A Qualified Endorser

Since the advent of the television, there has been the commercial. Commercials sometimes can prove to be annoyances rather than vehicles that connect the consumer to the best products. Today, a marriage between the entertainment and advertising industry has occurred where celebrities are becoming walking endorsements. However, unknown individuals exist who become the face and voice of a particular product or brand name. 

Regardless of the company, they have an expectation that those who endorse their product will lead a life that is reflective of the advertiser. However, we have seen individuals throughout the years who lost their positions as product endorsers because of misdeeds in their personal lives.

What does this have to do with the Christian? It is simple. When we receive Christ, we instantly become spokespersons for God’s timeless product of salvation. Thus, God expects us to be representatives of this salvation even when we are not in front of the camera; that is, involved in religious activities or among other Christians. 

As Christians, we have to abstain from worldly lusts and demonstrate love, integrity, and character in our lives. This is how we remain respected endorsers of the work of Christ.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:1-3 (KJV)

If we continually disobey the Word and choose our own ways and thoughts, we can be removed from service. If we are unfruitful in our Christian walk, Christ taught that one could be removed; that is, from effectual service in Him.

The Christian’s desire must be to please God, that He may use his/her life in any manner. In all that is said and done, let it represent God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Hence, the question remains, Are you a qualified endorser of the gospel message? Does your lifestyle misrepresent the gospel message? Just know that you can make a difference as your life reflects the Christian faith.

Time for Self-Check: Reflecting on Your Walk with Christ

Life brings controversy; that is, opposition, resistance and perplexing situations. However, the Christian must master the inevitable trials, tests, and frustrations and remain dedicated to Christian living and service. In order to remain dedicated, continual self-examination is needed.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Cor 13:5 (KJV)

Self-examination always leads to questions. These questions should challenge you to look at yourself in a candid fashion. Responding truthfully will keep you focused despite the inevitabilities of life. One important question that should arise through self-evaluation is “What is my dedication level?”

Dedication strengthens your resolve to stand during tough times. Christians have to appreciate the Value of Dedication. It helps stabilize your life when things around you are out of control. So, that even as a Christian, you can continue to grow in faith and knowledge when the world around you seems to be in chaos.

In order to answer the question “What is my dedication level?” - You have to know specifically what should you be dedicated to. In the Christian walk, our dedication can be measured by three areas of interest. If you consider these areas, then you will be able to say unashamedly that you are a dedicated follower of Christ even when life is unfavorable. We will examine each briefly.

Dedicated to Christ. Dedication begins with an unwavering devotion to Christ. You have to be dedicated to His commands and commission. The goal of your existence has to be to please Him. Why? There is an eternal reward. If your daily existence is not characterized by this mindset, then you are not dedicated totally. You will crumble when the inevitable tough times arise.

Dedicated to Development. When you give your life to Christ, a dedication to spiritual growth and development in the faith is vital. The only way one can grow is through the study of the Word and through prayer. So, you have to evaluate your prayer life. Is it healthy and vibrant? You have to examine your time in reading the scriptures. Do you make excuses for not reading? Your dedication level is small if you are not willing to challenge yourself to grow personally in the Christian faith. Consequently, you will bow to difficulties.

Dedicated to Christian Service. Christian service cannot be separated from the Christian faith. Regardless of your activities in the church, from preaching to feeding the hungry, you have to be dedicated. It is not always easy because you may have to serve in light of the negative responses of people and unfavorable conditions. This is where dedication becomes crucial.

Dedication does require personal sacrifice and commitment. However, in light of all that God did for us in Christ, it is worth the effort. Challenge yourself on this day that your level of dedication in the faith will increase despite the challenges of life and ministry.

An Acceptable Sacrifice: Reflections on Cain and Abel

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Have you ever met individuals who want maximum results with little effort? In schools, there are students who stay up late and study hard while others cram and procrastinate. Yet, those who procrastinate are upset when the others achieve high marks.

You wonder why would they be upset with the others and not with themselves, seeing that they did not put in the necessary time, energy, and effort. Yet, this happens not only in education, but in all areas of life. They do not give their best but want the best. This same scenario is even found in the lives of Christians.

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Gen 4:5 (KJV)

The story of Cain and Abel is a clear representation of this phenomenon. Abel brought God his best and it was received. Conversely, Cain brought whatever he wanted and it was not received; Cain got upset. Today, examine your walk with Christ. Are you upset at other Christians who seem to be successful in their walk with God? It is probably because they are bringing God their best. But the “best” does not reside only in the quality of service, but in the character behind the service. Cain lacked both.

Remember, in the story of Cain and Abel, they each did bring an offering. So, our best is not revealed in performing religious activities and devotion, but in our attitude and approach. To bring God your best is to do it with the right motives and a sincere heart. Cain did not bring his best offering due to his attitude, while Abel’s proper attitude was revealed in him bringing the best.

The Christian, today, has to be honest. When you pray, read, serve, minister, and attend services, are you bringing God your best? Again, this is revealed in your attitude and approach. These are affected by your level of spiritual growth and development. Your character as a Christian will directly influence whether you are bringing God your best.

Do you render service and remain faithful to God out of necessity, fear, or from a pure heart with gladness? Gladness of heart comes from a place of mature character. David encouraged the worshippers to “serve the Lord with gladness.”

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalms 100:2 (KJV)

If not your service is not in gladness, ask for help and forgiveness because He will bless, heal, and restore. As you continue to develop your character, you can only “Bring God Your Best.”

The Art of Endurance

        In athletics, there are events that measure success by the speed, strength, and ability. However, there are events, which are a matter of endurance, rather than pure skill or ability. In many of the strongman competitions, certain events not only require skill, but endurance. Not only must the competitor be able to lift or carry the weight, but also they have to do it for a sustained amount of time. Thus, their ability to lift or carry becomes secondary to being able to endure the weight. The same applies to the Christian today.

        We learn the scriptures and spiritual truth, but many do not know how to endure hardships and challenges. We gain skill, knowledge, and understanding, but in the time of testing do not last. Every Christian has to learn The Art of Endurance as they grow in God’s grace and knowledge. Without endurance, the Christian can possess spiritual insight and knowledge, but cannot last long enough to see the fruits of it flourish in life. There are six aspects to the Art of Endurance. The Christian, who understands these, will be successful in their walk with Christ.

1) Endurance is a prerequisite to eternal salvation. Jesus stated that the one, who endures to the end, shall be saved. He did not say the one who did more or knew more. Thus, one major aspect of endurance is that it guarantees entrance into eternal life.

2) Endurance brings stability during uncertain times. Endurance helps one to maintain their pursuits in this life in the midst of adversities. Endurance helps one to see beyond the pain and see the promises of Christ and the hopes and dreams of tomorrow.

3) Endurance guards against the desire to quit. Endurance has the motto that “Quitting is not an Option,” which stifles the desire to give up and quit.

4) Endurance helps to revive faith. Endurance gives the user a since of faith. Endurance causes an individual to remember the Word of God and His personal promises.

5) Endurance brings the believer closer to perfection in Christ. Endurance causes an individual to look past hurts, disappointments, and ungodly desires. Thus, bring a greater level of purity, morality, and holiness in Christian living.

6) Endurance is a guarantee of success in spiritual warfare. Endurance causes believers to outlast every attack of the enemy. One of his tactics is to cause believers to let down their guards and allow him to dominate their lives. But, if the Christian endures, the warfare of the enemy will not accomplish what it is sent to do.

        Yes. Life does bring problems, both great and small. Sometimes, hardships and trials can last for years and it seems as if there will be no end. However, remember the Art of Endurance. It will be worth it in the end. Remember, our walk with Christ has promise in this life and in the life that is to come.

SEAL THE RECORD: OVERCOMING THE PAST

 

    The foundation of any established organization is good bookkeeping. And, a sign of good bookkeeping is confidentiality. In the government, when certain events took place, though they maintain internal records, they sealed them from view in external records. These files are not open to the general public or general inspection. In essence, what they are saying is that the events that took place are between them and the involved party. The question maybe asked, “What does this have to do with our overcoming fears?” 

         And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of
         all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. Luke 4:20 (KJV) 

        The answer is simple: There are many people in the Body of Christ who need to seal the book on past sins and failures; and in some cases, on present struggles and weaknesses. Some people are fearful of repercussions of their pasts and keep reliving it over and over again. It comes up in the form of “would have, could have, and should have.” Yet, there is another group who feel that in order to be “REAL” they need to expose past indiscretions and present struggles. However, wisdom is needed in this regard because two negative outcomes may manifest: Exposing present weaknesses invites unnecessary temptations and trials. Some people have opened up to individuals for help and were taken advantage of, or they were ridiculed and belittled. 

        Some people use exposing present weaknesses as an invitation to sin. Be careful of people who tell you they can trust you with their innermost details. Sometimes they are sharing with you to give you a personal invitation into ungodliness. You need to tell them to “Seal the Record.” The reason we can seal the record is because of what Jesus did when He entered the synagogue and read from Isaiah. He opens the book and reads a five-fold description of the deliverance He offers. 

1) Preach to the Poor – Those who feel the least in this world can be made rich through the knowledge of Him. 

2) Heal the Brokenhearted – Those who have been emotionally scarred, bruised, and hurt can be liberated.

3) Preach deliverance to the Captives – Those who are captive to lifestyles, mind-sets, and even people can be freed through Him. 

4) Recovery of sight – Those who have been blinded by sin and the devil can gain spiritual sight and insight so that they can understand who they are in Him. 

5) Set at liberty the bruised – Those who are trodden down and wearied by life and suffering from all matter of afflictions can be set free through Him. After Jesus’ reading, the text tells us that He closed the book. By interpretation, it reveals that His work of total deliverance is complete if we receive it. 

    Jesus already closed the book. Do not stay in jail when the door has been opened. Again, Seal the Record on things of the past, present struggles, and future worries because faithful is He that is called you and He will also do it.

Love Not the World: Maintaining Loyalty to Christ

Christians have to be on guard against the allures of the world. Every Christian has to ask himself, “Do I Love the World?” If so, one has to turn from this and give 100 percent to their Christian walk. In essence, one has to become a “sell-out.”

When we usually hear the term “sell-out,” it is usually in a derogatory manner. Someone who is a sell-out has forsaken an alliance for another. We have to become “sell-outs” for Christ. We have to remain commitment to Christ and the faith. We have to forsake the world and the lusts thereof. If we are not careful, the world will ensnare us with its enticements.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (I John 2:15)

We have to break our allegiance with the world. We cannot think, act, and live as unbelievers. In addition, we have to become sell-outs to friends and family at times; if not, we will not be able to say assuredly that we do not love the world. We cannot allow friendships and family relations to stunt us in our growth. Jesus challenged His listeners in this regard,

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:26 (KJV)

We must have healthy family, friend, and other interpersonal relationships. These will help us to overcome the world and not submit to its seductions. Acquaintances can sometimes keep us in familiar patterns and habits. To break this, separation is sometimes needed. Separation is not always a physical separation. However, a separation from the influence of ungodly family and friends is required.

We must also forsake selfish motives, ambitions, and desires. These attributes will bring stagnation to our spiritual growth. We must recognize them and remove them. This is the only way we can avoid the allure and attractions of the world.

We must remember to forsake the world and its lusts, forsake the influence of ungodly family and friends, and forsake selfish motives and ambitions. If we will do these things, we can give an answer to the question of whether we love the world or no. If we do not love the world, our commitment to Christ can remain unwavering.

Identification without Condemnation: The Importance of Acknowledging and Recognizing Sins

SIN is a taboo word in society and in the Church. To call someone’s actions a sin is sometimes regarded as an act of bigotry, judgment, and hatred. However, Christians have to stand on the truth of God’s word that men have sinned and that there are certain activities, which are considered sin.

Much of the controversy behind what is sin derived from how man handled personal sin and those of others. Some became critics, judges, and condemners, while others put no restraints on sinful activities. Yet, there is a balance.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (KJV)

Do not be afraid to identify certain deeds and actions as sin. When you see things as God sees them, you reveal your connection to Him. Besides God concluded all men as sinners, so that all could receive from Christ. Recognizing sin does not set an individual up for condemnation, but for the mercy and grace of God to be received.

Christ came into the world to save sinners. So, when people say that what they are doing is not wrong (when it is) then they close the door for Christ to show them His love, grace, compassion, and peace in a complete way.

Saying that something is sin does not make you a bigot, fascist, or a self-righteous person if it is tempered with presenting the forgiveness and the love that God offers in Christ. Even after coming to Christ, we have to recognize when we have erred. Why? Not that we can be condemned or condemn others, but that we may turn from them and receive the restoration and righteousness of God in our lives. All have sinned, but all have the opportunity to repent and walk in the love of Christ.

The Submitted Christian: Three Necessary Characteristics

How to surrender to the will of God! Every Christian has to come up with a game plan of surrender. In spite of internal opposition, one has to discover the will of God. However, some consistently ask, “What is the will of God?” An important question that has a simple answer. In his letter to the Romans, Paul made a clear declaration of the ultimate will of God. Even if you do not know what “calling” is on your life, just know that everyone has one calling in common.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)

We have to understand that the will of God for every believer is that we become like Christ. Our service to Him is secondary to our character. When we understand this, our walk with Christ will not be frustrating.

This is why Paul challenged the believers at the Roman church to present themselves to God as a living sacrifice. The way we surrender to the will of God is by presenting our bodies to the Lord. We prove what the will of God is when we live holy. In addition, we are to live separate from the world. There are three foundational components to fulfilling the will of God regardless of your area of ministry and service.

First, you must be morally upright; that is, holy. This is not denominational or occupational. It is living according to the righteous standards for morality as outlined by the scriptures.

Second, you must be separate from the ungodly influences and the course of the world’s system. When we come to Christ, we enter into His kingdom. The world is in darkness and driven by lusts. Hence, the Christian can no longer live as one who has no knowledge of God.

Third, you must be prepared to be conformed to the image of Christ. Many do not progress in their relationship with Christ due to lack of expectation. They do not believe they can actually be like Christ. They use their humanity as an excuse to continue to please themselves and their desires. However, Christians have to develop a desire to surrender to God above their desire to please their personal wishes.

The will of God is to have sons and daughters. Therefore, when Christ came, He came in the form of a son. He was to be the pattern that we should follow. He lived a holy and righteous life and He never conformed to the world’s system, but He came in affirmation and demonstration of the Father’s love and character. This is the foundation of surrendering to the will of God.

The Christian and Hard Times: Understanding the Role of Trials and Tests

If only the Christian could learn the art of mastering trials, tests, and troubles! Do you ever wonder why God allows us to suffer? If He is loving and faithful, why are we expected to endure seemingly unnecessary trials and tests? Though there is no simple answer to these questions, we can discover some reasons for trials, tests, and troubles in the life of the Christian.

Before discussing these, we want to make one sure statement: The Christian who will embrace trials and tests as a part of the Christian experience will learn quickly how to navigate through them.

David declared in the Psalms that many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God delivers them out of them all. One main reason that God allows things to come our way is that He will bring us out of all of them. It is for this cause He allows us to go through some things, because He delights in showing His power. However, from biblical examples and exhortations, we can discover 3 benefits of trials and tests.

First, trials and tests come to produce reverence for God. They come into the lives of believers to produce a reverential fear of God. Nevertheless, this fear is to be coupled with humility. Trials, tests, and God’s subsequent deliverance from them, bring the believers into a personal encounter with God’s greatness and power.

Where there is no fear of God, people will not exercise restraint. Where there is no humility before God, there is no regard for His standards. Where there is no regard for His standards, there is no place of repentance, which leads to experiencing judgment at His return.

Second, trials and tests come to produce a faith-filled relationship. God allows believers to have trouble to produce faith and patience in them. When one experiences sickness and God heals him, faith is gained in that area. When one faces financial difficulties and the Lord provides, faith for finances is acquired.

Many believers do not submit to this process. Situations that are designed to produce faith have inadvertently produced disillusion and depression in some. Believers must realize that God is sovereign and will never forsake them.

Third, trials and tests surface to produce zeal for Christ. Believers experience trials, which should produce faith and not frustration. The remembrance of the trials and God’s subsequent deliverance should not produce anxiety. It should build a legacy of God’s love and concern for us.

When one understands the place of trials and tests, they will not spend time trying to escape these inevitabilities. Embrace your trials and tests knowing it will work for your good.

MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS: FOCUSING ON YOUR PERSONAL WALK WITH CHRIST

I know, I know, I know. The title of this lesson seems kind of harsh. Trust me, you will get it as you read on. In life, there are times when we have heard others use this expression or we have (or wanted to) use this expression in response to someone’s curiosity. Though oftentimes, it is used as a defensive and derogatory statement, it does hold value for the Christian. 

Consider these verses…

Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me. John   21:20-22 (KJV)

Jesus is giving instructions to Peter concerning his future work and ministry. Yet, Peter becomes preoccupied with thinking about what someone else (John) will do. But Jesus’ response of “what is that to thee” is in a sense, asking Peter “what business is that of yours?” In essence, He is telling Peter to mind his own business and worry about himself.  He then tells Peter, “Follow Me.”

How many times have we become preoccupied with the affairs of others that we neglect what is before us? We know there are numerous issues and problems within Christianity and the Church caused by others. However, we cannot spend too much time focusing on others, but make sure that we are doing what Christ would have for us to do.

We can become distracted by someone else’s wrong doing. Though we may be affected by the negative actions and attitudes of others, we cannot allow these things to remove our focus from Christ.

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! Luke 17:1 (KJV)

It is true that we can get hurt or offended, but Jesus said that offenses will come. We must remember to forgive and allow His peace to guard our hearts.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:7 (KJV)

We sometimes can become distracted by the labor of others in the Christian community. Sometimes, we can focus on what others are or are not doing that we do not do what we are supposed to do for Christ. This is what Peter demonstrated. Christ finished challenging his love and commitment and Peter asks about John. It was really not to be his concern at that time, but prepare to follow what Christ had instructed him to do. Martha also fell into this trap. She rebuked Jesus because of what Mary was doing.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. Luke 10:40 (KJV)

So, remember to mind (or should I say FOCUS) on your own business; that is, the things that you are to do for Him. It will bless you and, in turn, be of great benefit to others.

REDIRECTING THE FOCUS: GETTING BEYOND OURSELVES AND OTHERS

        The precepts in this post are designed to redirect the Christian’s focus. It is easy to become distracted in our Christian journey. We have to live with ourselves and others; each of which can cause the believer’s focus to be shifted. Learn to redirect your focus on what is important.

No More Excuses

        Excuses! Excuses! Excuses! Have you ever met someone who had nothing but excuses? After a while, it becomes evident that excuses become covers for some internal weakness or hindrance. Many are afraid to try and then fail. Is that you? Others are afraid of responsibility and accountability that comes from promotion and success? Is that you? Others are just plain lazy. They love personal comfort. They want maximum results with little effort. Is that you? It is time for no more excuses. It is time to redirect your focus.

        Excuses, however, is the shield that many Christians use to justify their lack of growth and maturity in the walk with Christ. Many say that the Church is not right. This is an excuse for non-attendance. Others say that they were hurt or disappointed by those in the Church. This becomes an excuse not to fellowship. Then, there are those who say the Bible is hard to understand and their prayer time does not seem spiritual. This serves as an excuse not develop a relationship through the study of the scriptures and personal prayer and devotion. In this lesson, we want to deal with a chief excuse among Christians as to the lack of service, devotion, and development of their relationship with God. It is four powerful letters – L-I-F-E.

        There are numerous things in life that cannot and will not change. For reasons unknown, God does allow Christians to experience many hard and challenging situations. Because of the intensity, stress, and difficulty that life brings, many are in a holding pattern in the walk with God. They are waiting for life to slow down; that is, become easier. When this happens, then they will develop their relationship with Christ. This is not a good posture to take with one’s personal salvation and spiritual growth.

        The Bible tells us that Christians will suffer and David’s words are true where he states that many are the affliction of the righteous. However, the trials, tests, and tribulations that come are no excuse to stop pursuing Him and developing our relationship with Him. If you never get the job you want, pursue Him. If you never get married, pursue Him. If members of your family do not receive Him, pursue Him. Do not allow things that you cannot change to become excuses for your lack of personal growth and maturity.

        Does this mean that I should not pray and stand in expectation? NO! However, it does mean that if God sees fit to allow the situation to continue, do not lose your faith in Him. He knows all things. The Bible is full of stories of people who served God, but had to experience very, very, hard times. Just know this that if we suffer with Him, we will reign in the life that is to come. Some feel that because their lives are not going how they would like, there is no real reason to continue to serve Him. Do not allow this mindset to grip you. Remember, our salvation not only has promise in this life, but the one that is to come. In that Day, you will not remember and the difficulties of this life will not come into mind. There will be rejoicing and reward.

        Lose the excuses. Allow God to continue to develop you. Allow His light to shine even in hard situations. If you have lasted this long, it is only because He has been with you. Go on to maturity in Him that in the middle of your worst situations, you can maintain joy, peace, strength, and an ever increasing faith in Him. It is only in losing personal excuses that the Christian is able to focus on Christ and His plan and purpose for his/her life.