It's OK to NOT Be OK

As born-again believers in Jesus Christ, the goodness and glory of God has been revealed to us personally through Him.  We learn to look at life through the lens of God's greatness and power, and we can attest to wonderful things He has done in our lives.  When troubles and difficulties arise, our response can be to gloss over our struggles in conversations with others--as if experiencing a painful trial is an indictment of our lack of faith.  Should someone ask us how we are doing, we might be tempted to ignore the question and respond with a cliche like "God is good."  Or we might take a Pollyanna approach to paint everything in the best light because we do not want to burden anyone else with the burdens we carry.  Friends, it's OK to NOT be OK.

This is a common way, without even thinking about it, Christians can be prone to lying.  We know our good, awesome God loves us, and it is good to keep Him in the forefront of our minds.  But this does not mean we are always doing well, nor does it follow we are carefree without struggles and burdens because we are not God.  We can put on a smile and pretend we aren't grieving, we aren't offended, that everything is on the up when we are cast down and grieving.  It is true people can be uncomfortable in a social setting when we are honest with them and admit we are struggling, a medical prognosis is bad, or we don't have good news to report.  Sharing we are in the midst of an overwhelming trial is not an indication of our lack of faith, for it is by faith in God we are honest and transparent with people who might judge us negatively.

In a chat this morning with my mum, she told me the story behind her wearing glasses.  It was not until she went to school it was discovered by her teacher she needed glasses to see anything clearly.  At the time if you asked her, she would have claimed to be able to see--but the words all the other students could read to her looked like a blank sheet of paper.  After being fitted with glasses, she was gobsmacked at the new world that opened up before her gaze:  she saw clouds for the first time, trees actually had individual leaves, and roses were not a blob of colour but had lovely petals.  The glasses helped her to see clearly what had been a blur or completely unseen before.  The LORD does this for us spiritually and much more, enabling us to know God by faith in Christ.  It is after knowing Him we begin to see more clearly just how immense our need for Him was and continues to be.

Jesus promises to fill the thirsty who come to Him, and it is the hungry He satisfies by His grace.  It is the lost whom He finds, He opens the eyes of the blind and lifts up the depressed soul.  If we carefully put a positive spin to conceal our struggles before others and act like all is well, should we be surprised when our turmoil continues?  Should God cater to our hypocrisy, deceit and pride when we pretend to be OK, when we pretend to be sufficient in ourselves when the LORD alone is our strength?  Australia has a "R U OK?" day, and the catchphrase is "A conversation can change a life."  If we are unwilling to be honest in conversation with people who love the LORD and care about us, it is unlikely we will receive the full benefits God has for us who works in and through His people.  When we are not OK, we are blessed to know God remains good.  Humility before God and others is a path God uses to let our needs be made known, to pray with one another, to seek the LORD, and to bring us to a place of rest even in ongoing struggles.  If we imagine we are OK ourselves, when will we ever seek God out of need?

Humble to Heed

Having a relationship with the living God is an awesome, wonderful privilege available to everyone.  The word "privilege" these days has become a loaded term to emphasise the possession of benefits or rights others are denied and cannot obtain, when the privilege of Christians to know God is freely given of God's goodness and grace and extended to all people.  Born-again followers of Jesus Christ are privileged to have a relationship with God, and we desire everyone would receive Christ by faith so they too can experience new life in Jesus as well.  The Christian's privilege is available to everyone:  God's love, favour and mercy received by undeserving souls.

One thing that struck me today is a relationship with God provides personal access to communion and communication with God.  This relationship (shockingly, I might add!) is not God addressing us like a commanding officer his troops, a boss to his employees, or an domineering husband over his spouse, but like speaking to a close friend we love.  God has every right and power to do whatever He wants, yet He delights to hear our voices speaking to Him and expressing our desires, requests and praise of Him.  He is the source of all knowledge, understanding and wisdom, yet He is silent and listens more than He speaks.  God invites us sinners to draw near to Him in faith and reason as it is written in Isaiah 1:18-19:  "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."  He places no obstacle before us, for God says:  "Come now."  It is often our unbelief and folly that makes communication with God a last resort rather than our immediate impulse.

Many times in scripture God was pleased to heed the prayers of people and was swayed by their requests, though He was justified to do as He pleased.  After the children of Israel transgressed through idolatry while Moses was on Mt. Sinai, Moses begged God to change His mind about justly destroying them.  Exodus 32:14 says, "So the LORD relented from the harm which He said He would do to His people."  Blessed are the people whose God hears their cries, for even one person who trusts God has sway with Him!  Amazingly, God's will is for none to perish (despite our sinfulness) and He leads us to pray according to His will.  It was not the goodness of Moses but the Holy Spirit who led Moses to plead for the sake of the people, and God relented from the harm He intended to do.  Scripture is filled with instances of God prompting people to pray in faith, Him listening to them, and God answering their prayers with miraculous power--and in the case of Moses, with divine restraint.

These instances in scripture not only teach us to pray to God but also to be reasonable in listening to others, to take into account things people say, and to be humble to heed them.  Since God invites us to reason with Him and responds to our prayers, we ought to be good listeners to bring our thoughts and situations before the LORD who is wisdom for us.  When we are in two minds or completely overwhelmed about the correct course of action we should take, God always knows best.  Nehemiah is a great example of this, for when asked pointed questions by his king he immediately paused and sought the LORD God for guidance.  God does not need our counsel, but we desperately need His.  God forbid we refuse to relent at His word or the words of those who try to reason with us, for in doing so we become like Nabal--scoundrels no one can sensibly reason with.  If our words give God pause, we ought to be humble, patient and reasonable with all.

Loving God's Enemies

"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; ²² for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the LORD will reward you."

Proverbs 25:21-22

This proverb was repeated by Paul in Romans in the context of not avenging oneself and followed by Romans 12:21:  "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  Jesus commanded His disciples to love their enemies, to do good to those who hated them, and to pray for those who spitefully used them.  We can show love by meeting the needs of others in practical ways, by providing food and drink when needed.  Doing so would bring burning shame upon adversaries for being enemies of those who are kind and compassionate, and God promises to reward those who show love even for enemies.  God is faithful to provide for our needs, guide our steps and will reward us by His grace.

Recently I was encouraged to consider this passage from a spiritual perspective.  There are people in the world who are enemies of God (who may not even realise it), who deny His existence and goodness, and oppose and scorn the truth of His word.  In their condition they are spiritually starving from a lack of Jesus who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water of the Holy Spirit.  What a blessing it is for God to supply wisdom from His word to speak the truth concerning Jesus on the authority of the word of God, for man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:4).  Man, in his natural state, drinks sin like water and has a spiritual thirst no amount of pleasure, fame or riches can satisfy.  Christians have the privilege to offer the Living Water of the Holy Spirit so people can drink through receiving the Gospel and live forever.

The spiritual implications of Proverbs 25:21-22 are held in tension with the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:6:  "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces."  There are times when enemies of God will hear and receive His word, and others will disregard the treasures of God's wisdom and attack us like enraged feral boars.  Jesus said of Pharisees He deemed blind leaders of the blind, "Let them alone.  When the blind lead the blind they will both fall into the ditch." (Matt. 15:14)  We need discernment provided by the Holy Spirit to love our enemies by speaking the truth and also to express our faith in God by remaining silent until He bids us speak.  We are called to give an answer for the hope that is in us to those who ask and contend for the faith, but we are not called to be contentious (1 Peter 3:15).

Another important point Solomon made is in Proverbs 26:4-5:  "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him. ⁵ Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes."  These verse compliment one another:  we are not to engage in foolish disputes and stoop to the low level of personal attacks and insults, but at the same time we are to speak the wisdom of God's word to reveal the folly of falsehoods and contradictions of worldly wisdom--which is foolishness with God.  When we speak, let us do so lovingly with the wisdom of the Bible, not haughtily spouting our own opinions or condemning others as if we are without fault.  May we speak the truth of Jesus as we follow the example of our Saviour who was humble, gentle, patient and kind.  Let us feed on God's word and drink deeply of the fullness of the Spirit so God's glory and grace will shine through us.

Stay Loyal to God

It seems a lot of large retailers I have wandered through lately aim to be a "one-stop shop."  Walmart is a good example.  Years ago there was not nearly the amount of groceries on offer like there is today with large refrigerated aisles.  From memory the only refrigerated area of Walmart I was aware of was for bait in the fishing department!  Today there is pretty much everything you need in one store that is the size of a small suburb that offers prices competitive with all rivals.  The thought is, if you can buy everything in one place, why go anywhere else?  This provides consumers the convenience of everything needed in one shop, the benefit of low prices and (of course!) provides more revenue for the retailer.

If there was a store where everything you wanted and needed was consistently provided at the lowest price, it would make sense to go there.  Benefits offered that reward loyalty are reasons why people prefer to shop at one place rather than another.  People are loyal until a much better deal comes along they can profit from.  That is when loyalty and our personal governing principles are put to the test.  Some people in California will pay more because they want an American-made product or want to support local businesses.  Others are more interested in saving money for themselves or so they can afford to support more charities through giving.  How we save and/or spend our money is often a complex, personal series of decisions.

The same can be true of the God we trust and worship.  Even as there are more shops and companies than I recognise or could count, there are a multitude of various deities that have been worshipped by mankind throughout history.  The powers of gods in the ancient world (and to this day) are often limited in scope and specialise in things like fertility, abundant harvests or protection.  The almighty God who created all things resembles a "one stop shop" in one sense, but He is infinitely superior in that He meets all our needs, is supreme in power, and is the best at everything without rival.  God is like a spring of pure, living water and all the other gods and idols combined are like a small mud puddle--a puddle that by the time you stoop to drink from it, you discover there is no water at all!  All other gods and spiritual practices were only a mirage that could never meet a single need.

God said through the prophet in Jeremiah 2:12-13:  "Be astonished, O heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid; be very desolate," says the LORD. ¹³ "For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water."  God exposed the folly of His people to forsake Him who saved them, was gracious and merciful to them, provided for their needs and blessed them abundantly.  They did evil in departing from Him, and they also sinned in carving for themselves cisterns (idols) that were totally unfit for purpose.  It was God who brought the rain, made their fields fruitful, caused them to bear children, and protected them from harm.  No other god, nation or person could compare with His goodness, everlasting power, wisdom and help.  It was completely irrational and foolish to abandon living water for broken cisterns that could hold no water in an arid environment.  A silly person can see how ridiculous it would be to make such a trade, yet the irony is God's people did not see it was stupid for them to forsake God who never forsook them.

We do not follow Jesus merely for benefits we hope to receive from Him but because He is God and worthy of all praise.  He is our life, and the wise cling to Him in faith in times of peace and conflict, when things are going smoothly or all seems lost.  We are the lost ones, and Jesus has sought and called us; He freely offers the Living Water of the Holy Spirit, and He gives rest for our souls.  How strange it is we would receive His gifts and grace, and after we have been saved, nursed to spiritual health and gained strength would go after false gods that could never hear, see, help or deliver us at all.  Blessed is the one who finds God to be His all in all!  Praise the LORD for His loyal love to us, that when we foolishly lean on our own understanding He continues to pursue us and calls us back to Himself to receive us.  Let's be those who, having discovered God to be our fountain of living water, are not deceived to think there could be better elsewhere and remain loyal to Him.

Eyes On Jesus

I came across a picture recently that conveys the view some maintain of the role of priests or pastors in the church.  Between the risen Jesus Christ and the children receiving communion, a haloed priest stands as mediator between God and man.  To receive the divine benefits of the broken body of Jesus and His shed blood, the priest provides the sole means of receiving God's grace.  The picture illustrates a view of the church that is disembodied from Jesus Christ as the head, replaced by a robed man that is holier than thou.

In writing to the 7 churches (which by extension include the entire church and body of Christ), John offered grace and peace in Revelation 1:5-6 "...from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ⁶ and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."  God has made all born again Christians as kings and priests unto Him.  This is not to say God does not give authority and responsibilities to leaders in the church, but to show the unity of believers who are all in Christ.  Rather than resembling a Mosaic system where Moses was intercessor between God and the Hebrews, under the New Covenant Jesus is in that glorious role for all people who believe--not the church or priests.

For the glory of the eternal, wise God Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1-6, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. ³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time..."  A more accurate picture would be for the priest to be standing alongside the children with enraptured eyes on Jesus, for Jesus alone is the God and Mediator between God and all people.  Pastors and parishioners alike are to keep their eyes on Jesus and follow Him by faith, all needing forgiveness and reconciliation with God through Jesus.  Rather than looking to a priest to be absolved from sins, the dependence of every child of God is to be on Jesus Who once for all died for our sins, was raised in glory, and stands at the right hand of the Father.

Regardless of our role in the church, let us be those who refuse to obscure the view of Jesus who rules and reigns on high by seeking glory for ourselves.  Let us also not look to a priest, saint, pastor or mentor to do for us what only Jesus can or to guide or help us like the Holy Spirit is faithful to do.  Praise the LORD for the blessings and benefits of fellowship in the church, but let us remember the church is merely the body of which Jesus is the Head.  All the answers to prayer, salvation, forgiveness and acceptance before God is from God alone, and let us give Him glory rather than man.  Let us thank people for their faithful service unto the LORD and express our gratitude to God for His generous provision, but let us direct hungry and thirsty souls to Jesus to find salvation and rest while we look to Him ourselves.

Shining Bright Continually

It can be challenging to find personal relevance for particular passages of the Bible when they are filled with names that are difficult to pronounce or are filled with repetitive measurements.  It can be tedious to read the technical specifications even of products we enjoy using and see the value of, and it can ring true of parts of Scripture as well.  Passages we may be tempted to skim or gloss over can contain many important and relevant truths for us to consider and take to heart.

I came across a passage like this in Exodus 27 when Moses recorded the dimensions of the curtains, pillars and boards of the tabernacle and how they were to be fastened together, as many parts were to compose one tabernacle as the dwelling place of God.  As the chapter draws to a close, Exodus 27:20-21 said:  "And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually. ²¹ In the tabernacle of meeting, outside the veil which is before the Testimony, Aaron and his sons shall tend it from evening until morning before the LORD. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on behalf of the children of Israel."  God desired the light of the lamp to always be shining in the holy place near the most holy place where His presence dwelt.  Sanctified priests were called to do the work of God in the right way, bringing pure olive oil for the lamps.  From evening to morning, the priests were to ensure the lamps were tended to and burning bright all night and day.

The Law of Moses and the service of the tabernacle were shadows that pointed to Jesus Christ Who is the Light of the World.  Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 5:14-16:  "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."  The lamps were to remain lit in the tabernacle, and Jesus explained the purpose of lighting a lamp is to provide light for everyone in the house.  It would make no sense to light a lamp and burn fuel while hiding the lamp under a basket.  Not only would it be a fire hazard, but everyone in the room would remain in darkness.

As born again followers of Jesus by faith, God intends for His glory to shine through us.  We are to be faithful and to be being filled with the Holy Spirit so we might glorify God now and forever.  How can we shine bright?  Verse 16 says we shine by our good works--which is much more than doing good deeds.  It is by being and becoming the people God created us to be, filled with the joy of the LORD we wear on our glad and hopeful countenance even in hard times.  We shine with praise of God for the great things He has done, by speaking blessing rather than cursing, and loving instead of hating.  We shine by walking in light of Scripture and speaking the truth, for God's word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

Isaiah 60:1-3 is a relevant exhortation to all God's people who are in Christ:  "Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. ² For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the LORD will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. ³ The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."  How glorious is the Light of the World Who shines and has risen upon us!  We are not a source of light for the world, but through us the light of Jesus shines in and through us that will be seen by Jew and Gentile, a glow that attracts people to know and glorify God.  We sometimes limit our "time to shine" to particular moments, but God's will is we would always shine bright for His glory because He is only light, and in Him is no darkness at all--even in the mundane moments when no one else is watching.  Praise the LORD for the supply of the Holy Spirit Who helps us shine for God's glory.

God's Gifts and Calling

 Paul shared a timeless principle with believers in Romans 11:29:  "For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."  This is wonderful because God is gracious, good, merciful and will always continue to be so.  It is of little value to be offered a lifetime guarantee by a company that folds one year after completing the work.  The world is full of false promises and caveats concealed in fine print, luring us to commit to buying with bold print and high-pressure salesmanship.  Whether the promises of God are well known or obscure by comparison, all His promises are yes and amen to His glory.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."  This call to a new life by faith in Jesus was for the Jews He spoke to as well as Gentiles today:  the offer of salvation and eternal life through the Gospel remains valid and in force for us, our children, and for all generations to come. 
God does not retract His gracious gifts and calling because of our failures, or nor are they withdrawn when His patience runs thin.

God made a covenant with Abraham and his descendants that remains because it was an everlasting covenant, and God by His grace has grafted in Gentiles with the true Jews as the people of God spiritually through faith in Jesus.  I love that God's gifts are irrevocable as well as His calling.  He gives gifts He does not withdraw because we have been neglecting them too much, and continues to call us to salvation and to service in the Body of Christ, the church.  Even when people walk away from the LORD and act like His enemies, His grace and goodness remains outstretched to them without fail.  What comfort, peace and rest is ours by faith in Jesus who has called the thirsty to Himself to drink of His Living Water!

One immutable characteristic of God is His generosity to give and keep giving.  He loves us and continues to love us.  Day by day He girds us with strength to seek and obey Him, and we can do all things through Jesus Who strengthens us.  He continues to give us joy and supply wisdom even when we are depressed and make foolish choices.  God provides hope when we are hopeless in ourselves to do or change anything.  He gives us His word that is packed with promises and does not repent of giving us more grace.  Let us be those who value the Giver over His countless gifts, the One who calling and gifts are irrevocable.

The Reforming Paradox

Because God is the sole source of wisdom and does not change, wisdom from God remains timeless for every person and season of life.  God's wisdom is never outdated but relevant for everyone.  While our lack of faith in God can prevent us from heeding or observing God's wise ways, God's wisdom will endure beyond us and subsequent generations.  Knowing God is our Creator and Sovereign, this impacts our perspective of relationships God has instituted.

G.K. Chesterton touched on this in an essay titled "The Drift from Domesticity" he wrote and our need to consider the reasons why laws, roles and boundaries in society exist before we think we do well to destroy them.  Though these words were written almost 100 years ago, Chesterton touched on the timelessness of God's wisdom for us to heed today in this excerpt:

"In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox.  There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity; a fence or gate erected across a road.  The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, "I don't see the use of this; let us clear it away."  To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer:  "If you don't see the use of it, I certainly won't let you clear it away.  Go away and think.  Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it."

This paradox rests on the most elementary common sense.  The gate or fence did not grow there.  It was not set up by somnambulists who built it in their sleep.  It is highly improbable that it was put there by escaped lunatics who were for some reason loose in the street.  Some person had some reason for thinking it would be a good thing for somebody.  And until we know what the reasons was, we really cannot judge whether the reason was reasonable.  It is extremely probable that we have overlooked some whole aspect of the question, if something set up by human beings like ourselves seems to be entirely meaningless and mysterious.  There are reformers who get over this difficulty by assuming that all their fathers were fools; but if that be so, we can only say that folly appears to be a hereditary disease.  But the truth is that nobody has any business to destroy a social institution until he has really seen it as an historical institution.  If he knows how it arose, and what purposes it was supposed to serve, he may really be able to say that they were bad purposes, or that they have since become bad purposes, or that they are purposes which are no longer served.  But if he simply stares at the thing as a senseless monstrosity that has somehow sprung up in his path, it is he and not the traditionalist who is suffering from an illusion.  We might even say that he is seeing things in a nightmare."  (Chesterton, G. K., and Dale Ahlquist. In Defense of Sanity: The Best Essays of G.K. Chesterton. Ignatius Press, 2011. pages 173-174)

The principle illustrated here shows the impact faith in God has on our perspective and worldview.  If we believe God created man and woman and instituted marriage between a man and a woman, we cannot reform these institutions without risk of deforming them.  While it is true people do change over their lives, our basic need for God and His wisdom does not change.  Having been illuminated by the word of God and born again by the Holy Spirit, we have learned that without God we are hopelessly adrift in the dark.  To follow our hearts may be to disregard God and the wisdom He has passed down through generations.  How blessed we are to have such a sure foundation in our God Who provides wisdom for abundant life and to be transformed by faith in Jesus into the people He intended us to be from the beginning.  Staying the course requires constant reformation--not of God's institutions but of ourselves--being sanctified by God's grace.

Seeing Clearly and Speaking Truly

"And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous."

Exodus 23:8

A bribe is a gift with strings attached given out of corrupt motives to influence or sway others away from doing or saying what they know is right.  A bribe is similar to flattery, for the heart behind both of them is insincere.  Giving someone a gift is a generous and kind thing to do, even as it can be encouraging to receive a compliment.  When the heart of the giver is corrupted and seeks to manipulate others, a gift is reduced to a bribe to gain influence.  Bribes may take many forms, and those made wise and discerning by faith in God are not immune to the negative impact of receiving them.

This verse provides insight into how receiving bribes affects those who receive them:  it blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.  A discerning person is one who sees with understanding of the truth of things, and receiving a bribe blinds us to the motivations of others, to the greed in our own hearts, and even keeps us from looking to Jesus.  Man's eyes are drawn to the gift and are prompted to please the giver in return--even more than God.  As one hand washes another, so receiving a gift incites a generosity of heart towards the giver.  This can mean turning a blind eye to the truth, and this is a very dangerous prospect when God speaks the truth and Jesus is the Truth.

The second effect of receiving a bribe is also of great concern, for the problem of perverse words goes right to the heart.  Jesus said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and when the words of the righteous are perverted they are no longer truthful and sincere.  Half-truths and plain lies will begin to permeate our thoughts and speech:  excusing, justifying or promoting something we know is not right.  Let us not imagine bribes must only be objects or money, for flattery or public honour can be a bribe as much as anything.  There is nothing wrong with praising one who does well, but we must be careful not to receive such things as one does a bribe--and being rendered blind and perverse.

The Jews were proud to be God's special people, and Paul revealed God's people in a spiritual sense are those who live for His praise in Romans 2:28-29:  "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; ²⁹ but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God."  It was not the outer conformity of being circumcised and keeping the letter of the Law of Moses, but the ones praised by God for their faith marked by obedience to Jesus Christ.  To those Jesus says, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"  Our obedience to Jesus is not to be a bribe to get what we want from Him but a joyful duty since He is worthy and as a grateful response for all He has done for us.  May the LORD give us by faith in Jesus discerning eyes, upright hearts and words of truth to speak and live accordingly.

Knowledge and New Life

In the Law of Moses, God demonstrated the knowledge a person has is a determining factor in consequences for transgression.  Exodus 21:28-29 says, "If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, then the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be acquitted. ²⁹ But if the ox tended to thrust with its horn in times past, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not kept it confined, so that it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death."  If the owner was made aware and knew of the propensity of his ox towards violence, he was responsible to restrain it in a appropriate manner.  Should the owner of the ox neglect this duty and the ox kill a person, his life would also be required.

In the book of Romans, Paul makes a strong emphasis on what born again Christians can know since we know Jesus by faith in Him, and this ought to directly impact our actions.  Romans 6 strings together many things a believer in Jesus Christ ought to know (bold emphasis mine):

• Romans 6:3:  "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?"
• Romans 6:6:  "...knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."
• Romans 6:9:  "...knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him."
• Romans 6:16:  "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?"

Paul explained what happens spiritually when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ:  we died to sin and are raised to a new life with Christ.  Paul urged born again believers to reckon (to consider) this our new, immutable paradigm and reality.  Knowing we are dead to sin means we are no longer under the dominion of sin or the Law of Moses.  This knowledge ought to govern our decisions like knowing we are deathly allergic to peanuts makes us vigilant to avoid eating them.  If we own a car that uses petrol we never fill our tanks with diesel--even if it is bit cheaper at the pump.  If we quit one job and started another one, this knowledge direct us to wisely drive to the correct office to do our work and attend an important meeting on time.  God has graciously given us His word and the Holy Spirit so we can know God personally and helps us to do His will, for we can do all things through Jesus who strengthens us.

Believers know our body of sin was crucified with Jesus so we are no longer slaves of sin, the resurrection of Jesus shows death has no dominion over us, and that we ought to present ourselves as slaves of Jesus in obedience to Him.  The Law tells us what is right and wrong but gives us no power to follow it.  By the Law comes the knowledge of sin, and leads us to Jesus who has ushered in a new and living way to righteousness by faith in Him.  Man no longer can hide behind ignorance, for God commands all people everywhere to repent and believe on Jesus Christ Who will judge the world in righteousness with entire, perfect knowledge (Acts 17:30-31).  Know Jesus and know abundant life!  He is awesome beyond words.

Peace Of Mind

Only God has the power to save us from ourselves.  It is likely we ourselves pose a greater risk of ruin and fruitlessness than Satan and all his demonic minions could impose upon us by force.  As long as our hearts are selfish, self-confident, self-reliant and esteems self over others, we will stumble in our aim to walk in the Spirit.  While we can be focused on our tendency to do wrong, it can be what we neglect to do in obedience to God that hinders our spiritual growth and vitality.  Unbelief and lack of love towards God and others in our hearts causes more trouble for us than the symptoms of sin everyone can see.  I thought J. Sidlow Baxter made good points about the importance of examining our hearts:

"In the ultimate analysis there are just two things which prevent peace of mind--pride, and lack of love.  Pride always carries the haunting fear of humiliating fall; and where love is lacking there can never be that rest of heart which comes only with perfect motive.  I learned something about that years ago when I used to do a good deal of open-air preaching.  At times, when Communists and other hostile persons in the crowd seemed likely to react violently, I would feel fear.  Then I would say to myself, "If you were utterly down at the feet of Christ you could not possibly fear humiliation; and if you loved them as utterly as Jesus loves them you could not know fear, for 'perfect love casteth out fear' (1John 4:18)".  It is a high point in the spiritual life when, cost what it will, we submit to the divine will; but the highest point of all is when the mind has become so renewed by the Holy Spirit that every desire is altogether one with that divine will.  Oh, that is the way of "life and peace"!" (Baxter, J. Sidlow. His Deeper Work in Us: A Further Enquiry into New Testament Teaching on the Subject of Christian Holiness. Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1967. page 158)

In the classic rock song, "Peace of Mind" by Boston, the lyrics say the way to find peace of mind is to "take a look ahead."  While the song makes no allusion to the eternal state in the presence of God, considering our eternal future in the presence of Jesus does bring peace of mind.  But all those who are assured a glorious future can experience peace of mind now by humbling ourselves before Jesus Christ in faith, choosing to obey and rely upon Him to help us whether in our jobs or speaking to people who are hostile towards God.  The perfect love of God casts out fear and guides us to sacrificial living for the glory of God and the good of others.  There is no peace for the wicked, but those who submit self to the LORD to do His will find rest the world cannot know, for Jesus is our peace.

Better Covenant and Promises

One of the biggest problems with the Mosaic covenant was not that it was flawed, but that it exposed the flaws in people and demonstrated the impossibility of them keeping it.  God promised the Hebrews in Exodus 19:5-6:  "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. ⁶ And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."  After Moses spoke the word of God to the people, they agreed to keep His covenant.  It wasn't long at all before they broke it, and ironically they did so before Moses descended from the mountain with the 10 Commandments in hand!

The writer of Hebrews explained how God put everything under Jesus Christ, and that He is greater than Moses and the angels:  the unique, only begotten Son of God who is both eternal King and High Priest.  The ministry of Moses was great in bringing the knowledge of God's law and His covenant, but Jesus did far greater and awesome as it says in Hebrews 8:6:  "But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises."  The first covenant was dependant on people keeping it, yet the new covenant established with the shed blood of Jesus rests on Christ's obedience to lay down His life on Calvary.  The point of emphasis of the Gospel is not what we must do to be saved but on who Jesus is and all He has done to offer us the free gift of righteousness by grace through faith in Him.  God has opened up a new and living way to fellowship with God by faith in Jesus.

The Law gave no promise of eternal life, yet Jesus freely offered forgiveness and salvation forever to all who repent and trust in Him.  The promise is not limited to the Hebrews alone but to all who receive Jesus Christ as Saviour.  Revelation 1:4-6 reads, "John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, ⁶ and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."  The Law foreshadowed the Saviour Who would bring grace to us and the opportunity of peace with the everlasting God.  God promised the Hebrews in Exodus if they kept His covenant they would be to Him a kingdom of priests and a holy nation; to Jews and Gentiles alike the new covenant makes us "kings and priests" to God Who has glory and dominion forever.

John wrote of Jesus Christ in John 1:16-17:  "And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."  The covenant and special position God provided Israel remains unchanged, yet through the Gospel a better covenant with better promises has been revealed which is extended to all people by faith in Jesus.  Receiving the fullness of God personally was not on offer by the covenant of Law, yet born again Christians are now the temple of the Holy Spirit Who lives in us.  We are not worthy of such privilege and access, yet let us walk worthy of this heavenly calling as God's children, sanctified and fit for His use by His grace and truth.

Intentional Grace

Every time I read the classic Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness by Jerry Cook with Stanley Baldwin, I am reminded how much I like it.  The book resonates with me because it is written with grace and practical examples we can apply in our own lives and ministry.  He holds forth a simple philosophy founded on scripture that the church is people, equipped by the Holy Spirit, to meet needs everywhere in the name of Jesus.  Rather than seeking to wield or maintain control over others, the approach to ministry held forth in this little book embraces releasing people to serve by faith in God.

One point Cook makes is to consider what messages we send, that fruitful Christian ministry is reserved for the trained professionals, the gifted or experienced.  Rather than implying real ministry takes place primarily in a church building, Cook encourages people to use their spiritual gifts in the situation God places them in the real world.  While there is a valid place for teaching, training and preparation, our methods can convey what king Saul did when he was willing to let David fight Goliath:  he was permitted to fight as long as David wore his armour.  Saul wanted David to resemble him externally when David was filled with the Holy Spirit and prompted by faith in God within to do what Saul was afraid to do himself.  Cook writes:

"What I'm saying is this:  people who are filled with the Holy Spirit are already basically equipped for ministry.  What the church needs to do is help people to understand this truth, not mislead them into thinking they are somehow unqualified to serve.  

Christianity is not difficult to communicate.  It's simple.  We make it hard by our extreme efforts.  We give soul-winning courses that take eight weeks or eight months.  This communicates to our people how difficult it is to win anyone to Christ.

As a result, Christians are scared to death to tell anybody about Jesus.  They memorize every possible question any non-Christian could ask as well as the correct answers--they want to have all the bases covered.  When they have done that we say they are equipped.  They aren't equipped, they are incapacitated.  We have them so intent on nailing people with the Bible, giving answers to them, that they forget there is a person there--hurting.

Maybe the correct answer does not help.  Maybe what a friend or neighbor needs is a cup of coffee to drink and an arm around his shoulder.  Someone to listen and care.  Someone to exercise the greatest spiritual gift of all--love.  It doesn't take a professional to love."  (Cook, Jerry, and Stanley C. Baldwin. Love, Acceptance & Forgiveness. GL Regal Books, 1984. pg. 58-59)

I encourage people to sign up for courses and take classes offered by a church for the spiritual health and instruction of congregants.  Rather than seeing these as a hindrance to ministry, they can enhance our understanding and ability.  What is refreshing about Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness is not the institution of a pattern, but it is a timeless exhortation to be yielded to the Holy Spirit, know God rules over all, and a gentle reminder to examine what patterns have been established in our church or ministry and the unintended messages they might send.  If the ministry and usefulness of the church is limited to what I can do, nothing will come of it.  Yet if we walk together by faith in Jesus Christ, rely on His guidance and serve one another in love, God will never cease to do amazing things by His grace.

Recounting Victory

When we read the Bible and observe what God has done in the past, we are reminded of God's power to save today.  We glory in the LORD who previously delivered His people in Scripture, and we can also be confident in God's salvation in the future.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  It is we who are forgetful and need reminders of God's faithfulness to help and deliver His people.

Psalm 78:40-42 shows the awful consequences when God's people forget what God has done:  "How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! ⁴¹ Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. ⁴² They did not remember His power: the day when He redeemed them from the enemy..."  The Hebrews in the wilderness may have remembered the series of plagues God brought upon the Egyptians, but they forgot His power and redemption to save them in current distress.  They provoked, grieved and tempted God because they acted like He was distant and small, unable or unwilling to help them in time of need.  Had they remembered God's purpose in the plagues that led to them being set free in the past it could have resulted in faith in God presently.

After the children of Israel departed from Egypt, Moses told Joshua to fight against Amalek.  When the hands of Moses were lifted up Joshua prevailed, but when his arms dropped Amalek gained the advantage.  Moses was provided a stone for a chair and Aaron and Hur helped support his arms, and the LORD brought a great victory.  Exodus 17:13-16 reads, "So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. ¹⁴ Then the LORD said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven." ¹⁵ And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; ¹⁶ for he said, "Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."  Moses was directed to write down a memorial of the LORD's victory and promise to contend with Amalek until he and his people were eradicated and left without memory.

Not only was a record of God's victory written, but it was to be recounted or rehearsed in the hearing of Joshua.  Over the years Joshua would have many battles against the Amalekites, and they would continue to be thorns in the eyes of Israel for many years.  As Joshua approached another future battle with Amalek, he was to remember the time when God gave him victory in the past and take heart in faith God would ultimately defeat and destroy Amalek in the future--permanently.  This reminds me of the victory Jesus won on the cross by defeating Satan, sin and death.  Skirmishes still continue to this day in our lives, but God will see the blight of Satan, sin and death destroyed forever, even blotted out of memory.  Knowing what Jesus has accomplished and what He has promised moves us to trust and praise Him in current conflicts, knowing He is our Saviour will deliver us.  How good it is we are reminded of God's victories in the past, because in doing so we are assured of His future deliverance and ultimate victory.

Random Blessings

I am often intrigued by the odd and unusual--especially in advertising.  Yesterday it was a brand name that sparked my interest:  Random Harvest.  This is apparently a well-known brand used for gift hampers in Australia that has been in business since 1981, but not well-known enough for me to have heard of it after living Down Under for over a decade!  It was amusing to consider how tasty a salad dressing could possibly be if it was compiled of a harvest of random ingredients.  I would imagine the dressings and chutneys produced would render the brand infamous and be out of business before long.  If by "random" it implies unexpectedly good perhaps it works, yet it remains a stretch.

This prompted me to think of an occasion in the Bible when a random harvest had terrible consequences.  2 Kings 4:38-40 reads, "And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, "Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets." ³⁹ So one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered from it a lapful of wild gourds, and came and sliced them into the pot of stew, though they did not know what they were. ⁴⁰ Then they served it to the men to eat. Now it happened, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, "Man of God, there is death in the pot!" And they could not eat it."  During a famine food was scarce, and when men found wild gourds on a random vine they included them in a stew.  It seems some who ate the poisoned concoction experienced sudden violent illness from the gourds and no one could (or would!) eat the stew after that.

Then the LORD did an amazing thing through Elisha the prophet in 2 Kings 4:41:  "So he said, "Then bring some flour." And he put it into the pot, and said, "Serve it to the people, that they may eat." And there was nothing harmful in the pot."  It seems random Elisha asked the people to bring flour and he put it into the pot--an ingredient typically used to thicken a stew, not purge it of poison.  When the people followed the directive of Elisha and by faith in God ate, the ill-effects of the gourds were neutralised.  While the addition of flour was unexpected, the provision of food was not random at all:  it was a means of God revealing His power over death and ability to provide sustenance for those who trust Him even in the midst of a famine.  To us God's ways seem random at times, but He has good plans and redemptive purposes even in a bad stew.  A failed dish can frustrate us even when no one has been poisoned, but even should that happen God is still worthy of our trust and obedience.

Seeing God at Work

Today in church we sang "Battle Belongs" by Phil Wickham.  The lyrics go, "When all I see are the ashes, You see the beauty, thank You, God.  When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb."  We often need to be reminded of God's love, power and purposes in the past, how He has been faithful to redeem trials for our good and His glory.  Should we be left to our own devices and walk by sight or how we feel, we can miss the redemptive power of God who uses tribulation to draw us to Himself.

Recently in conversation a friend of mine referenced "hard ground" in ministry, how it seems difficult or nigh impossible to make an impact on others when they are resistant to the Gospel.  In thinking over the phrase, it struck me how man has discovered techniques and developed tools to deal with hard ground.  If digging a hole for a post or tree is too difficult for a spade, a mattock or digging bar may do the job.  It is sometimes advisable to soak the area with water to soften the soil or to try digging after rain.  Should a rotary hammer or jackhammer fail to make headway through rock in a mine, professional earth-moving equipment or even dynamite has been used to blast through hard ground.

It is good for us to acknowledge there is hard ground beyond our ability to dig through by our efforts, yet at the same time to focus on God's miraculous way of cutting up hard ground without breaking a sweat.  Indeed, we likely are able to recognise hard ground in others because we have that same tendency in our own hearts:  the hard ground of pride, self-sufficiency and unbelief in God often develops inside us.  I take great comfort in God's word in Zechariah 4:6-7:  "So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts. ⁷ 'Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of "Grace, grace to it!"  How awesome is God?  The hardest heart can be pierced by God's word easier than a spade cuts through loose sand.

We might lament the ashes of our ruined dreams, the high cost of obedience, or the hard ground we wish was soft, yet we can gladly turn our eyes to God Who can move mountains with His word alone.  While we struggle to dig a small hole in the earth, God can shift mountains of unbelief by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He can redeem the death of His only begotten Son and provide grace and salvation to all lost sinners by grace through faith in Him.  Rather than being an obstacle, the mountain is an opportunity for God to show His might, majesty and sovereignty over all--starting with us believing Him.

Insight From Cain

It is one thing to point out the folly of those who reject God and do not believe in Him, yet it is far more relevant and needful for believers to recognise our folly so we might repent of it.  God's people were unable to enter the land of Canaan because of unbelief in God, and thus were unwilling and disobedient.  Those whose carcasses fell in the desert after the exodus from Egypt are an example for followers of Jesus today, for they illustrate our sinful tendencies that remain after being born again.  There are countless examples in the Old and New Testament that demonstrate the prevalence of sin and the sobering consequences.

One might think after Cain was called out for the murder of his brother Abel, he would admit he was guilty.  Not so!  When God asked Cain where Abel was he replied, "I don't know.  Am I my brother's keeper?"  His lying response had an accusatory tone, as if God was inquiring about a situation that was none of His business.  After God revealed He knew all about Abel's murder, instead of expressing repentance or sorrow he blamed God for chastening him:  "My punishment is greater than I can bear!  You have driven me out this day from the face of the earth!" ( quotes from Gen. 4:8-14)  Now lying and murder were not explicit commands Cain broke, and thus he did not transgress a law--but sin that lay at the door overpowered Cain, and he rebelled against God in pride.

Would you believe Christians can be guilty of the proud, rebellious attitude we see on display in Cain?  Though Cain sinned, he was preoccupied with himself and how badly he was being treated.  This is rich, coming from a fellow who just killed his brother in cold blood!  Cain painted God as the villain in his story when Cain's refusal to fear God and humble himself led to his pains as the consequence of his foolish choices, even after God warned him.  We can feel sorry for ourselves with a "Woe is me!" hopeless attitude without the second part of Isaiah's statement, "I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips..."  Isaiah owned his sin and the sins of his people, citing his unworthiness to see or speak with God in humility.  In Cain we see no contrition whatsoever:  he only felt bad about himself and lamented the curse sin brought upon him.  Cain was angry to be driven out from the presence of the LORD, yet the reality was he had spiritually checked out long before then.  What should have been a reality check to prompt repentance, Cain used as an excuse to spitefully blame God and go his own way.

When we are convicted or made aware of our sins before God, rather than trying to deflect blame on anyone else (including God) or feel sorry for ourselves, let us confess and repent of our sin daily in humility.  Just because we have fallen short of God's glory makes Him no less glorious and powerful to save.  Imagine our failure to do right being a wedge that hinders us from submission to the holy, righteous God Who is our life!  Hebrews 3:12-13 says, "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; ¹³ but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."  Sin is so deceitful we can come to a place of blaming and condemning God for sin we chose over Him and the consequences of sin in our lives.  God allows us to fail and fall into sin so we would realise how much we have yet to rely on Him fully.  He helps us begin to see the ugly, sinful truth about ourselves when we imagined we could overcome sin by the effort of our flesh when only God can do that.  Do not allow the ugliness of your sin rob God of His beauty and worthiness to be praised, trusted and obeyed.  

Jesus Changes People--For Good

The other day I passed by a digital sign that read, "Stop Domestic Violence."  It struck me as rather odd.  I wondered who the target audience was.  It could not be addressing those who suffer from domestic violence, a battered spouse or the verbally or physically abused children at the mercy of a grown bully.  It must be primarily directed at the one responsible for the violence, ironically the one who could be incapable of recognising or stopping their violent and harmful behaviour.  It is one thing to suggest beating the summer heat by the installation of a pool to swim in, but it is another thing altogether to say "Stop Summer Heat."  Good luck with that.  One might as well try to stop the earth's orbit around the sun--or domestic violence with a sign.

My fervent desire aligns with the digital sign:  for domestic violence in every form to stop.  But raising awareness of a problem does nothing to convince people it is their problem, their sin.  Looking at the scourge of domestic violence and other sins from a biblical perspective, a complete change of heart and mind is needed to begin to foster this change.  To try to fight the flesh with the flesh is a losing battle, for we cannot will to do what is right when we are wrong.  The natural man is dead in sins and incapable of changing himself, and to cease from domestic violence is no easier than ceasing from envy, lying or looking with lust.  Change at the source is needed as it is written in Ezekiel 18:30-31:  "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. ³¹ Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?"

To be saved from ourselves and hell Jesus revealed we must be born again through faith in Him, and the Holy Spirit makes transformational change possible.  He changes our perspective, helps us to avoid sin and to begin to do what pleases God instead.  One reason why domestic violence is fundamentally sinful it is the opposite of loving one another.  Bullying a spouse or a child shows a great lack of the fear of God Who will bring all our words and actions into judgment.  The world often focuses on trying to eliminate the symptoms or fruit of sin when God is able to deal with the root of the problem.  Notice the sign did not say the words of Jesus to His disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you" but to stop domestic violence.  From a worldly view stopping bad behaviour is of primary importance, yet the biblical view is to repent, be born again, and be led by the Holy Spirit in love.  Those who are walking in love will not abuse others.

If our salvation and spiritual transformation was based upon our efforts, not one person could be saved or changed.  God is the One who changes people; the almighty God is able to give us a new heart and mind.  Hebrews 10:16-17 says, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," ¹⁷ then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."  We cannot change or even help ourselves, but God can and does.  Those who repent and trusts in Jesus can be set free from the shackles of all our sins and be empowered to live lives that follow Christ's example.  Domestic violence can stop when those guilty of it have hearts changed so they no longer practice it--a transformation made possible by faith in Jesus Christ Who makes all things new.  Even better than the prospect of domestic violence stopping is for all people to love one another as Jesus loves us.

God Preserves His People

 "Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."

1 Corinthians 15:33

It is not uncommon for people to adopt or express behaviour they have found odious in others.  I can't remember how many times I have heard people share their own shock when they found themselves following the example of a person they swore they would never emulate.  People can become in character, words and actions exactly what they hate because of unwanted influence others had in their lives.  It is only the LORD Who can open our eyes to see it and provide the ability to change course from being enslaved to sin to walking in the way that pleases God.

David provides a good example of the corrupting influence others can have over us.  When King Saul was freshly crowned, he was a man marked by humility and grace.  However, it was not long before he fully embraced the role of a proud, domineering king who sought honour in the sight of people rather than God.  Even the way he spoke began to change, for his words began to be peppered with haughty oaths and curses.  1 Samuel 14:24 supplies an example:  "And the men of Israel were distressed that day, for Saul had placed the people under oath, saying, "Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies." So none of the people tasted food."  When Saul's own son and heir to the throne was exposed for eating honey, unaware of the king's oath, the foolish king doubled-down in 1 Samuel 14:44, "And Saul answered, "God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan."  Because of pride, Saul totally lost the plot and unnecessarily brought great distress and trouble to himself and his people.

As the son-in-law to king Saul who had a seat at his table,  David observed such arrogant behaviour firsthand on a daily basis.  David observed Saul's demeanor that was marked with boasting, oaths and curses.  The Spirit of God had departed from Saul and was upon David, and thus Saul feared David's favour with the people.  On numerous occasions Saul tried to spear David to the wall, and he barely escaped with his life.  I am sure David thought to himself, "I will never be a violent scoundrel like Saul, proudly boasting in his power to avenge himself."  But that is exactly what happened.  While David was on the run from king Saul, he and his men voluntarily protected the shearers of a rich man named Nabal.  After David politely asked Nabal for anything he could spare to help him and his men, Nabal answered the messengers roughly.  1 Samuel 25:21-22 says, "Now David had said, "Surely in vain I have protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil for good. ²² May God do so, and more also, to the enemies of David, if I leave one male of all who belong to him by morning light."  This sounds a lot like Saul.

God was gracious to send Abigail, the wife of Nabal, to intercept David and humbly entreated him to receive her present and to refrain from avenging himself.  Unlike Saul, David took to heart the exhortation and gentle rebuke from Abigail, admitted his error, and expressed gratitude to God and Abigail for her wise advice.  1 Samuel 25:32-33 states, "Then David said to Abigail: "Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! ³³ And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand."  Evil company corrupts good habits, but praise be to God for sending the Holy Spirit and fellow God-fearing people who bring conviction of sin and wise correction so we might recognise our sin and turn from it to trust in the LORD.  We are not doomed to take on the character or flavour of an abusive family member, boss or bully as God's people because He has purposed to make us light of the world and the salt of the earth.  When we start taking on the flavour of sin or begin to walk in darkness, praise God for the Holy Spirit who guides us back to walking humbly and steadfastly with our God.