomplish that in us if we don’t get in the way by trying to produce spiritual fruit on our own. He is the vine and we are the branches. So, do your part to be ready to bear fruit, then relax and let Christ do His work in you.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

SIMPLE FAITH

 Luke 7:40-48

Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."

"Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."

"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

                Let’s be honest. Life is complicated, and it is getting more complicated every day. With new technologies come new learning curves. The pace of change and innovation can become overwhelming. Soon we find ourselves discouraged by our lack of ability to stay on top of all that is going on. In the face of this complicated world, many people are looking for a simpler lifestyle.

                What is going on in the world in general is going on in the Church as well. “Church” has become more complicated, and often more confusing. As a pastor, I have been bombarded with many “new innovations” for doing church. Each new book, each new conference adds a layer of complexity and expectation upon church leaders and congregations. Some churches have chosen to not play the game, and have been left behind. Some churches have embraced the new concepts and are in a state of constant change. Most churches are in the middle, struggling to adapt to their changing world as best as they can, but often feeling discouraged.

                What has happened with the “administration” side of church has also happened with the theological side of church. I have been a student of theology for many years. I read books on theology and try to process what I am being taught. This too has been an overwhelming task. Each approach to theology claims to be the correct approach. Each one claims to be biblically based. Yet they are often incompatible. Strong voices are forcing believers to “take sides” in the struggle for theological prominence. It is no wonder that normal, everyday believers are confused, discouraged, and sometimes give up. Many are longing for a simpler faith.

                In Jesus’ day, The Pharisees were the chief theologians. They set the standards for spiritual life for the people. Their theology was very precise, involved, and overwhelming. Only the most dedicated could live up to the high standard that had been established. This left most of the people on the outside looking in.

                When Jesus entered the scene, he began to openly challenge the unreasonable demands of the Pharisees and religious leaders. Luke 11 records some of Jesus’ harsh words for those who were setting the standards of religious conduct. Luke 11: 46 is a good summary of his critique of the religious climate of his day. Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.

                What Jesus offered to the people was a chance at simple faith. It wasn’t that Jesus watered down what it means to be righteous. In fact, he raised the standard higher than anyone. What he offered was a way to reach that standard, and it was simple; come follow me. The only way that a person could ever live up to God’s standard was if God did it for him or her; and that is what Jesus did.

                In the passage above, we read about an interaction that took place when Jesus was invited to dine at the home of a Pharisee. A women of questionable reputation came into the home and anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume, then wiped them with her hair. The Pharisee was aghast that Jesus would allow such a thing. This woman fell far short of the standards for righteous living. But Jesus turned the tables on the Pharisee.

                Jesus pointed out that this woman understood her great need and responded to Jesus’ great love. The Pharisee was blind to his great need because of his religious façade, and so failed to respond to Jesus. The Pharisee had complicated faith with hundreds of rules to be followed. The woman knew she could never fulfill all of the rules, but in simple faith came to Jesus.

                Theology is an important tool. It helps us to understand ourselves in relationship to a Holy God. But it can become a barrier to genuine faith. We can use theology to divide us into competing camps, instead of leading us to the feet of Jesus. When we focus on our perceived righteousness it becomes a barrier to simple faith. When we understand just how far we are away from true righteousness, we respond to Jesus in simple faith. As Jesus said in Mark 10:15, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

                Simple faith is not simplistic faith. Simple faith is taking Jesus at his word. It is receiving what Jesus wants to give us without all the trappings of self-righteousness. It is understanding our need and then in faith turning to the only one who can take care of our need.

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

NEVER GIVE UP

 Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

                On October 29, 1941, Winston Churchill visited his old school, Harrow, and addressed the assembled student body. England was embroiled in war and the people of England were facing enormous challenges. Under those circumstances, Churchill gave one of his most memorable speeches. He challenged the students with these words. “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” It was with that spirit that Churchill led his nation from the brink of disaster to the pinnacle of victory.

                We are living in challenging times. We are in an ongoing war with a pandemic that does not want to loosen its grip on our world. We are facing the challenges of global unrest as we pull out of Afghanistan and watch as the Taliban assert their will on that country. We struggle with the flood of people, gathering on our southern border, fleeing all kinds of persecution and hardship, seeking a safe haven within our borders. In many ways, these are discouraging times.

                During such times, we have two choices. We can give in to despair and discouragement or we can face the challenge with determination and faith. The message that Churchill gave to the students at Harrow echoes the message that the Apostle Paul gave to us. Never, never, never give up.

                Paul reminds us that the way we choose to face the challenges of life will shape the outcome. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8) If we give in to discouragement and bitterness, we will foster more discouragement and bitterness. If we choose the path of faith and confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be rewarded with a stronger faith and greater confidence.  

                We need to remember that our hope is not in a political system or economic might, but in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Our hope rests in the arms of Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. The writer of Hebrews challenges us during times like this to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3)

                So how do we face the challenges that are before us? We do it by actively living out our faith in every aspect of our lives. As Hebrews also says, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:22-24)

                In a very practical sense, Paul challenges us to take the path of positive action instead of negative reaction.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:

"It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21)

                 The first several years of WWII were some of the darkest times in England’s history. Yet they persevered until defeat was turned into victory. We know that we are already have the victory through Jesus Christ. Our enemy has been defeated. So as we face the challenges before us, never, never. never give up!

1 Corinthians 15:57-58

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.