Tag: Hope

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The Truth about the Silent Lie

The silent lie is the most dangerous lie of all. It allows us to pretend we did nothing wrong while deceiving another. The silent lie is passive; it takes no effort. In many cases, we congratulate ourselves for holding our tongue. There are around fifty-four verses in the Bible that directly address lying.

Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.”

We know when we have intentionally told a lie. It is called the black lie; we hate that term. We prefer to call it a little white lie. A little white lie sounds so much more acceptable. We know our words are not the truth the second they leave our lips. As we speak, we often wish there was another way to shed our guilt by telling the truth and still achieve our desired result. Lying is about achieving selfish results. At night, in the dark solitude of our bed, we pray for forgiveness.

“A lie that is half-truth is the darkest of all lies.” ― Alfred Tennyson

Lying by Omission

What about lying by omission, the silent lie? There are two broad categories of lying by omission. The first is when you say nothing when the other party draws a faulty conclusion in your favor. You watch them as they misinterpret your words, leading them to a conclusion. Maybe you intentionally crafted your words to mislead, feeling that their lack of comprehension is their problem. You spoke the truth in the exactness of your phrasing while knowing it would mislead. Lying by omissions can lead people to remember the true parts they heard while erasing the parts omitted or misrepresented.

Psalm 120:2, “Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, From a deceitful tongue.”

Politicians have popularized another silent lie; it is deflection. They answer a direct question with an irrelevant fact. The implication is that the “fact” somehow answers the question. A politician is asked if they think their employment policies are effective considering the current 8% unemployment. They respond that there were 800,000 new jobs created in the last quarter. The implication is that they think their policy works without going on record as saying it does. The deflection gives plausible deniability later if needed.

Psalm 12:2, “They speak falsehood to one another; With flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.”

Constant lying can take a toll on the person lying, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. Keeping up with lies can be stressful and may lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety. It can ruin reputations and minimize future potential. There is a whole list of adverse effects of lying, both physical and emotional.

The Biggest Silent Lie

“When truth is replaced by silence, the silence is a lie.” ― Yevgeny Yevtushenko.

The biggest silent lie is when a Christian sees a person on the path of destruction and keeps quiet. Somehow, it is not their problem that the other person is destroying their future. Saying nothing does not betray Christ; it just avoids telling the truth. The silent lie is not telling the truth when the truth matters. Deliver the truth with compassion and love, but deliver it you must. Not speaking up is lying by omission, the silent lie. Watering down the truth to save face or avoid ridicule is a silent lie.

Proverbs 26:28, “A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

We speak the truth if we genuinely care about those we say we love. We do not allow the lost to believe a faultshood.

Proverbs 14:5, “A trustworthy witness will not lie, But a false witness utters lies.”

There are many studies about the number of times a person lies daily. The majority conclusion is that everyone lies at least once or twice a day. That is right, everyone. We live in a broken world. The sixty-four-thousand-dollar question has two components. Do you lie to yourself by omission, refusing to allow yourself to believe the truth about yourself, and, by extension, lie to God about who you are? Does the silent lie hide aspects of your life that need open and honest communication with Christ? Trust is often the first casualty of lying. God already knows; you might as well come clean.

Psalm 101:7, “He who practices deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before me.”
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God’s Underdogs

The most profound narrative ever told revolves around God’s underdogs. Storytelling holds a special place in my heart; I passionately root for the underdogs. I deeply admire champions and fervently desire those victories against all odds that only God can provide. Consider David versus Goliath, Gideon versus the Midianites, Moses versus Pharaoh, or Paul versus everybody. Don Quixote stands tall among my heroes, and I’ve carried a wooden statue of him since high school.

1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”

Being That Person

Within me lives a fighter, or perhaps more accurately, a tenacious, promise-keeping poet who embraces the road less traveled. It’s not about winning but about overcoming. Anyone can win when faced with a weaker opponent. However, can I go the extra mile? Can I make sacrifices for a noble cause? Can I humble myself for the sake of others? Can I be that person?

Isaiah 42:13, “The Lord goes out like a mighty man, like a man of war he stirs up his zeal; he cries out, he shouts aloud, he shows himself mighty against his foes.”

When thinking about God’s desires for me, I envision Him at the edge of His seat as I grapple with adversity. I see Him cheering as I rise once more. He detests the pain but adores the effort. I belong to Him, and He beams with pride. God is prepared to fight for me and provides opportunities for me to grow stronger. He’s well aware that the path ahead is fraught with danger and disappointment, but He also knows the glory of victory that awaits those willing to persevere.

Deuteronomy 20:4, “For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

Vince Lombardi famously expressed, “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hours – his greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear – is that moment when he has worked his heart out in good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”

Countless stories of salvation and reconciliation exist, each a prized trophy in God’s display case. Each narrative moves God to tears. He points to each one with joy and pain and says, “They are one of mine.”

Luke 10:19, “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”

I believe the challenging part is that we must possess a warrior’s spirit to fulfill God’s potential. We don’t often view ourselves as warriors but as ordinary individuals. To be exceptional in God’s eyes can seem like a stretch, but it’s false.

Why do you think God painted this picture?

Ephesians 6:11-17, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.”

God repeatedly encourages us to “stand,”… “Take your stand,”… “Stand your ground,”… “Stand firm,”… “and after you have done everything, to stand.”

After we’ve done everything, the command is simple: stand.

We live within one of the most remarkable narratives ever written, the story of our lives as authored by God of the universe. We find ourselves in a battle against evil, not by our choosing, and we cannot win it alone. But we can play our part.

Be one of God’s underdog stories. That is all God asks of us.

2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
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Surviving the Act of Caring

Surviving the act of caring is exhausting. The Bible teaches us to care for those around us, but at what cost? Most of us tabulate the cost in time or money; what must I give of myself to advance the well-being of another? My experience is that the long-term cost is emotional. It is living with the knowledge that the world is not a fair place. It is coping with the knowledge that we are only making a small dent in an enormous injustice.

Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Surviving the act of caring requires us to rationalize suffering. I struggle with staying awake at night and replaying my conversations with people in need. I try to understand the genesis of their environment. Where did this dystopia start? Why does it still exist? How can we, as caring, feeling people, allow this to continue? I engage with individuals living in the 21st century who lack access to basic utilities like running water in their homes. In their environment, criminal groups operate with impunity, free from the constraints of law enforcement, leaving the population vulnerable to government abuses and the influence of power-hungry individuals.

I am Only One

“I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”. ― Edward Everett Hale

I am but one person. I ponder these questions in the dark of the night when my mind will not rest. Am I doing enough? Is what I’m doing even significant?

We learn from the Bible that we are to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. There is no magic number of who we weep or rejoice with. God does not set a specific quota for us to fulfill; our sole responsibility is obedience, which comes with a cost. It also has a reward.

Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

The reward is knowing we have done what God has placed before us. We have set aside our comfort to embrace those less fortunate. God requires that believers reflect His glory toward others. Christ suffered and died for us; what are we willing to do for others? The time I spend with these people is a great joy; it gives me hope for the future of humanity. In their present situation, they praise God for all they have. Most of my neighbors don’t see God in anything they claim as theirs. Who is worse off, the impoverished who rely on God or the wealthy with pride in their accomplishments?

Matthew 13:49, "So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous."

I am not God.

I lose sleep because I am not God, I can’t speak righteousness into existence. Because I am not God, I can not command the earth to provide for its poor. I must trust that all that is and will be is the providence of the creator of the universe. My place is to be obedient to His call. And in that obedience, I will be protected.

Psalm 91:11, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways."

I am debating a “Gap Year.” The emotional drain of knowing is exhausting. I have ghosts of people in desperate situations swirling in my head day and night. With limited resources and unlimited opportunities, I question my impact. I am Sisyphus pushing that rock up a hill only to have it roll back again.

I am not Alone

As I reflect on Esther, who was orphaned, forced into exile in a distant land, and compelled to enter a pagan king’s harem, I’m reminded of the life-or-death choice she had to make in order to aid her people. Mordecai’s words resonate: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Perhaps, you and I were also destined for a purpose during this very moment. It’s possible that we’ve been placed here and now to fulfill precisely what God has commanded. Mordecai added:

Esther 4:14, "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place."

And if we don’t, God will raise another in our place. How do you survive the act of caring? Obedience and perspective. We do what we do because God has allowed us into His plan for another. It is a gift, not an obligation. We must understand that everything is under God’s purview. God leaves nothing to chance. Every action has meaning.

Ephesians 1:11, "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will."

Surviving the act of caring, we must have a great counselor, therapist, and guide. The good news is we do.

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The Elusive Pursuit of Joy

We all deal with the elusive pursuit of joy. Despite our firm belief that God is sovereign over all things, we find joy elusive. Many ask, “Despite my foundation in Christ, why does joy elude me?” It’s vital to grasp that joy and happiness differ. The absence of joy often stems from a deliberate choice rather than environmental circumstances.

Happiness, fleeting in our fallen world, emerges unexpectedly, concealing itself from plain view. It arises from unlikely sources while remaining distant from apparent ones. An adversary’s defeat yields happiness, while promotions or vacations may not. Unfortunately, brace for erratic, bewildering, and inconsistent gratification if you seek happiness.

James 4:1-2, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” You long for what’s absent, leading to conflict and quarrels. Failing to ask God contributes to lack.”

Distinct from happiness, joy can be summoned at will, irrespective of circumstances. Christians must differentiate between these states, recognizing that challenges persist but need not define us. Our responses define us—do we draw nearer to Christ or distance ourselves?

Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed to us.”

Two main obstacles hinder joy creation: chasing false gods and focusing on the right questions.

Chasing False Gods.

Psalm 16:4, “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply.”

These “other gods” often hide in plain sight. We passionately dedicate ourselves, unknowingly elevating them to god-like status. Be it family, noble as it is, Christ can be overshadowed. Does our happiness hinge on it, extending to our joy?

“If you love anything better than God, you are idolaters: if there is anything you would not give up for God, it is your idol: if there is anything that you seek with greater fervor than you seek the glory of God, that is your idol, and conversion means a turning from every idol..” – Charles Spurgeon.

Children, marriage, jobs, careers, school, hobbies—even church—can dominate, leading to exhaustion, mistakes, conflict, and separation from God. Though well-intentioned, the process can drain life.

Perspective Matters.

As Sheryl Crow’s song “Soak Up the Sun” conveys, “It’s not having what you want; It’s wanting what you’ve got.”

Perspective matters. Bruce Collie’s testimony exemplifies this. Bruce Collie started pursuing a Superbowl ring in Pee Wee Football. He played for Lee High School and the University of Texas Arlington before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. His lifelong pursuit culminated in two Super Bowl rings. But this accomplishment left him empty and without purpose until he encountered the Gospel through Reggie White. Christ offered purpose beyond material gain.

John 15:9, “Jesus loves us with the same love that the Father loves him.”

Shifting focus to rid our lives of idols demands faith in God’s care. He cares about everything—our children, jobs, lives. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him.

James 1:16–17, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”

While we give God big things, we clutch to minor issues, causing stress. A choice arises: to pout over misfortune or accept God’s control. It’s about Him, not us.

Believing in God’s redemption when unseen requires faith. Faith that God cares, even about small matters. Joy’s choice looms—a tough, counterintuitive choice. The Creator of the universe cares about our bad days. His attention is astonishing; He cares deeply.

Psalm 37:4-6, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.”
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How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art was initially written in 1885 by Carl Boberg in Swedish. The orgianal title is “O Store Gud”. It wasn’t translated into English until 1949. Carl Boberg wrote it after experiencing a raging thunderstorm followed by beautiful tranquility. How Great Thou Art is sung in churches all over the world.

Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

I spent this last week in the badlands of northeastern Montana. That is the part of the United States called “The Big Sky.” I am mesmerized by our Creator’s presence, the architect of everything. Witnessing the splendor He has crafted moved me to tears of joy. Yet, in these troubled times, such joy can prove challenging.

My engineering and programming background guides me toward structured plans and hard work. I believe that the same God responsible for the creation of the universe also authored the laws of science. If ever a contradiction arises between these realms, it is a testament to our incomplete understanding. I lack the understanding to pinpoint why conflict exists, but I possess the wisdom to acknowledge my limitations.

John 1:3, "Through Him all things were made; without Him, nothing was made that has been made."

As we try to impress others, we reject simplicity and monotony. Instead, we push the boundaries of creativity, revealing the full extent of our capabilities. Gazing upon our achievements, we seek to evoke awe, declaring, “Look at what I’ve accomplished!”

Hebrews 3:4, "For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."

How Great Thou Art

An artist doesn’t depict a mere stick figure; they conjure images that stretch imagination and skill. These creations beckon viewers to look expectantly into their depths, exploring the intricate interplay of color, movement, and meaning. Admireres perceive the artist’s intent and unearth personal interpretations, enriching their connection to the masterpiece.

Psalm 33:6, "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth."

Adorning my wall, a vast photograph of the Milky Way, captured at Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, stands as a testament to billions of luminous points against an abyss of darkness. Our human minds fall short of grasping the enormity of God’s creation. It overwhelms our senses with celestial grandeur while astounding us with life’s intricacies. When my eyes first met my newborn daughter, my world transformed. In her perfection, small and beautiful, I found enduring serenity, joy, and an unwavering hope for humanity.

Job 33:4, "The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."

Nature’s allure beckons me to explore the outdoors, where God and I talk, shielded from worldly distractions. The ceaseless beauty of nature unfolds—vivid fall foliage, delicate spring sprouts, and the pristine grace of woodland creatures—all testifying to God’s craftsmanship. Remarkably, we invest vast sums in self-presentation, yet our efforts pale compared to the natural world. I cherish sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, and unique trails, finding solace atop a forested crag, immersed in the symphony of wind and birdsong. In these moments, God feels palpably close.

Creativity Beyond Understanding

God’s magnificence radiates through creation—a manifestation of His complete dedication. He designed every facet to showcase His boundless capabilities. He contemplates His work, echoing, “Behold what I have accomplished.”

Amid this splendor, human imperfections mar the landscape. God granted us choice, and some chose unwisely.

A dear friend, Ron Gastin, encapsulated this perspective: Imagine standing on a vast, deserted beach. The expansive white shore stretches to the horizon, aqua-blue waves caress the sand, and azure skies gleam above. A gentle warmth grazes your skin, and seagulls’ cries faint in the distance. This panoramic vista is God’s macro view, infinitely cherished. Yet, kneeling to gather a handful of sand reveals individual grains. These grains signify acts of both goodness and sin, forming the breathtaking expanse. God despises sin but cherishes the culmination it becomes.

Where does darkness fit into this narrative?

We find ourselves trapped by a viral pandemic, media capitalizing on fear—adhering to the adage “Bad news sells.” Succumbing to this darkness is easy. Is this the tribulation’s dawn or another trial in a fallen world? To live each day as though it were our last releases us from the need for exact answers. Instead of fixating on the end, let us marvel at creation. Immersed in God’s handiwork, fear’s grip weakens.

Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
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When God Intervenes

When God intervenes. There are days when I am overwhelmed with activity. Over the next few weeks, I have two trips, one overseas, three speeches, a grant donor meeting, a couple of Board meetings, a paper to write, and organizational issues to resolve. I get overwhelmed with activity. I know it is seasonal, but it happens. It makes my prayer life difficult because I have so many blessings that lamenting self-inflicted wounds seems hypocritical. By the way, my boss is a slave driver. He insists that I complete any new activity immediately to not interfere with the existing schedule. Plan your work; work your plan.

“Self-reliance limits us to what we can do. But reliance on God enables us to attain more; through what He can do.” – Gift Gugu Mona.

When God intervenes.

It is not a shout but a whisper; it is a conviction. God’s intervention is an unsettling conversation concerning ego, priority, and commitment. It forces me to admit who my boss is; is it the task or God? Is what I am doing an extension of how I want to work within God’s plan for me, or how God wants me to work within His plan for Himself? Do I accept that God is sovereign over all things, or do I believe He needs me to achieve His goals?

What I am working on is all good stuff. It is not an issue that God does not think I should be doing it. The issue is that He wants to be involved throughout the process, not just when I finish or in trouble. God wants me to relax and enjoy the journey as God helps me navigate the process. He wants me to know that He works with me throughout the process, not just grades the result. He reminds me that this is a partnership.

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I had a Springer Spaniel, named Gracie, who was a beautiful dog. Gracie was a joy to be around. She always wanted to lead when we went on walks, even when she had no idea where we were going. Gracie would run ahead, stop, look back to see if we were following, correct her course when we were not, and run ahead to repeat the process. I think, at times, I am God’s Springer Spaniel. God decides to take a walk with me; I tear off ahead at lightning speed, stopping to see if I’m going the right way.

“It is the condition of the heart that will determine the direction and destination of our lives.” – William F. Kumuyi.

James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

God Opens Doors

God opens the door; I am so busy trying to impress Him that I don’t stop to think about Him. He opened the door for a reason. The reason most likely didn’t have anything to do with me impressing Him. He knows me intimately; I can’t impress Him. God knows when my obedience is more about ego than stewardship. He sees when I try to be independent of Him rather than reliant on Him.

Jeremiah 17:7-8, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

I grew up in a North American culture that respects hard work, independence, and drive. The term “all gas and no brakes” comes to mind. We teach this to our children, honor it throughout their education, and demand it to succeed in life—the idea that the world is full of great ideas but few accomplishments. I am not saying that drive and ambition are wrong; I’m saying that it is not an individual sport. God has to be your partner. Don’t get Him involved when you are in the ditch; get Him involved before you start and throughout the process.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus..”

Hands and Feet

Regi Campbell stated in his book “Radical Wisdom,” I can’t be the hands and feet of Christ if my feet are always running and my hands are always full of things, to-do lists, and calendar events He’s not involved in.”

He does care about the small things in your life. He cares about your dreams and passion. God wants you to enjoy the life He has given you. That is why He wants to help you live it. God wants you to relax a little bit more, laugh a little bit more, and enjoy the company of those He has put in your path. God is sovereign over all things. You can’t impress Him; He knows you better than you know yourself. Take his hand and allow Him to guide you. Still your mind and heart, allow Him into your situation.

Listen when God intervenes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
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The Great Hunger

The bushman of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa talks about “the two hungers.” There is the great hunger and the little hunger. The little hunger yearns for food, while the great hunger, the greatest of all, is the hunger for meaning. Comfort for the soul is more significant than happiness or unhappiness; it is a meaningful life.

Search for Meaning

There are callings and passions to be chased. Truths to be found. Mountains to be climbed. But all of it leaves us wanting if it does not have meaning. I was talking to a friend I had not seen in some time. He was young and still chasing his moment in the sun. He talked about his impatience and the opportunities that hadn’t panned out, stolen moments that seemed to rob him of his potential. You could hear the subtone of anger; with all his success, he was not content. He even thought of himself as a victim of his own life.  

“I believe if you keep your faith, you keep your trust, you keep the right attitude, if you’re grateful, you’ll see God open up new doors.” – Joel Osteen.

The best I could share with him was when he retired, all that he had accomplished up to this point would become meaningless. In retirement, no one wants to hear about your exploits as a working person any more than they want to hear about your exploits as a high school athlete. Life changes, perspectives change, and you have no future if you are still reliving your past.

Matthew 6:19 “Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”

Most of the dysfunction we see in life results from people accepting more and more abnormal behavior in a quest for meaning. They believe that for their life to be whole, they must matter. And to matter means to stand for something, possess something, or achieve something. If what we know does not create the internal contentment we yearn for, we create a new distraction hoping it will be the answer. For most of us, it is a movement, a job, a relationship, a house, a car, a title, or inclusion in a group.

Genesis of Meaning

What is the genesis of true meaning? It is love. It is the love of life, self, and others. Love is the catalyst of all heroics. Living a life based on love overcomes the worldly fears that constrain us to mediocracy. We find freedom in endeavors that spring out of love. Love, by its very nature, is people-focused, not things.

Of all man’s inborn dispositions, there is none more heroic than the love in him. Everything else accepts defeat and dies, but love will fight no-love every inch of the way. – Laurens van der Post

1 John 4:8, “Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love.”

What is the genesis of love? The need to love and be loved is one of the most important gifts from God. Those in life who are genuinely evil feel betrayed by love; it is not the key to meaning but a weapon of control and abuse. The rest of us wander in a forest filled with love but are distracted from seeing any of it. Our worldly endeavors distract us from the people involved in those endeavors. Our drive steamrolls the opportunity to love and be loved. If we can achieve the perfect life, there will be time to sit back and smell the roses. In the moments between worldly chaos, we can connect with people, but first, we must push on; contentment is one task away.

Mark 12:29-31, “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

The Need for Meaning

1 Corinthians 13:7, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

I’m one of these weird guys who believes love conquers all. I believe the love of Christ that flowed down from the cross is the answer to meaning. God made us perfectly for His plan for our lives; we don’t need to fix that. We must take it and use it to expand His effort by showing the same love toward others. Our true triumph in life depends on our positive impact on others, not the fleeting recognition that fades away after our time has passed. The outward view of worldly success looks different for each of us. The inside view is the same; it is contentment in that we matter and have meaning. From an eternal perspective, we have left this world a better place. My greatest joy is through the people I have met, not my worldly achievements.  

“Love God, and He will enable you to love others even when they disappoint you.” – Francine Rivers.

I believe we will be truly content when we live this way. God will bless us with joy beyond our understanding. The trappings of the world will not make sense. We will be operating on a different level. In that moment, we know where we stand with God, the people we love most, and our truest selves.

As I have said, your life is a story God wrote that regales the angles. They look to you to help write the next chapter – make it good.

Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?”
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Little Decisions Create our Future Options

Our little decisions create our options for big decisions in the future.  It is all the little decisions that we make day-to-day that end up dictating our choices when making big decisions.  Decisions we make today craft the options available in the future.  Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and we are victims of other people’s decisions, but I think that is rare.  Mostly we create the environment for those circumstances through the decisions we make.

“If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things.  It is we, of course, to whom things look ‘little’ or ‘big.'” – Elisabeth Elliot

Decisions

1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."

Choosing the wrong friends is the most straightforward example.  Spending time with people who are not good for us sets in motion a chain of events that can lead to significant problems.  The people we surround ourselves with greatly influence our options when choosing a life partner.  Moreover, neglecting important assignments at work can create a hostile atmosphere, resulting in job dissatisfaction and, potentially, unemployment.  We decide to work for a new employer because of higher pay, just to become entrenched in a dysfunctional environment.  This stress creates conflict in our personal life leading to more bad decisions.  The big one for some people is the decision to allow flirting, which leads to intimate conversations and temptation too hard to resist.  Repercussions are over the horizon someplace, to be dealt with in time.

Ephesians 4:26, “’In your anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,”

We fret over the big decisions because, well, they are big.  We discount the small decisions because they do not have immediate repercussions.  We don’t see the cause and effect because the effect has yet to happen.

Christian Journey

“You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read.” – John MacArthur

How does this affect our journey as Christians?  Everything you do as a Christian attracts people to Christ or repels them—every action.  Even our seemingly insignificant reactions to worldly events send ripples through time.  People we have never met observe how Christians behave and store those observations in their memories.

James 2:10 “For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.”

Down the road, a Christian will try to share the Gospel with them to encounter pushback because of the previous actions of other Christians.  Some people today struggle to accept the reality of a loving God because of the unloving behavior exhibited by other Christians they encounter.  This position happens not just because of the big decisions splashed all over the news media headlines but the small, seemingly unnoticed decision made by everyday people living everyday lives.

“God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go.”  – Tony Evans

1 Peter 2:12, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Salvation

How does this perspective transform our understanding of salvation?  Some individuals believe their lives have strayed so far from God’s grace that they feel excluded from salvation.  Perhaps they find themselves in a difficult situation and must clean up their mess before deserving forgiveness.  It could be the first cigarette that led to the first joint and eventually addiction or the first drink taken behind a barn at 16—a small choice that set off a series of consequences.

Titus 3:5, "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

We all have a past.  We make decisions that may seem inconsequential at the time but eventually reveal themselves as catalysts for significant choices.  However, we don’t always recognize the impact of these subtle decisions until later on.  How we live our lives daily has the most profound effect on the decision we will make tomorrow.

Good News

Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Here is the good news, there is a magic eraser.  There is a way to correct the impact of all those small meaningless bad decisions that created the life you are now living.  It is not a do-over because most of us, given the chance, would make the same mistakes or worse ones.  It is a clean slate.  Unfortunately, it does not protect us from the repercussions of some of our past decisions, but it does give us a way to live with them.  It gives us a path to a meaningful future.  We can have a life filled with hope and purpose.

Make a small decision today that will lead to the right decision in the future.  Speak to God about what troubles you most.  Ask for guidance before you react.  Making a small decision to seek Christ in all you do will set the stage for the bigger decision that eventually comes your way.

Proverbs 18:15, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out."
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A Fine Line Between Humble and Insecure

There is a fine line between humble and insecure. That line sometimes is almost invisible. God calls us to be humble but not insecure. I sometimes struggle with this. I don’t always know when I cross the line between humility and insecurity.

Proverbs 27:2, "Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips."

Humility

Everything you will ever possess, whether wealth, intelligence, influence, experiences, or relationships, is intricately woven into God’s grand design for your life. This divine plan extends even to the disappointments, struggles, detours, and dead ends you may encounter. Some of these obstacles result from our actions, requiring God’s rescue, while others serve as valuable lessons that contribute to our future. God reigns supreme over all circumstances.

We must understand that God loves us unconditionally, and His purpose for our life, encompassing all our imperfections, forms the very foundation of our existence. I consider myself fortunate to have had a father who consistently instilled humility in me. Despite his remarkable achievements, including receiving two Bronze Stars for his service as a seaman in World War Two, serving as the Superintendent of Highways, President of the City Council, and President of the School Board, he always emphasized humility.

I vividly recall a particular morning, as I was leaving for grade school and my father was heading to work when the garbage collector made his rounds on our street. My dad pointed toward him and asked me why the garbage collector didn’t have the same occupation as him. Dad’s response was simple: he had chosen his path, just as every individual can achieve great things by following their chosen pursuits. It’s worth noting that, in our small town, the garbage collector was highly respected and a shrewd businessman. His son even became a lawyer, serving the local community to this day.

Proverbs 30:7-9, "Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal and so dishonor the name of my God."

Insecurity

When is it that we cross the line between humble and insecure? We all do it at times. Mostly it happens when we start to compare ourselves to others. Rarely do we look at those less influential and take pride in our accomplishments; instead, we tend to fixate on those who are more influential, using them as a yardstick to gauge what we should do differently. When we fixate on others, we create a faults narrative. God uniquely created each of us for the specific plan He has for us. No two of us are created the same or have the same plan; comparison is irrelevant.

Even with this knowledge, I falter. My weakness lies in feeling I am not making a difference. I harbor insecurities that stem from believing the work I do does not have value. Being introverted, overly logical (sometimes to a fault), and exceedingly pragmatic contributes to this perception. I genuinely dislike—and that’s not too strong of a word—talking about myself. I cringe when someone says, “Tell me about yourself.” What I cherish about myself is my ordinariness. Sometimes, I mistake being common for falling short, being unworthy, or believing I do not have significance. But these are falsehoods. God uniquely crafted me as His child, perfectly designed for the great future He has in store for me.

Luke 12:6-7, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

I lose sight of that; forgetting that God cherishes me for being who I am. I have people who love me and care about me; I struggle to recognize it because of my insecurity. The world I paint is not the world that exists.

Life

Francis Chan, in his book “Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God” states, ‎”Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter unless it is about loving God and loving the people he has made?” He says, “We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.”

Our actual value lies in looking beyond ourselves. When we dedicate our lives to serving God’s people, we no longer define our worth solely based on our perceptions but on its significance to Him. Through service, humility naturally emerges as a byproduct. There is no room for insecurity or competition when the outcome rests solely in God’s hands.

Regi Campbell’s book “Radical Wisdom,” says, “Turn your knob to humble and watch as people are drawn to you, want to help you, have empathy for you and your situation.”

Humility harbors strength within. It exhibits confidence in who God has created us to be. It radiates an aura of invincibility, unaffected by the opinions of others. Others consider a humble individual confident in the face of adversity, holding authority over their circumstances without exerting power over others.

Insecurity is a product of our perception of a worldly view; it has no place in God’s world.

“When I am consumed by my problems, stressed out about my life, my family, and my job, I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God’s command always to rejoice.” ― Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

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All Christians Have to Choose between Jesus or Religion

Choosing between Jesus and religion is a topic that often sparks deep contemplation and discussion among believers. It revolves around the distinction between a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the institutionalized practices and doctrines associated with organized religion.

 “I believe that a great number of people are going to die and go to hell because they’re counting on their religiosity in the church instead of their relationship with Jesus to get them to heaven. They give lip service to repentance and faith, but they’ve never been born again.” – Adrian Rogers

The question of Jesus or religion has come up several times this week. First, it had to do with my church. We received a new Senior Pastor a couple of years ago, and the church is still in the throes of regime change. Change is inevitable; it is unavoidable. I believe God will have me run to something, not away from something. If He wants me to escape a situation, He will provide me with an attractive alternative; otherwise, it is out of the frying pan and into the fire. God has me staying put for now.

The change that is slowly coming about is a change toward ritualization. We are slowly acclimating ourselves to respond to specific phrases with an automatic response. There is talk of guiding the community groups to have a consistent topic in all groups simultaneously. That topic, with the structured delivery, will be chosen by the church staff. I go to a non-denominational church on purpose. I have been to many denominational churches and find that most are caught up in religion.

Mark 12:30, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

Rules vs Grace

When faced with the decision of Jesus or religion, I chose Jesus. I want an amazing scripture-based, gospel-fearing, Jesus-loving experience. That is just me; I am not a joiner. I understand other people need to have structure and their need to belong to something. Religion many times helps us grow closer to Christ. I understand that some people are more comfortable with learning within a structure, which is not bad. It is when religion becomes the foundation that defines Christ it becomes bad. That has never been my thing. But it raises an interesting question; is your need Jesus or religion? Is your need to have an intimate, personal relationship with your creator, or is it the comfort of conformity? That sounds harsh, I know, but for some, it is the reality of their belief system. If others believe it, I’m more comfortable believing it. If my church leader sets the parameters to get into heaven, I am more comfortable believing that I will get to heaven if I follow the rules.

James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

Before his death, Regi Campbell wrote a daily devotional called “Radical Wisdom.” Regi was one of the founders of High-Tech Ministries. I knew Regi and belonged to HTM for a couple of decades. He was a man filled with Godly wisdom. He continues to mentor young Christians even after his passing. In one of his devotionals, he asks, “Jesus or Religion.” I found it interesting that the same day I had lunch with a fellow parishioner discussing the changes at my church, Regi brought up this topic in his devotional. I am not saying the direction of my church is right or wrong; it is to say that God wants me to think about this seriously.

Galatians 5:4, “For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace.”

Allegiance

Just where is my allegiance? Is it Jesus or my church? Do I go to heaven because I belong to the right group and follow their rules or because I have a personal relationship with Christ? This question was amplified this year on one of my mission trips. The group I volunteer with, IMED, helps create Kingdom Impact businesses in underdeveloped countries. The key is Kingdom Impact. The business must have an evangelistic component to be funded by the host organization. They can always use the business plan we create to obtain conventional funding, but if you want it from us, you must have a Kingdom Impact.

This year I saw a more significant percentage of the participant felt it was the responsibility of their church to drive Kingdom Impact. Their only responsibility was to tithe to their church. Even though our training was precise about this point, they did not get it. They wrapped themselves too tightly in the rules of their religion. They did not see the compassion of Christ as a personal matter. The church saved them, and the church will save the others. They needed to live in a “Christ-like” manner; that is it. They seem to forget that Christ spread the gospel to anyone willing to listen; he did not leave it up to the Pharisees and Sagesses. Jesus was opposed to the religiosity of the church.

Strong Words

Galatians 2:21, “I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.”

Jesus has strong words for those who use religious rules to manipulate others (Matthew 23). He does not provide much room for compassion for those who want to take the short road to salvation. He has even stronger words for those who lead them.

1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Belong to any church you want. Support any denomination you want. Make sure you go to church; God built us for community. But, serve Christ, not man. When it comes to Jesus or religion, always choose Jesus.

In his book Sit, Walk, Stand, Watchman Nee states that our response to everything should be through the cross. Right or wrong, good or bad isn’t the question. When we sit long enough to consider what Jesus did and let that feeling fill us, we walk differently, respond differently, and speak differently.

John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
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