THE NEED FOR DISCERNMENT

 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

                We live in a world of trends and fads and “influencers.” Whatever is the latest thing to come along is assumed to be the best thing. So much of our lives are shaped by the so-called trend setters that we often don’t every see it. We just follow along blindly, accepting whatever is given to us as the latest thing.

                In some areas of life, this is relatively harmless. Fashion trends come and go, and really don’t make a lasting impact on our lives. But subtly, under the surface, is a movement that is leading us into deeper waters. Technology is an example of how trends can shape us. There are two “hidden” agendas of technology that are masked by the hype of the newest and the best. The first is the idea that whatever we have now is not good enough. I have to have the newest iPhone or my life isn’t fulfilled. This is fostering a consumer mentality that is great for industry, but can be devastating to the financial well-being of individuals. 

            The greater threat, as I see it, is our increased dependence upon technology. Technology is a great tool and a diabolical master. The more dependent we are on technology the less we develop our skills of thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. We don’t have to learn things any more, we can just Google them. With the rise of AI, we face even a greater threat to our intellectual health. AI can write our research papers and deal with our correspondence without us having to put much effort into the process. I point out technology not as the ultimate evil, but as an example of how we are losing our ability to think for ourselves.

                In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he prays a powerful prayer for them that applies to us today. At the heart of Paul’s prayer is a request for discernment so that we can see what is best. The foundation of discernment is a growing love for God and others that results in greater and greater knowledge and understanding. The love that Paul refers to is not self-love, but an outward focused love that looks beyond the boundaries of our small, personal universe. The more that we know and love God, the more our insight into life is deepened and expanded. Through the lens of God’s wisdom, we can see things as they really are and not be fooled by a flashy façade.

                Paul says that the outcome of this growing love for God is genuine discernment. It helps us to see things more clearly so that we can distinguish between the good, the better, and the best. Often, we forfeit the best by settling for the good. Paul challenges us to seek the best, to have our lives purified so that we can become more and more like Christ. As Paul said in Romans 12:2, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Godly discernment allows us to be transformed in our mind so that we think and act differently from the world around us.

                The goal of discernment is for us to be filled with the fruit of righteousness in Christ Jesus. When we purchased our home, we inherited a number of fruit trees. The first couple of years we lived in our home the fruit trees did not produce much fruit. But the more I have learned about caring for fruit trees, the quality and amount of the fruit that they produced has increased. This year I had the best harvest of peaches I have ever had. The ability to discern what is best in life is like learning to care for my fruit trees. The more we see things from God’s perspective, the more spiritual fruit we will produce. It will look like a transformed, more loving character. It will also look like better relationships and a  greater, positive influence within those relationships.

                Through the years I have heard it said that Christians are mindless. They just blindly follow along with whatever the church tells them. In fact, one of our former Presidents actually called Christians ignorant. As I look around at our society today, what I see is a mindless population who just follows along with whatever the latest trend-setters tell them, without thinking things through for themselves. Whoever has the loudest voice, the biggest platform, or the most popularity wins the day. As followers of Jesus, we cannot afford to be mindless. We need to pray, with Paul, for godly discernment, so that we can see what is best, and then passionately pursue it to the glory of God.

The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning.
Proverbs 14:6 (NIV)

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Proverbs 14:8 (NIV)

 

RESPONDING TO VERBAL ATTACKS

 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)

                All of us have a built-in knee jerk reaction when we feel like someone is verbally attacking us. Our first response is to defend ourselves and our second response is to go on the attack and retaliate. The rise of social media has been like pouring gas on the fire. It has freed many people to lash out at others with unkind words. These are then often countered by more unkind words. This leads to an escalation of the situation, which never turns out good.

                Some parts of the church in America have chosen the path of verbal confrontation. In the face of the multitude of social changes we are facing and the perceived attack upon Christianity specifically and morality in general, some have chosen to fight fire with fire. The result has been a pretty ugly escalation of negative rhetoric that has done nothing to advance the cause of Christ in the world.

                Jesus set a very different example for us to follow. Although Jesus did, at times, confront the religious leaders of his day, in the main he responded in gentleness and self-restraint. This was exhibited monumentally at his mock trial and unjust execution on the cross.

                In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to take a counter-cultural approach to verbal attacks. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 (NIV) For much of my younger life, I assumed that Jesus was talking about a physical act of violence. That understanding caused me to not defend myself when I was harassed by a bully in junior high. Although Jesus would not condone violence for violence, what he was referring to in the statement above was being insulted. To slap someone across the cheek was the ultimate form of insult. Jesus said, instead of reacting as the world would react, choose to refuse to be insulted. The real power of an insult is our reaction to it. If we choose not to react negatively, it deflates the power of the insult.

                In no way do we want to condone verbal abuse, but at the same time, we do not want to escalate it either. Our response to verbal abuse needs to be firm, measured, and in control. Proverbs reminds us that the way we react will set the course for what happens next.

Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. As charcoal to embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. Proverbs 26:20-21 (NIV)

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)

                Often people attack us wanting to illicit a negative reaction that they can leverage for their own ends. When it comes to our faith, there are those who are looking for any reason to discredit it. When we respond in negative ways, we are only fueling an anti-Christian agenda.

                James challenges us to stay in control and not allow anger to take over. My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20 (NIV) We often say things in anger that we later wish we could take back, but it is too late.

                We need to discipline ourselves to be restrained and trust God to intervene on our behalf. Just as it says in 1 Peter 2:23 above, we need to entrust ourselves to God and leave justice in his hands. As much as is possible we need to respond to negative people in positive ways. As Paul says in Romans 12: Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 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 12:17-21 (NIV)

 

TIME MOVES ON

 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

               This past weekend, Suanne and I drove to Ohio to visit my sister-in-law. We went to encourage her and to help her continue to process the death of her husband, my brother. During our conversation, she mentioned that they had wanted to take a cruise in Alaska; it was on their bucket list. Then she commented, we thought we had more time. One of the things that the death of my brother has brought to the forefront is that we all have limited time, and none of us know when that time will be up.

               In Psalm 90, Moses reflects upon the temporary and transient nature of our lives. Although time goes on, our time does not. In light of eternity our lives are just a dot, a blip on the timeline of history. As Moses says, “The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 (NIV) Then one verse later he asks God to “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

               The average lifespan of a person living in America today is still only in the 70’s or 80’s, even though more people are living into their 90’s and even 100’s. Even if a person lives to be 100, their life is still fleeting. We look back across our life and wonder where the time went. We often speak of children growing up so fast, yet all of us are traveling at the same speed. The difference is that most of the time we are not paying attention. One day we are 21 with hopes and dreams for our life ahead, and the next day we are 70 and wondering what happened.

               Moses calls us to wake up and take the measure of our days. Each day is either an investment in something greater or an expenditure that is gone forever. How we spend our days matters to God and it should matter to us. He has given us a certain number of days to build a godly character that will be fully realized in eternity. We have limited time to invest in things that really matter. Moses says, be wise in how you use your time.

               James is a little more blunt as he calls us to get our act together.

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
James 4:13-17 (NIV)

               James is reminding us that we are not in total control of out time. We can make our plans, but it is God’s plan that will ultimately prevail. If our plans are selfish, they will amount to nothing in the end. But if we submit our plans to God and allow Him to guide us, our plans will be productive.

               Paul chimes into the conversation by encouraging us to make the most of the time God has given to us. Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) We could rephrase Paul’s last line to say, because the days are short.

               Someone has said, the problem with life is that it is so daily. One moment follows another, followed by another. We cannot hit pause or rewind. Time goes on no matter what we do. It is unrealistic to try to live every moment of every day in some kind of significant, meaningful activity. But we can, in broad brush strokes, live our lives intentionally, seeking to honor God and serve others by how we live. We only have so many days on this earth. We should learn to live them wisely.

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,
Colossians 1:9-10 (NIV)

 

What does it mean to be “Christian”?

 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Acts 2:17 (NIV)

                The word “Christian” has taken on many meanings, some good and some not so good. For many people in the world, “Christian” is equated to being Western. The term “Christian” has been linked to being religious, conservative, traditional, and even Republican. For some it means living a moral life. For those of us who are people of faith, “Christian” means to be a follower of Jesus the Christ.

                The question I want to explore is, what does the word “Christian” really mean? The term “Christian” was first applied to followers of Jesus in Antioch. The church there was the first Gentile church, although there would have been Jewish believers in the church as well. In this context, the term “Christian” meant little Christs. It may have been used as a derogatory term by the general public.

                If we are going to understand what “Christian” means, we need to take a close look at the term it is based on, Christ. Christ is the Greek version of the Hebrew word Messiah. Both words mean “the anointed one”. In the Old Testament the idea of an anointed one is a powerful image. There were basically three groups of people who were anointed with oil, in this way set apart for special service. The first were the priests, beginning with Aaron and his sons. They were anointed in order to represent the people before God in acts of worship. The second group that was anointed were the kings. They were set apart to rule the people on behalf of God. The third group that was anointed were prophets and they were set apart to proclaim the message of God to the people. Each of these people were intended to be a bridge between God and humanity, between heaven and earth.

                Especially during the time of the exile, the concept of the ultimate anointed one developed. The people of God began to look forward to the coming of the one who would take on all three roles and rescue them from their oppressors and lead the people back to their true identity as the people of God. We know that Jesus is the one who God sent to be The Anointed One, the Christ.

                In addition to people being anointed, there were objects that were anointed with oil to be set apart for special service to God. In particular, the Tabernacle with all of its furnishings and the Temple with all of its furnishings were anointed with oil as places set apart as a meeting place with God, an interface between heaven and earth.

                If I may extend these ideas, to be “Christian” is to be one of the anointed ones. Instead of being anointed with oil, we have been anointed with the Holy Spirit to be a bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity.

                Before Jesus left this earth, He promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to anoint them with power to proclaim the word of God. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NIV) This is what happened at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the believers and they began to proclaim the word of God in various languages.

                So, what does it mean for me to be “Christian”? Christians are people who have been anointed by God through the Holy Spirit to be a bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity. We have been set apart for special service. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) In this verse, Peter combines all three of the classic “anointed ones” into one group of people.

                We have been selected by God to be His representatives in the world. We are royal in that we have been given the responsibility to connect our community to the Living God. We are a priesthood given the responsibility to lead others in worship of the Living God. And we are prophets, charged with proclaiming God’s truth to the world. Above all, we have been set apart from the mundane of the world to be used by God to accomplish His purposes.

                I have been listening to The Bible Project podcast on the topic of anointing, which is what has sparked my thinking. I have been challenged to ask the question, in what way have I been a bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity? Too often I have viewed being a Christian from the viewpoint of what I can get out of it. My focus has been inward. It has been all about my personal relationship with Jesus. This aspect is important and true, but it misses the outward aspect of my faith. I have been anointed by the Holy Spirit to be a bridge between heaven and earth.

                Being Christian is more than living a moral life. It is more than being religious. And it is far more than aligning with a particular social group or political party. Being Christian is living the life of Christ, a life of sacrificial love toward those around me. It means laying down my life for others, so that they can cross the bridge between heaven and earth, so that they can see God.

                To be anointed with oil was serious business. It was never taken lightly or administered haphazardly. To be an anointed one was to shoulder a great responsibility; to be held accountable to God alone. To be a Christian, in the true sense of the word, is serious business. It is to be called into a profound relationship with God and to be set apart for His service. There are great benefits, eternal benefits, to being a Christian. But we should never forget what it means to be one of the anointed ones. We have a responsibility to be a bridge between heaven and earth, between God and humanity.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)