I hear a version of this question periodically: “Does the Bible say I can’t do ___?” The fact that the question is asked encourages me. The person is acknowledging that there is a standard of right and wrong conduct with God, and he/she does not want to violate the standard.
Reading through Leviticus (as part of our church’s reading
plan) is a great reminder of this standard. Lev 23:22 commands God’s people that
when they reap the harvest, they are not to reap to the edge of the field and
they are not to gather the gleanings left behind on the first pass. These
things are to be left for the poor and the alien among them.
Lev 22:19-20 commands that any sacrifice brought to the Lord
must be an unblemished male. It cannot have a defect or it will not be accepted
on behalf of the worshipper.
In these two examples, the people are told what not to do.
They are even told why. While many people seek to live by similar standards
today, I want to suggest that they are less than what God intends for His
people.
In Mark 10:17-27, Jesus encounters the wealthy “ruler” of the people. Think of a mash-up between a religious scholar and a local government official. These guys interpreted the Law of Moses and set policy on applying it in the community. This man came to Jesus and affirmed all of the “thou shalt nots” he had abided by. I have not murdered, I have not stolen, I have not lied, etc. Jesus never chastised the man for keeping the Law. (NOTE: Some today will lecture a person who holds to a moral code. A man just yesterday dismissed the need to be part of a church when I asked him where he attended. He told me “the church was in Him.” IOW…there is no command for me to worship with a group of people on the Lord’s day. He was saying, in essence, “That’s not part of the deal for my Salvation. I asked Jesus into my heart”).
While Jesus did not chastise the ruler for keeping the Law,
He also did not leave the conversation there. “One thing you lack: go and sell
all your possessions and give to the poor and follow Me” (Mark 10:21). In this
statement…which I would suggest is exemplary of the teachings of the New
Testament, Jesus says that His followers have an AFFIRMATIVE DUTY to advance
Christ’s agenda in the world. It is not enough to not steal…we must generously
give. It is not enough to not lie (since we could do that by saying nothing). We
must speak the truth (in love and with humility). It is not enough to not murder.
We must promote abundant living.
The point is that the church (the family of Christ-followers) has the responsibility to advance the King’s agenda.
Reflect today on this:
I know you have not murdered your neighbor, but have you helped him live an abundant life?
I know you did not promote some wrong perspective of God, but how did you advance the right view?
I know you did not oppress the poor, but how did you act generously to provide for him/her?
The church (that’s us) was not called to play “prevent
defense” until we are taken up into heaven. We are charged to advance the ball,
step by step, until we reach the other end of the field.
It. Never. Fails. Someone has a better idea. Their “philosophy” is better than mine. Often times though, particularly in our social media world, people with better philosophies have just that: a philosophy. There is no action. No change. Just an idea.
Not long back I was listening to a guy tell me his philosophy of evangelism. He shared some trendy new perspectives that would make any old evangelism professor cringe. It was the BEST…according to this guy. Then…the telling question (or at least my “Dr. Phil” version of it): “How’s that working for you?” The silence was deafening.
Yesterday I wrote about the power of disciplines. Some probably never made it through the article since disciplines and routines are too restrictive for them. In the article, (published HERE if you haven’t read it) I promised to share my daily Bible reading (i.e. devotional) discipline…both for the accountability (you can ask me about it since I am “on the record,”) and because it may be useful to you. Here goes:
My day generally begins around 5:30 AM. That’s when the
coffee finishes brewing.
Coffee. Obviously, this is important or the book of Hebrews wouldn’t be in there. [Think about it].
Prayer. 2-5 mins. This is more about me talking to God. “Lord, help me to see and hear from you today. Give me wisdom and clarity. Speak to me. Give me the courage to accept You and Your Word as you speak.”
I read 4-5 devotionals first. 8-10 mins. (Chambers, Piper, Blackaby, Heart of Worship, and some short-term devotional on varied topics throughout the year. Topics like manhood, leadership, marriage, prayer, praise, etc.) These devotionals seem to prime my thinking and the part of my brain that applies truth.
Bible Reading Plan. 15-20 mins. I read the daily chapters from my plan. (Today was Genesis 9-12; Proverbs 3). While reading, I underline, highlight, and write notes in the margin if my mind is carried to a place.
Take Note- This is not a deep dive reading process of cross-references or word studies. It is the Scripture at a 5,000-foot level. I am looking for big-picture themes and verses that catch my attention.
[Also, I try to read in a different translation every year to keep it fresh. This year is the CSB].
I journal (as led) and pray things that God brings to mind. 15-25 mins. A lot of my journaling is archived here on this site. I also have many notes in my Evernote App that are too seminal to share on this site, or that God is working on me with. My journal notes could also be a prompt for deeper study. That is the bulk of my journaling. As for prayer, this part is about reflecting and listening.
Extra-biblical reading. (10-20 mins) I read highlights of articles in Baptist Press (I am a church guy after all). I catch the headlines of the news. (honestly, I used to read more but I find the news to be pretty myopic and biased…particularly in an election cycle). I may read articles from favorite theologians, academics, preachers, and some entertaining weirdos [smile]. This time may also include catching up on the latest “twitter rant” or select readings from different-minded publications (I’d put the Huffington Post and half my twitter feed in here).
A couple of considerations:
I try not to hurry. As you can see, I average around 40-60 mins for the first five items, and 10-20 mins for the extra-biblical stuff. My deadline is 7am. I have to get ready for work and head into the office.
This is a morning discipline for me. I find my mind is sharpest in the morning, so this is my early routine.
I don’t have the “extra hour” either.Yep, someone was thinking it. I’d do that but I don’t have time in the morning! Well, neither did I. So, I changed my other routines. I go to bed earlier than most and skip a lot of late television.
This works for ME. Remember, this is not my philosophy but my activity. It may not work for you. It may be too long, or too early, or too “anything.” Don’t mimic what I do because I do it. Do what works for you, but DO IT in a disciplined manner.
Two quick cautions:
Don’t set the bar too low. I know some guys tell me that they do their Bible while driving in the morning. I listen to audible books and podcasts too, but this time of devotional discipline is DEVOTED (see what I did there) to the Lord. It is His time. I even have a favorite place to do it. Even if it were 15 minutes a day devoted to Him…might it be worth it to focus on Him rather than the person who almost ran you off the road texting? [smile]
Don’t get discouraged. If you set a lofty goal and can’t hang with it, adjust it. Shrink it to what you CAN do. Build from there if you find it necessary. That’s what I did.
There’s another tool to help you with this…but I will save
it until another day. [shameless tease to get you to subscribe].
I have a routine. For the most part, I stick with it…
(sorry) routinely. This routine involves my morning habits, the way I
dress, the foods I eat…nearly every area of my life.
I know people who hate routines. They find
them boring. They see them as killers of spontaneity. If something is routine,
they will (again…sorry) routinely avoid it.
Still others, many who have excelled in leadership, swear
by routines. Some leaders advocate routines because they reduce decisions on
less important matters. For instance, if you wear a uniform, you never stare at
your closet wondering what to wear. If you eat out (only) every Friday evening,
then you eliminate the question of what restaurant to visit Saturday through
Thursday.
While I have a routine, I am not a slave to it; rather, I use it as a tool to help me achieve the goals that I have adopted. Meal planning (diets) work this way. If my body reacts well to a certain regimen of foods, I may set a routine of eating only these foods. This routine means I intentionally preclude other foods because they are not part of my routine. In this example, the diet is not dictating my life; rather, it is the roadmap I placed in my life to get me to an objective.
Such is true in my spiritual development. I believe
that biblical knowledge (study of the Word) is essential to sanctification (becoming
like Christ). [See Romans 7]. Sanctification is essential to effectiveness in
God’s Kingdom work (mission). [See 1 Corinthians 9. esp. v.23] Effectiveness in
mission is my objective. It requires sanctification which requires knowledge.
So, I read the Bible. Routinely. I want to be an effective husband, dad,
grand-dad, disciple-maker, teacher, neighbor, etc. These are part of God’s mission
in and through me. So, again, I read the Bible. Routinely.
Another word for routine is discipline. My discipline
(which takes about an hour a day to accomplish) has been built over years. When
I started, it was about 15 minutes. Prayer. Proverbs. A chapter or two from the
New Testament.
Two final thoughts:
If I were beginning a new exercise regimen, I
would not expect to spend two hours, two times a day in the gym…the first
week. I’d be lucky to work out for an hour, three or four times per week. If I
tried to keep up with the biggest and strongest on day one, I’d quit by the end
of the first week.
Second, I blow it from time to time. I get busy,
oversleep, have a sin issue that prevents me from hearing God, etc. If I miss
my routine for a day or two, I catch up on my reading. If this persists beyond
a couple days, catching up will prove impractical. In such a case…I will fast
forward to the plan for that day and pick up from there. What I cannot do is
QUIT and declare that I’ll try harder next year. That’s defeating. It doesn’t
work. So just skip to the right place and begin again. God won’t hate you if
you admit to sleepwalking through parts of Leviticus or the genealogies…though
there are some cool nuggets in there to find if you can discipline yourself.
Anyway, that’s me. Tomorrow I will share my actual routine
(which will surprise some of you). Mostly I share for accountability, but it
may also have some parts you want to add to your discipline.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu
2020 is a year of promise. It is a year of opportunity. It is a year of great potential. These affirmations are not simply some new form of “positive thinking.” They are truth. Every decision we make has great potential…for good or evil. Every adopted pathway will lead us closer or further away from the desires we have in our hearts.
The beginning of a new year is an
exciting time. In some sense, we leave behind the previous year and step off
into the prospect of something better.
One thing that can become an obstacle to our opportunities though…is the task of the first step. There is a popular leadership axiom that relates to the “paralysis of analysis.” Some leaders cannot lead because they are fixated on examining every possible outcome before committing. They want to see every option and have every fact “nailed down” before beginning. Truthfully, most never lead because these desires for security are elusive. None of us have all of the information. None of us knows the future perfectly. We can predict. We may even predict well…but only God truly knows.
Other leaders seem to have a Midas touch. They always find opportunities. The experience more than their “fair share” of success. Often, the difference is not related to strategy or ability but initiative. THEY TOOK THE FIRST STEP.
This year, do not allow indecision to deter you. Choose a path and take it. If it is a mistake, turn around and choose a different path. Make a decision. Fulfill YOUR destiny…the thousand-mile journey (if you will) …by acting to take the first step.
Today, I acted toward one of my goals for 2020 which is to read the Bible in its entirety. I have done this many times before. In fact, it is an annual devotional discipline that I incorporated several years ago. However, neither my past achievement nor my future intentions will achieve the goal. So, today I affirmed the decision and read the first four chapters in Genesis. The greatest journey…begins with a single step.
Thirteen months and we are rounding the corner on the last phase of our build-out. Our home has a number of amazing features and we are truly blessed; however, like most people, we wanted a few changes when we purchased. One of those changes was the addition of a detached garage. When the builder came by to put the sign in the yard and start the ground prep…I will admit…I got a little excited. In fact, I walk out (several times per day) to look at the trenched areas in the yard which serve as the foundation for the garage to come. This leads me to an important, observable truth about life.
Perhaps the most important part of any build is the foundation. It is rarely seen and is often overlooked once the structure is built; however, it is the most important step of the construction if one hopes for the building to last beyond a few years.
The same is true in many areas of our lives. Foundations matter.
As parents, we “build-out” our children with knowledge, experiences, and activities; however, if their foundation is weak…any real storm can cause their lives to crumble.
We pursue a career goal, climbing the ladder as
quickly as possible, but if we neglect foundational elements, we are but one
management change or crisis from it crumbling.
We pursue spiritual goals and embrace an understanding
of God’s purpose for our lives…but if we fail to lay a proper foundation, we
risk disillusionment, defeat, or even defection when difficulties arise.
One doesn’t put in a strong foundation for show. No one will ever see it once the block and brick go in. Foundations serve the purpose of providing stability and support for everything that will be built to rest upon it. A proper foundation requires digging down to the solid ground, removing debris, and installing reinforcements at times to ensure that once the weight of the structure is applied, the foundation will hold. Furthermore, everything built on top of the foundation is anchored to elements directly below it. This ties all of the parts together and ensures that the structure will withstand the winds of change.
What’s often the case in our lives is that more attention is given to what is seen above the surface than what all of that rests upon. We help our children become good students and disciplined athletes, but we compromise on instilling an appreciation of value and purpose as defined by our Creator and King. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet lose his soul? (Mark 8:36). We serve in a dozen different ministry tasks through our church but lack the discipline of a consistent time of Scripture reading, meditation, contemplation, and prayer. (See Luke 10:40-42).
What is also true is God’s unchanging grace. If you build a building on a faulty foundation, there is often little recourse other than to tear it down and start over…or live with the imperfect construction. In our spiritual lives, however, God is quick to redeem and restore our failed build-outs. He doesn’t tire of His children’s cries to forgive and start again. So…if you know there are issues with your foundation, may I encourage you to acknowledge that before God, seek His forgiveness and begin again? It is a decision you will never regret.
It happens so often. I speak to someone and ask the question, “How’s it going?” or “How are you doing?” Often times, the response relates to some struggle, pain, discomfort, or trial the person is experiencing. Almost always the struggle and the pain is genuine. What is often also clear…is that the pain is winning.
Struggles in life are always certain. Jesus promised these
pressures (Greek word- thylipsis) would be part and parcel of our daily
lives (John 16:33). The Scriptures bear numerous accounts of these struggles in
the lives of God’s people. Somehow though, many of God’s people seem surprised
by these struggles and many of these seem to be defeated by them.
What is the answer? Does God intend for our lives to be
miserable, painful existences here for 70, 80, or 90 years until we finally get
to heaven? Are the troubles too big for God? If God really loves us… then why
does He permit our suffering?
Here are two truths:
Struggles are a non-negotiable part of life.
[Full Stop]
Jesus came that we would [present tense] have
life and have it to the full! (John 10:10b) [Full Stop]
Somehow, these two
truths must be reconcilable (no matter how difficult to do so).
The Apostle Paul indicates that these truths are reconciled in our attitude and approach…our focus:
5For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus
as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of
darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the
surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8we are afflicted
in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not
destroyed; 10always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that
the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for
Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal
flesh. 12So death works in us, but life in you.
13But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is
written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe,
therefore we also speak, 14knowing that He who raised the
Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, so that the
grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks
to abound to the glory of God.
16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is
decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal
weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the
things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the
things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:5-18, NASB)
Paul’s
suffering (a suffering for the gospel by the way…and not the consequence of
unwise or sinful choices on his part) was extreme…yet He considered it “momentary
and light affliction” that produces a “weighty glory beyond comparison” (v.17).
Paul’s
focus was on the future days in His eternal reality. He looked to heaven and to
eternity. In comparison with these realities and in light of the expansive
Kingdom of God…His sufferings seemed light and temporary.
Furthermore,
Paul’s motivation was eternity but His purpose (as He seems to understand it) is
to produce life in others (v.12). Follow the flow of thought if you will: The
glory of God (light) shines out of darkness (Paul’s sufferings) and produces
life in others even as it produces death in him. And that is ok…even desired by
Paul.
My
reflections on this today are multi-faceted:
First…I focus more on my own
sufferings that I should. This is a product of my fallen nature and an area of
my life that must be mastered. How about you?
Second…my focus must be on
eternity. “No one gets out alive,” and no one stays here forever. This world
and the sufferings of it are a temporary state.
Third…my suffering, if approached
with the right focus may result in death in me but also life in others. I am
convinced that the “cotton candy and unicorns” image of life as a Christian
that many try to sell is damaging to the witness of His people, since it is
disconnected from reality. The world we are purposefully desiring to win for
Christ cannot relate to this “pie in the sky” fantasy that if you believe
enough and sow enough faith seed then you’ll have only good things in your
life! Why should they believe it? After all, our King was crucified! Yes…but He
was raised from the dead you may say…which is true…but the resurrection
followed the crucifixion.
So,
choose.
Choose today to focus on reality…on the existence that transcends…then
purposefully yield to whatever it takes for light to shine in darkness through
you today.
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