When we think about pride I think each of us would come to the conclusion that it truly is as Charles Spurgeon once said "a groundless thing". Yet despite that it is displayed in each one of us. Look back to the disciples and see how even they struggled with this distorting sin. In Mark we read about how each of them fought over who was the greatest among them. Jesus soon reminded them that "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." This was a new way of thinking even for His 12. James and John asked Christ for a place next to him when he ruled, this too demonstrates their high view of themselves. Their requests to the Lord could have been one of strength during suffering or comfort during trial but they instead selfishly ask for something that manifests their prideful hearts.
Jesus, in his gentle love redefines true greatness. It isn't what the world would look at as "great" but rater what the God of the universe would be pleased by. "What I find especially fascinating and instructive in His next words is that Jesus does not categorically criticize or forbid the desire and ambition to be great. Instead, He clearly redirects that ambition to be great" (Mahaney). Jesus uses himself as the example for all, that He came not to be served but rather to serve many, in fact he came to give His very life as a ransom.
In the 21st century true greatness comes in the form of personal success, self-sufficiency, achievements in school, on the job, or self-righteousness. The Bible explains it much differently: "true greatness as biblically defined is serving others for the glory of God". What?!! That is definitely not something the world welcomes with open arms. Serving others is not something that is done often unless it is on public display for all to see so that those doing it can receive a pat on the back or a word of praise. Yet Mahaney reminds us that there are examples of true greatness all around us, we need to observe and strive to be like them. Think for a moment and I guarantee you will come up with a couple of people who remarkably display this true greatness in their lives. Thank God for that example and then strive to model it as well.
"To learn true humility, we need more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than a redefinition of greatness; we need even more than Jesus' personal example of humble service. What we need is His death" (Mahaney). Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus is the PERFECT example of true greatness. Our Christian service in ministry is to only draw attention to Him. Picture it for a moment, the Lord of the universe leading His disciples to the very place where He will be taken away to be nailed to a cross. Nobody is leading him or forcing him, he is leading the way. He explains to His disciples His coming death as a ransom in which the payment of the condemned sinner would take place. Think of Him saying, "You're lost. Your situation couldn't be more hopeless. And on your won, your incapable of altering or escaping it" (Mahaney). His death was necessary because ALL of humanity has been corrupted by sin and therefore condemned by God.
It is interesting to look at Mark 10 and find yourself in the "gallery of sinners". Whether you are James or John or the rich young ruler you (before Christ) were stained with sin. It is humanly impossible to free ourselves from sin...from pride, but the Savior's death paid the ransom, paid the price required...the life of God's ONLY Son. "How will God save? He will save by executing His Son--for the sake of the rich young rulers, for the sake of James and John, for the sake of ten indignant disciples, and for the sake of proud sinners like you and me" (Mahaney). "
"We go free! We're ransomed...liberated...forgiven of our sins. What a relief! And then we're transformed throughout our lifetimes into the image of His Son, serving others for the glory of God" (Mahaney). If you look at the life of the disciples after Christ's death you see a radical transformation...you see men who were willing to humble themselves, even to the point of death for the sake of the Gospel. What a radical example of a transformed heart by the cross of Christ.
"Consider your own life for a moment. Where would you be today if He hadn't ransomed you, if He hadn't liberated you? I'll tell you where. You would be self-sufficient, seeking to cultivate self-confidence for the purpose of self-glorification. But what has happened to you? If you've been genuinely converted, you've been forgiven and transformed...The cross ransoms, teh cross liberates, the cross transforms! So make it your aim and lifelong habit, when you see someone who's serving, to be reminded of the sacrifice of the Savior, for apart from His sacrifice there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating the Savior's example---and possible only by the Savior's sacrifice" (Mahaney).
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Our Greatest Friend, Our Greatest Enemy...The Battle of Humility Versus Pride (Part 1)
I just finished reading C.J. Mahaney's book Humility: True Greatness and have been challenged and encouraged in so many vital ways. After finishing I was excited to recommend this book to everyone I know who is passionately pursuing the Lord and decided what better way to share what I learned then to write a couple blogs on the general ideas presented in this book.
We live in a culture that rewards the proud, one that applauds our success' daily and a world that desires to label stars, athletes, politicians, and even ordinary people as "great". As Christians we usually live counter-culturally and it is no different in this instance. Christ does not demand pride and what the world labels "self esteem" but rather humility. Take for example Isaiah 66:2 "This is the one who I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."... A stark contrast to what society would say as honorable. Pride draws the attention of the world but as Mahaney puts, "humility draws the gaze of our Sovereign God". In this passage in Isaiah God is speaking to the Israelites, His chosen nation and people, reminding them that their privilege is not because of their own doing but rather because of God's mercy and choice.
Throughout Scripture God promises to help those that are humble. "He is aware of everything. He's also searching for something in particular, something that acts like a magnet to capture His attention and invite His active involvement. God is decisively drawn to humility. The one who is humble is the one who draws God's attention,and in a sense, drawing His attention means also attracting His grace..." (Mahaney). James 4:6 promises "God...gives grace to the humble!" what a promise. We need to stop with the idea of 'pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps' and realize that we need to humble ourselves and fully rely on the God of the universe.
Many try humility on for size. In fact it is almost like a dress up costume you wore when you were a child...you put it on in public for all to see...for example someone says great job on a play and you quickly remind them that 'anybody could have done it'...however on the inside you know you are only wearing a costume as pride billows beneath in your joy of being called "humble". What is humility? Humility as Mahanaey puts it, "is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfluness". Wow what a reality that truly is. Until we honestly look at the reality of these two things we will never be able to see past our pride. Pride destroys individuals, it destroys families, it destroys friendships, business' and churches.
Think back on one of your many prideful moments in life C.J. Mahaney brings forth one of his own...the time his car broke down and he had no idea what to do but to look "manly" he had to look in the engine and try and fix it himself, which of course came with no success. We need help, we are humans. We cannot do everything, in fact we can't do most things well and on our own. Pride was the first sin and for the most part is the root of all sin thereafter. In Isaiah 14 we read that the reason for Satan's rebellion was because he desired to ascend to heaven and be more beautiful and glorious then God. Pride, from God's view, is extremely serious...in fact it falls in Proverbs 6's list of the abominations to the Lord. He hates it! Why does God hate it? "Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him". God opposes it, in fact he is "actively opposed to it". Because God opposes it you can be sure that the proud will not escape discipline (His kids) and judgement (for the unbeliever).
God in His mercy warns about pride over and over again throughout Scripture. He explains why it is truly our greatest enemy and commands us to humble ourselves time and time again. It is only by His strength that this is possible. "By unmasking pride--as well as introducing us to humility, our greatest friend--God is laying out for us the path to true greatness, a path that we will see most clearly in our Savior's life and death".
We live in a culture that rewards the proud, one that applauds our success' daily and a world that desires to label stars, athletes, politicians, and even ordinary people as "great". As Christians we usually live counter-culturally and it is no different in this instance. Christ does not demand pride and what the world labels "self esteem" but rather humility. Take for example Isaiah 66:2 "This is the one who I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."... A stark contrast to what society would say as honorable. Pride draws the attention of the world but as Mahaney puts, "humility draws the gaze of our Sovereign God". In this passage in Isaiah God is speaking to the Israelites, His chosen nation and people, reminding them that their privilege is not because of their own doing but rather because of God's mercy and choice.
Throughout Scripture God promises to help those that are humble. "He is aware of everything. He's also searching for something in particular, something that acts like a magnet to capture His attention and invite His active involvement. God is decisively drawn to humility. The one who is humble is the one who draws God's attention,and in a sense, drawing His attention means also attracting His grace..." (Mahaney). James 4:6 promises "God...gives grace to the humble!" what a promise. We need to stop with the idea of 'pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps' and realize that we need to humble ourselves and fully rely on the God of the universe.
Many try humility on for size. In fact it is almost like a dress up costume you wore when you were a child...you put it on in public for all to see...for example someone says great job on a play and you quickly remind them that 'anybody could have done it'...however on the inside you know you are only wearing a costume as pride billows beneath in your joy of being called "humble". What is humility? Humility as Mahanaey puts it, "is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfluness". Wow what a reality that truly is. Until we honestly look at the reality of these two things we will never be able to see past our pride. Pride destroys individuals, it destroys families, it destroys friendships, business' and churches.
Think back on one of your many prideful moments in life C.J. Mahaney brings forth one of his own...the time his car broke down and he had no idea what to do but to look "manly" he had to look in the engine and try and fix it himself, which of course came with no success. We need help, we are humans. We cannot do everything, in fact we can't do most things well and on our own. Pride was the first sin and for the most part is the root of all sin thereafter. In Isaiah 14 we read that the reason for Satan's rebellion was because he desired to ascend to heaven and be more beautiful and glorious then God. Pride, from God's view, is extremely serious...in fact it falls in Proverbs 6's list of the abominations to the Lord. He hates it! Why does God hate it? "Pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him". God opposes it, in fact he is "actively opposed to it". Because God opposes it you can be sure that the proud will not escape discipline (His kids) and judgement (for the unbeliever).
God in His mercy warns about pride over and over again throughout Scripture. He explains why it is truly our greatest enemy and commands us to humble ourselves time and time again. It is only by His strength that this is possible. "By unmasking pride--as well as introducing us to humility, our greatest friend--God is laying out for us the path to true greatness, a path that we will see most clearly in our Savior's life and death".
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Learning Patience
Lets face it, in this fast paced "microwave" society of the 21st century we live in we aren't used to having to wait around for things...instead we get things when we want them which is pretty much immediately. If we are hungry we eat, if we are thirsty we get a drink, if we are tired we take a nap, if we want a song we download it online if we need a new shirt we go to the mall etc. Having to wait is just well out of the question. God makes me laugh quite often. I once heard a quote that said, if you want to make God laugh, tell God YOUR plans. My life as a disciple has been full of surprises, things I would have never expected but have turned out to be far exceeding anything I could have dreamed. God truly does know best. I sometimes have to take a step back and laugh at myself and wonder why I ever even try to plan...anyways, one lesson God seems to have to teach me over and over and OVER again is patience. My time frame is not God's time frame at all. Sometimes it is quicker and sometimes longer and sometimes He answers it completely differently. Merriam Webster defines patience as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, not hasty or impetuous, steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity, able or willing to bear". As I look at that definition I am again astonished at my sinfulness. The root of my impatience comes from a lack of trust in God's sovereignty which ultimately stems from a desire to be in control which comes from pride. I think I know best...would I ever say that? No, but my actions speak louder then words. Although I am actively striving to gain patience in my life it is a daily struggle and it is only by God's grace that I can withstand during my trials etc.
The following verses have encouraged me in my pursuit of gaining patience:
Samuel 12:16 "Now stand STILL and see the great thing the LORD will do before your eyes."
Psalm 37:7 "Wait and trust the LORD. Don't be upset when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed."
Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 130:5-6 "I wait for the LORD to help me, and I trust his word. I wait for the Lord to help me more than night watchmen wait for the dawn, more than night watchmen wait for the dawn."
Hebrews 6:12 "We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised."
James 1:2-4 "My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. 4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need."
I am definitely learning and seeking Him as I go. It is only by His grace that I am who I am and that I even have the ability to be able to trust Him and have patience. I have realized that patience is another character trait that sets us apart in this fallen world. As I continue to seek the Lord's strength each day and ask Him to enable me to be patience I find comfort in knowing that He is good and faithful and that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.
The following verses have encouraged me in my pursuit of gaining patience:
Samuel 12:16 "Now stand STILL and see the great thing the LORD will do before your eyes."
Psalm 37:7 "Wait and trust the LORD. Don't be upset when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed."
Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 130:5-6 "I wait for the LORD to help me, and I trust his word. I wait for the Lord to help me more than night watchmen wait for the dawn, more than night watchmen wait for the dawn."
Hebrews 6:12 "We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised."
James 1:2-4 "My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. 4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need."
I am definitely learning and seeking Him as I go. It is only by His grace that I am who I am and that I even have the ability to be able to trust Him and have patience. I have realized that patience is another character trait that sets us apart in this fallen world. As I continue to seek the Lord's strength each day and ask Him to enable me to be patience I find comfort in knowing that He is good and faithful and that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Full Time?
This morning at True North (high school ministry at Compass Bible Church), Pastor Bobby preached a deeply challenging message on what it means to be what he called "Full Time for Jesus". Often in our mindsets when we think of full time we think of a 40hr work week that includes breaks for holidays, weekends, and 6-8 hours of free time every evening. However no where in Scripture does it say that you get to take a break from ministry, discipleship, or the life that lives for Christ. Although we would NEVER say that we have the mindset in which we take "breaks" from our Christian walk the way we live would contradict that statement.
1 Corinthians 15:58 says "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."
What does that verse mean in the life of the believer? Lets take a brief look at three things...
1. STAY Steadfast in What You Believe
-Day in and day out live the Christian faith
-Stand firm like a rock!
-It is rare to find a Christian you can count on...be that Christian
-1 Peter 5:10 says, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." GOD is the one that will give you the ability to stay steadfast as we are commanded in Scripture
2. Be about your Father's Business
-What would people say you are about? School, Money, Sports or CHRIST and the furthering of the Gospel for His glory?
-What are you not to do?
a. Stop Living For Yourself- Die to yourself every day (Matthew 16:24-28)
b. Stop Sinning- don't be like the world anymore...repentance means CHANGE
-What was Jesus about? Luke 2:41-47 shows us a perfect example that Jesus was about His Father's business
-Ephesians 4:11-13 says, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
-Always means 100% of your time!
-Fully means 100% of your heart
3.Have Confidence that EVERYTHING You Do in Christ Matters
-It matters for God's glory
-It matters for the edification and blessing of others
-It matters for your eternal reward (Mark 9:41 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."
Are you full time for Jesus? Is everything you are about Him and His glory and kingdom? Do you believe that it is better to give than receive? Do you serve others every chance you get? I challenge you to evaluate your life and see how you might be all about your father's business!!!
1 Corinthians 15:58 says "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."
What does that verse mean in the life of the believer? Lets take a brief look at three things...
1. STAY Steadfast in What You Believe
-Day in and day out live the Christian faith
-Stand firm like a rock!
-It is rare to find a Christian you can count on...be that Christian
-1 Peter 5:10 says, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." GOD is the one that will give you the ability to stay steadfast as we are commanded in Scripture
2. Be about your Father's Business
-What would people say you are about? School, Money, Sports or CHRIST and the furthering of the Gospel for His glory?
-What are you not to do?
a. Stop Living For Yourself- Die to yourself every day (Matthew 16:24-28)
b. Stop Sinning- don't be like the world anymore...repentance means CHANGE
-What was Jesus about? Luke 2:41-47 shows us a perfect example that Jesus was about His Father's business
-Ephesians 4:11-13 says, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
-Always means 100% of your time!
-Fully means 100% of your heart
3.Have Confidence that EVERYTHING You Do in Christ Matters
-It matters for God's glory
-It matters for the edification and blessing of others
-It matters for your eternal reward (Mark 9:41 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."
Are you full time for Jesus? Is everything you are about Him and His glory and kingdom? Do you believe that it is better to give than receive? Do you serve others every chance you get? I challenge you to evaluate your life and see how you might be all about your father's business!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Wisdom of God
I am currently reading the book The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. So far it has been a theologically challenging book as I have come to better understand the character and attributes of God. One particular attribute that has left me baffled yet encouraged is His wisdom. Tozer explains that we need to hold to the truth of God's infinte wisdom in order to understand God. We cannot only hold to that understanding but in faith and prayer we must bring that into our every day experiences. "To believe actively that our Heavenly Father constantly spreads around us providential circumstances that work for our present good and our everlasting well being brings to the sould a veritable benedication. Most of us go through life praying little, planning a little, jockeying for position, hoping but never being quite certain of anything, and always secretly afraid that we will miss the way. This is a tragic waste of truth and never gives rest to the heart. There is a better way. It is to repudiate our own wisdom and take instead the infinite wisdom of God. Our insistence upon seeing ahead is natural enough, but it is a real hindrance to our spiritual progress. God has charged Himself with full repsonsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn to faith to Him."
God constantly encourages us to TRUST Him! Why is it that it is so difficult to trust an all-knowing, all-powerful, never-changing God? In our fleshly nature we fail to realize that the God who was faithful to save us from eternity apart from Him is faithful to guide us in the small things as well as the big. We must cling to God's character and by His Word and through faith trust in His wisdom!
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his."Job 12:13
God constantly encourages us to TRUST Him! Why is it that it is so difficult to trust an all-knowing, all-powerful, never-changing God? In our fleshly nature we fail to realize that the God who was faithful to save us from eternity apart from Him is faithful to guide us in the small things as well as the big. We must cling to God's character and by His Word and through faith trust in His wisdom!
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his."Job 12:13
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
