Shouldn’t we always be tolerant?

Tolerance is an important virtue. Given the wide range of human perspectives and imperfections, patient tolerance – humble endurance of other people’s shortcomings – is basic to the foundation of civil society. Scripture emphasizes the importance of tolerance and acceptance of others, and living at peace with one another (Proverbs 12:20, 15:1; Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18).

Tolerance is important. But if practiced to excess, it becomes an idol. It’s difficult to think of virtues as idols, but if any particular virtue isn’t considered in the context of God’s overall authority and the interdependence of all virtues on each other, it can easily become one. As an example, consider the virtue of courage. Most great discoveries and accomplishments require courage. Yet may people have suffered and died when foolhardiness or aggression has been mistaken for courage. Genuine courage is in harmony with the other virtues.

In some historical contexts, tolerance has been the most important virtue, defending freedom of expression, action, and thought. But just as foolhardiness and aggression can be mistaken for courage, laziness and fatalism can be mistaken for tolerance.

The apostle Paul gave us a short list of what he considered the greatest virtues in 1 Corinthians 13:13: faith, hope, and love. But even of these three, he declared the greatest to be love (vv. 1, 13).

Lesser virtues like tolerance must be measured by the standards of love. Love sets the criteria for real tolerance. Real tolerance can’t exist apart from judgment and discernment in response to individual and social evil. “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Under the rule of love, some evils must be confronted.

Adapted from Answers To Tough Questions © 2010 RBC Ministries. Read more helpful articles like this one on the Web at Questions.org

July 2011

Taking care of business

Read > Ezra 9:3-7

O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to You. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens (v. 6).

Some well-meaning residents of the Philippines tried to update standard procedure in the Catholic Church by text-messaging their confessions to church officials. In response, one church leader commented, “We are encouraging Catholics to confess their sins – but the confession has to be personal…. They should ask pardon with a contrite heart.”

When it comes to ‘fessing up, there’s no shortcut to the place where we “humble [ourselves] under the mighty power of God” (1 Peter 5:6). Our prayers of confession should involve an earnest encounter with God – anything less is just taking care of business.

It wasn’t simply business as usual for Ezra when it came to addressing Israel’s sin. Although God had warned the nation not to intermarry, the Israelites insisted on continuing their enormous episode of The Dating Game – marrying foreign women.

When Ezra heard this, he said, “I tore my cloak and my shirt, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down utterly shocked” (Ezra 9:3). Ezra wasn’t looking for a quick fix of forgiveness – he modelled true remorse over the sin, and reflected God’s heart in his response.

Ezra’s sorrowful reaction led to his humble confession. He prayed, “O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to You. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens” (v. 6). Ezra didn’t offer excuses and didn’t downplay the offense. His hope was that God would “not reject a broken and repentant heart” (Psalm 51:17).

Reading Ezra’s confession made me realize that sometimes I bounce back too easily from sin. If you’re like me, your prayer life might sometimes include a quick “Oops, Lord,” by way of confession. But that’s just taking care of business, when the situation calls for much, much more. – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

More >

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened (Psalm 66:18).

Next >

When is the last time you sought forgiveness from God for a specific sin? Why is confession important in the life of a believer?

July 2011

marvelous

Read > Job 9:9-11

He does great things too marvellous to understand (v. 10).

In 2008, the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Summer Olympics were spectacular. The 17 days of competition, full of world-record-shattering performances, were sensational. But were the 2008 Summer Games marvellous?

Before answering, first consider what the word marvellous means. The American Heritage Dictionary defines marvellous as: (1) Causing wonder or astonishment. (2) Miraculous; supernatural. Webster’s Dictionary says marvellous means: (1) Exciting wonder or surprise; astonishing; wonderful. (2) Partaking of the character of miracle, or supernatural, incredible. (3) That which exceeds natural power, or is preternatural, that which is wonderful – opposed to the probable.

Of the 12 times the word marvellous is used in Scripture (NLT version), not once does it describe a quality or accomplishment of man. In every instance, the adjective describes attributes and works of God:

·         His deeds (2 Chronicles 26:15; Job 5:9, 9:10; Psalm 9:1; Revelation 15:1, 3).

·         His grace (Galatians 1:15; Jude 1:4).

·         His glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3).

·         His wisdom (Ezekiel 28:7).

·         His workmanship (Psalm 139:14).

·         His kindness (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Perhaps one of the most beautiful testimonies of this deeply descriptive word was when Job said, “He does great things too marvellous to understand. He performs countless miracles” (Job 5:9, 9:10).

When he made these statements, Job was covered in excruciatingly painful sores and had lost his family and his worldly possessions. Yet, nothing could stop him from marvelling at God’s deeds and miracles.

Meditate on the marvellous things that God is doing today. – Roxanne Robbins

More >

As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvellous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Next >

What do you think is the most marvellous thing about God? How are we changed when we marvel at God and His works?

15 Cents

Read > Luke 16:1-13

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities (v. 10).

Back in the day when I played high school sports, I wanted a new baseball glove. I found the glove I wanted in a local sporting goods store and diligently saved up my money. But when the day came for the purchase, I was 15 cents short. I hadn’t accounted for the sales tax.

The store owner told me I could take the glove. But he wanted me to bring him the 15 cents when I got it. It was just 15 cents! But his request was teaching me the importance of little things.

Flash forward a dozen years. As I waited to purchase a newspaper from a coin-operated machine, the man buying a paper in front of me caught the spring-released door and held it open. He turned to look at me, offering me a “free” newspaper. I declined. It was “only” 50 cents. But it was much more than that.

In Luke 16, Jesus used a parable about a man who was more shrewd than honest to make a point about integrity. The man used his master’s finances to ensure his own financial security. But Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities” (v. 10).

God warned His people Israel about integrity in business dealings. “Do not use dishonest standards,” He told them. “Your scales and weights must be accurate” (Leviticus 19:35-36).

Dishonesty in even the smallest of business transactions permits others to despise the name of the God we serve. And as the wise man said, “A good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1 NIV).

If you don’t have integrity in the little temptations, you won’t have a chance when the big ones come along. – Tim Gustafson

More >

·         Proverbs 2:1-11

·         Proverbs 11:1

·         Proverbs 16:8

Next >

As Zacchaeus repented of having cheated people (Luke 19:8), what did he tell Jesus he would do? If you’ve been dishonest, how can you make it right?

The God who sees

Read > Genesis 16:1-16

Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me” (v. 13).

Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) are distress devices built for people involved in land-based outdoor activities. They transmit radio signals that are detected by 12 Earth-orbiting satellites. The satellites relay signals to ground stations that process and determine the beacon location and to whom it belongs. The information is then relayed to search and rescue (SAR).

As useful as this device is, it wouldn’t have helped Hagar much. For no one seemed to care enough about her and her unborn child to monitor their location and progress in the desert. No one except El Roi, that is.

Genesis 16 opens up with Sarai scheming and piecing together a plan to help God fulfil His promise to make Abram’s descendants as numerous as the stars. But there was one problem – Sarai couldn’t get pregnant (v. 1). She probably saw herself as the weak link in the chain of God’s plan, so she offered her maidservant, Hagar, to her husband. When Hagar became pregnant with Abram’s child and began to flaunt her “procreational” superiority in front of Sarai, Sarai became upset and began mistreating Hagar (v. 6).

Hagar ran away to the desert, feeling hopeless and desperate. The angel of the Lord found her, asked her a couple of questions, and commanded her to give the child the name Ishmael (which means “God has heard your misery”). He then sent her back to Sarai. Before leaving that place, however, Hagar gave the name El Roi to the Lord which means, “You are the God who sees me.” It implied that God saw her situation with perfect clarity and that she was the object of His gracious attention.

In the desert of affliction and misery, trust that God sees your situation with perfect clarity and gives you His active presence (v. 28:15), provision (v. 20), and protection (Deuteronomy 2:7). – Marvin Williams

More >

·         Psalm 34:17-18

·         Psalm 139:13-18

Next >

When have you doubted that God saw your situation with perfect clarity and provided His gracious attention? How did God remove those doubts?

Same address

Read > Song of Songs 3:1-4

One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover (v. 1).

A Japanese man living alone in the city of Fukoka noticed that food was disappearing from his fridge. So he installed a security camera which showed someone moving around inside his house while he was away. When the police investigated, they found a 58-year-old woman that had been living in a tiny storage space in the house for almost a year!

It’s hard to believe that two people could share an address for that long without ever connecting. Sadly, many marriages fall into the same pattern. It takes effort to stay close so that “the two are united into one” (Ephesians 5:31).

Solomon’s wife has some pointers for connected living. She says, “One night as I lay in bed, I yearned for my lover” (Song of Songs 3:1). Generating tender thoughts about our spouses can keep our hearts open to connecting when we have time to be together.

And speaking of togetherness, his wife decided, “I will search for the one I love” (v. 2). She got out of bed, threw on her trusted tunic, and charged out the door to find her husband! Just like her, husbands and wives need to seek each other out despite the deterrents of long hours at work, dirty dishes, and soccer games.

Finally, Solomon’s wife catches up with him. She says, “I caught and held him tightly” (v. 4). She is so happy to find her guy that she takes him to bed! Staying physically involved is a part of God’s plan for the “oneness” that makes the marriage relationship so special.

Marriage should be much more than two people sharing an address. At its best, it involves warm thoughts, time together and physical intimacy. At its worst, it may leave you wondering, “What happened to the salami sandwich I left in the fridge?” – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

More >

·         Ecclesiastes 9:9

·         Song of Songs 2:14

·         Malachi 2:14-15

Next >

Why is “oneness” so crucial when it comes to marriage? What could you do this week to draw closer to God?

Feasting or fasting?

Read > Matthew 9:14-15

Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast (v. 15).

Recently, I was asked to teach on the subject of fasting. I knew I was dealing with a subject that is not practiced a whole lot these days. What’s more, I live in a country where the national pastime is eating. Let’s face it – we all love our edibles. So it’s kind of strange to talk about fasting to a group of people who would prefer discussing their favourite fast food!

Long ago, the disciples of Jesus were feasting at a time when fasting was considered the religiously correct thing to do. Not surprisingly, they were criticized for not fasting as the other people were doing (Matthew 9:14). Jesus stated that His disciples would fast only after He was taken away from them (v. 15). Many Bible scholars believe that we are living in the time He was referring to – between His ascension and His second coming (Acts 1:9-12). If that’s true, this is the time for us to fast.

Jesus asked: “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom?” (Matthew 9:15). By this question He revealed a key reason for fasting – repentance and sorrow for sin. When convicted of idolatry, the Jews repented with fasting (1 Samuel 7:3-6). And due to national emergencies, they fasted again, humbly trusting God to act on their behalf (2 Chronicles 20:1-4; Esther 4:16).

Only one direct command to fast is found in Scripture. The Israelites were to fast once a year on the Day of Atonement. On that day, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices to atone for the sins of the whole nation (Leviticus 16:29-31).

Fasting also reminds us that it is God who sustains us. Food may keep us going physically, but God’s Word sustains us spiritually (Matthew 4:4).

Feast on God’s Word and fast when necessary! – K. T. Sim

More >

·         Job 23:12

·         Isaiah 58:1-9

·         Matthew 6:16-18

Next >

Why would you choose to fast? Why is it vital that you not fast from feasting on God’s Word?

Grace and gratitude

Read > Titus 2:11-14

The grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures (vv. 11-12).

Martin Luther wanted to quit. His congregation in Wittenberg, having learned that Luther’s gospel promised forgiveness for any and all sin, had stopped attending services and giving to the ministry and had started indulging in greed, lust, and booze. A frustrated Luther threatened to go on strike if they didn’t change their ways. He declared, “You absolutely unthankful beasts, unworthy of the gospel; if you do not repent, I will stop preaching to you.” They did not and so he did, taking several months off from being “the shepherd of such pigs.”

Like the Lutherans in Wittenberg, many of us may have thought (early in our Christian career): If God forgives us no matter what we do, then it ultimately does not matter what we do. Salvation is a blank check. We can sin as much as we want, for it’s all covered!

Surprisingly, Paul tells Titus that rather than encourage sin, the grace of God actually instructs us “to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures” (Titus 2:12).

The Heidelberg Catechism explains that only when I realize “how great my sin and misery are” can I understand “how I may be delivered from all my sins and misery,” which then leads me “to express my gratitude to God for such deliverance.”

So here is the Christian calculus. Understanding the extent of my sin enables me to appreciate grace, which automatically fills me with gratitude, which always looks for ways to say thank you. It looks like this:    Sin à Grace à Gratitude à Good Works

If your love for God is waning and your will to obey is lacking, the answer is not to grit your teeth and try harder. Instead, work the formula. Start with a realization of the depths of your sin. Only then will you appreciate your need for grace. And gratitude and obedience will surely follow. – Mike Wittmer

More >

·         Psalm 103:1-5

·         Romans 2:4

·         Hebrews 12:28-29

Next >

Why is it significant that the New Testament word for gratitude (eucharistia) is built on the term for grace (charis)? Is gratitude a better motivation than duty? Why?

Because you are here

Read > Galatians 5:16-24

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there (v. 24).

Fine. I’ll take care of it myself.” With a clipped tone, I ended the conversation and snapped my cell phone shut. Realizing I had done the very thing I had not wanted to do, my frustration increased. Not 30 minutes earlier, I had shared with a friend how God was teaching me to trust my husband’s heart rather than reacting. But here I was again. Would I ever learn?

Scripture tells us that as long as we are alive on this earth, two desires will battle inside us (Galatians 5:17). Through His death on the cross, Jesus destroyed sin’s power over us. But our struggle with sin doesn’t end when we receive salvation (Romans 7:18). Jesus made it clear to His disciples that obedience and surrender are daily decisions (Luke 9:23).

Trying to convince us that we’re going nowhere fast, the enemy tells us we’ll never be free. See, he’ll whisper, nothing has changed. God’s power isn’t real in your life. Ashamed and angry at ourselves for doing things we shouldn’t, we wonder if his lies are true.

We can’t overcome our sin nature on our own. Salvation comes only by grace (Ephesians 2:8). However, when I choose His grace, my life no longer belongs to me. Galatians 2:20 says, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” I gain the ability to overcome temptation when – by grace – I yield my flesh to Christ and He lives through me (Romans 6:6-8).

God’s Word promises freedom. But we can’t walk where we haven’t chosen to go. We will either feed or crucify our flesh. A spiritually dead person has chosen to reject the freedom and life found in Jesus. – Regina Franklin

More >

·         Romans 8:12-14

·         Galatians 2:20

·         Colossians 2:12-14

Next >

In what ways are you feeding your flesh? How will you “crucify” it and choose to follow Jesus instead?

Dying for life

Read > Hebrews 11:32-40

Others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection (v. 35).

“Some men can’t be bullied or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.”

·         Alfred the Butler

Those words, from the mega-blockbuster movie The Dark Knight speak of motive. Like me, you may wonder what motivates real terrorists to strap on explosives and self-detonate – blowing up others in acts of terrorism that some call martyrdom.

The writer of Hebrews has a different take on what being a martyr (being killed because of your beliefs, not taking your own life) is all about. He writes of those who died for Christ: “These people earned a good reputation because of their faith” (Hebrews 11:39).

Why a good reputation? Because they refused “to turn from God” (v. 35) and accepted death at their persecutors’ hands.

Jesus is the supreme example of a fixed faith that led to ultimate sacrifice. He remained silent and accepted the imminent horrors of crucifixion (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 26:63). His goal was life and victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Stephen, a follower of Jesus, spoke words of forgiveness and life even as he died a martyr (Acts 7:60) – imitating his Saviour.

These examples define true martyrdom – selfless acts that lead to life. They don’t live to die – they die for life.

These words from Matthew Henry clarify the contrast: “Shall we be most amazed at the wickedness of human nature, that it is capable of such awful cruelties to fellow-creatures, or at the excellence of divine grace, that is able to bear up the faithful under such cruelties, and to carry them safely through all?”

To live and die for Jesus is all about life! – Tom Felten

More >

·         Matthew 16:25

·         Philippians 1:21

·         Revelation 6:9-11

Next >

How did Jesus both live and die for life? How can you daily surrender your life more fully to Him?

The foolishness we find

Read > Psalm 127:1-2

Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted (v. 1).

I’m not into Christian T-shirts, but I recently saw one I’d like to own. Walking downtown in our city, I passed an elderly man with this caption across his chest:

STEP BACK AND LET JESUS DO WHAT HE DO.

Bad grammar aside, that’s a pretty good thought. All the evil and sadness and poverty and darkness in our world ought to compel us to haul ourselves off our comfy couches and do something about it. As one writer put it, “Jesus rose from the dead; and we’ve got work to do.”

However, the psalmist, along with the steady theme of the whole of Scripture, cautions us against ever thinking that we are the central cause or effect in any of our efforts. God’s engagement with the world is not swinging on a thin thread, barely hanging on in anxious hope for us humans to show up.

All our exertion and skill and expertise fall fallow without God’s intervention. “Unless the Lord protects a city,” the psalmist writes, “guarding it with sentries will do no good” (127:1). In fact, “it is useless for [us] to work so hard from early morning until late at night” (v. 2) because frantic activity ignores the truth that we are dependent on God’s kindness and mercy.

Oblivious to this truth, we toil and worry and sweat. We plan and manipulate and fret. We seldom rest. We rarely pray. And as a result, we find ourselves in the foolish place of living as though we are God.

This is no argument for a flaccid life, for living drowsy or inert. Rather, this is a call to be engaged with God’s redemptive work in the world – remembering always that it is His work in the world.

Tyler Wigg Stevenson put it well: “The world is not mine to save, but I can serve the mission of the God who has already done so.” – Winn Collier

More >

We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the One who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work (John 9:4).

Next >

Why might you resist trusting in God’s power and work? How would you experience your world differently if you stepped back and trusted God’s work in and around you?

Most important?

Read > Matthew 22:34-40

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind (v. 37).

If you’ve been a believer in Jesus for a while, you can probably easily answer the following question: “Which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” (Matthew 22:36). The answer Jesus gave? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (v. 37).

But is that commandment truly the most important to us? Let me paraphrase that question with two more: Which command most dictates the way we live? Which command most influences our behaviour?

Many other “commandments” which – due to our upbringing or personal inclination – may rise as most important. The “law” of watch out for No. 1 and the “rule” of self-advancement are two you’ve likely run into.

Imagine this scenario: Someone is spreading vicious rumours about you. What will you do? Immediately launch a counterattack to preserve your good name? Or will you consider what a loving God demands of you, “Never pay back evil with more evil”? (Romans 12:17).

How about when your work piles up, or when you’re feeling pressured to climb over people on your way up the corporate ladder – what is your greatest commandment then? Is it still to love God? To seek the kingdom of God above all else? (Matthew 6:33).

Jesus not only described “loving God” as the greatest commandment, He also said that it is the “first” (v. 38). This word implies priority. Loving God must take the highest priority. It takes precedence over any human desires or drives. This commandment must be the first consideration in all our decisions. We must watch out for that No. 1 as we approach our work, relationships, and all of our life.

Simply put, loving God with our all is foremost! Is this commandment the greatest in your life? – Poh Fang Chia

More >

·         Deuteronomy 6:5

·         Joshua 22:5

·         1 John 2:5

Next >

How have you been living out God’s greatest commandment? What happens in our relationship with others when we truly love God with all our heart, soul, and mind?

Blame and confession

Read > Daniel 9:4-19

We have sinned and done wrong (v. 5).

Blame shifting is common in our world today. Consider, for example, the United States’ two-party political system. Instead of taking shared responsibility for things gone wrong, the Democrats point fingers at the Republicans. The Republicans accuse the Democrats. The “right-wing conservatives” blame the “left-wing liberals.” The “left-wing liberals” fault the “right-wing conservatives,” and so on. Even those who profess faith in Jesus often fall into this trap, possessing an “us” versus “them” attitude.

The Old Testament prophet Daniel was widely known for walking faithfully with God. Despite his own goodness and integrity, Daniel didn’t consider his own thoughts and actions less sinful than those of others. To the contrary, the prophet believed that he and his fellow Babylonian citizens were in equal need of God’s grace and forgiveness. Examine the prophet’s humility displayed in this prayer (Daniel 9:4-19):

·         “We have sinned and done wrong.”

·         “We have rebelled against You.”

·         “We have scorned Your commands and regulations.”

·         “We have refused to listen to Your servants the prophets.”

·         “We are covered with shame.”

·         “We have not obeyed the Lord or kept His laws.”

·         “We have refused to seek mercy from the Lord … by turning from our sins and recognizing His truth.”

·         “We did not obey Him.”

·         “We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.”

What can you learn from Daniel’s prayer of confession? – Roxanne Robbins

More >

Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard (Romans 3:23).

Next >

Count the number of times Daniel uses the pronoun “we” in Daniel 9:4-19. How many times does he ask God to forgive “them” for their sins? How can this passage serve as a model for your prayer life?

Wrong impressions

Read > John 3:16-18

God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him (v. 17).

Recently, a pastor led a young man to faith in Jesus. At one point in their conversation, the young man had hesitantly asked the pastor, “Now that I’m a Christian, do I have to walk around judging everyone?” The pastor, saddened by the question, was able to say, “Of course not. That’s the opposite of how a follower of Christ should treat people.”

The young man explained that many of the Christians he had run across appeared to be judgmental. They acted as if they were above sin and looked down their “holier-than-thou” noses at people. Their self-superiority left a bad impression, especially when they were not as perfect as they appeared to be.

If there was ever anyone who had the right to act superior, it was Jesus. He is the only human to live without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). But as you read through the Gospels, you will find that He didn’t shun and condemn those who lived in obvious sin. He didn’t expect crooked tax collectors or prostitutes to immediately shed their immorality before He had anything to do with them. Instead, He was a friend to sinners and met them where they were in relation to God (Luke 5:30-32, 7:34-50).

As believers in Jesus, we should come across to our unbelieving neighbours, co-workers, and family members as people who genuinely care about others. This doesn’t mean we should give the wrong impression that we’re not concerned about sin. Jesus certainly didn’t (John 5:14, 8:11). Still, throughout His earthly ministry, He modelled that we can have friendships with “sinners” without compromising our concerns and moral convictions.

Lord, help us to show others Your love and Your ways that lead to life. Help us not to condemn those who have strayed and those who don’t yet know You – and are living a lifestyle that leads to death (Romans 8:6). – Jeff Olson

More >

May the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows (1 Thessalonians 3:12).

Next >

How did Jesus treat sinners? How will you care for and reach out to those who are dealing with sin issues?

beware

Read > Luke 12:13-21

Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own (v. 15).

David Wayne Sharpton has won the Georgia lottery three times – raking in $350,000 in 2004, $1 million in 2005, and $2.5 million in 2007. The repeat winner continues to work at his job as a restaurant-oven repairman, even though his winnings have provided more than enough money for him to retire. “Am I the luckiest man alive?” he asks. “I suppose so. I’ve got a pretty good circle of friends, a wonderful job, and a beautiful wife.”

Now that’s a guy who is not drunk with the elixirs of wealth and greed. His feet are still set firmly on the ground. The same, however, cannot be said of the rich farmer in Luke 12.

Valuing wealth correctly and the disastrous results of greed were the themes in Jesus’ parable of the rich fool. The farmer misjudged what was truly valuable in life. He thought having possessions was more important than great relationships with God and people (v. 21). He chose wrongly about what was truly valuable in life and became a slave to what he valued most – things that could be stolen, eaten up, and destroyed (Matthew 6:19-21), and things he couldn’t take with him when he died (1 Timothy 6:7).

The farmer misjudged who truly owned his possessions. He used the personal pronouns I, me, and myself a total of 12 times in this brief story. He forgot that he was a manager and not an owner. He also failed to grasp the brevity of life. At the height of his fortune, God judged him and he died – leaving it all behind. What a tragic ending!

Two masters – God and money – are vying for our allegiance. Let’s be on guard and judge correctly – choosing to serve and obey the One who created the other. – Marvin Williams

More >

·         Mark 10:21

·         1 Timothy 6:10

·         James 5:1-6

Next >

Why is it important to acknowledge that God owns everything? What part of your lifestyle do you need to change in order to be rich toward God?

deception

Read > Acts 5:1-5

Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit” (v. 3).

Jerome Kerviel, an options trader at France’s second-largest bank, Societe Generale, used the bank’s system to make unauthorized stock trades. When he was discovered, the high roller’s bets totalled $55b. To put it in perspective, the entire bank was worth only $35b. Talk about deception!

Ananias and his wife Sapphira, the famous deceivers of the New Testament, made a similar mistake. They sold off some land and then Ananias “brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount” (v. 2), and pocketed the rest.

The kicker is that Sapphira okayed his deception! That’s why we can’t always rely on the people around us for ethical guidance – especially when they have something to gain. It is the Lord who “demands accurate scales and balances; He sets the standards for fairness” (Proverbs 16:11).

Since God sets the standards, it’s no surprise that He takes it seriously when we blow by them. A lack of integrity involves choosing Satan’s influence over the influence of the Holy Spirit. Think that’s harsh? When Ananias messed up, Peter said, “Why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5:3).

Deceiving the Holy Spirit is not only wrong, it’s the impossible crime – we never get away with it. The Bible warns, “You may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). Confrontation is certain, and for Ananias it was deadly – “He fell to the floor and died” (Acts 5:5).

I doubt that Ananias viewed his double-dealing as a grave offense to God. He probably thought, “It’s no big deal. My wife thinks its fine, and no one will find out.” He was unaware that “people with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall” (Proverbs 10:9). – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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·         Job 2:3

·         Psalm 119:1

·         Micah 6:8-11

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How are you tempted to cut corners or ignore God’s standards for right and wrong? How can you avoid double-dealing with the Holy Spirit?

Double trouble

Read > Isaiah 64:1-8

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags (v. 6).

I saw a funny commercial on TV. A young boy stood near home plate and shouted, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” He tossed a baseball into the air, swung mightily, and missed. “Strike one,” he said to himself. He shouted louder, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” flipped a ball into the air, swung, and missed. “Strike two.” More determined than ever, he spat into his hands, turned his cap around, and shouted defiantly, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” threw the ball into the air, and struck himself out. I was feeling sorry for the little guy, when, in a flash of recognition for what he had accomplished, he exclaimed, “I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!”

The ad was about the power of optimism, and it’s funny because the kid seemed more delusional than anything. We wonder what it would take to convince the boy that he wasn’t the greatest at something. And just as he overestimated his ability, so we tend to inflate our efforts. We need to hear Isaiah’s reminder that our best deeds before God are “nothing but filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

Martin Luther and John Calvin caught Isaiah’s point and taught that we have never done a completely good deed, for even our best efforts are marred by impure motives. They said that we need a double justification. Our person must be justified by the blood of Jesus, and our works are only accepted when God forgives our sins by His grace.

This strong sense of depravity is no cause for despair, for even though we never become perfect in this life, we can still make progress. And all the credit goes to God. As John Newton wrote in his memoir, “I remember two things very clearly: I’m a great sinner, and Christ is a great Saviour.” – Mike Wittmer

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Can any mortal be pure? Can anyone born of a woman be just? … Even the heavens are not absolutely pure in His sight. How much less pure is a corrupt and sinful person (Job 15:14-16).

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Do you think that you have ever done an entirely good act? How does your answer reveal your view of God’s grace?

Audience of one

Read > Matthew 6:1-18

Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven (v. 1).

As a father of three kids, I am highly interested in their words and actions. Likewise, God is concerned with the behaviour of His children. He expects them to do good works in this world (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16). More than that, He wants them to have the right motivations. That’s why Jesus warned us about wrong and right motives in Matthew 6.

Jesus identified the three great duties of every religion – giving to the poor (vv. 1-4), praying to God (vv. 5-15), and fasting (vv. 16-18). He warned us not to use our relationship with God as a platform to show off how spiritual we are. When we do that, we miss the reward reserved for us.

Jesus did not say that it was wrong to do these things. He was not focused on the how or how often but why. The Pharisees were doing “good deeds publicly, to be admired by others,” seeking self-praise and man’s praise (vv. 1, 5, 16, 23:5). Jesus said, “They have received all the reward they will ever get” (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16). Paul added, “When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them” (2 Corinthians 10:18). Jesus condemned the Pharisees for such self-gratifying hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-33).

Our acts of devotion to God are to be carried out simply, sincerely, and secretly. He knows who is authentic and who is a hypocrite (Jeremiah 23:24; Proverbs 15:3). Our unseen “Father, who sees everything, will reward us” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18).

As we do good deeds, it boils down to one simple question: Who is my audience? Can it be said of us, “You gladly honour each other, but you don’t care about the honour that comes from the One who alone is God”? (John 5:44). – K. T. Sim

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·         Proverbs 15:3

·         Romans 2:10-11

·         James 3:13-16

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Why is it hard for us to keep our good deeds a secret? Why will God reward those who do things without seeking the kudos?

In the tent

Read > Joshua 11:15-23

So Joshua conquered the entire region – the hill country, the entire Negev (v. 16).

As I was sorting through the daily mail, my life suddenly merged with the lives of fellow believers thousands of miles away? As I looked at the simple foldout from a magazine, the brown and white colours of the map muted the violent attacks these persecuted Christians endure. The map, pinpointing places where the gospel goes forth with great struggle, reminded me of Paul’s call to pray for those who boldly speak the Word of God (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

Whether we share the gospel in a country where religious freedom is upheld or in one where persecution abounds, the battles are real. To be victorious, it’s vital that we possess perseverance and resolve.

Intimacy with the Lord both solidifies our purpose and sustains our obedience when circumstances seem uncertain. In Exodus 33, we read that the Israelites would stand at the door of their tents while Joshua followed Moses and moved beyond his place of comfort to the very presence of God. And there Joshua would linger (v. 11). His determination to be in close relationship with his sovereign Lord paved the way to the places where God was leading him.

Our own “times in the tent” are essential for our relationship with God. They may include quiet reflection or moments of anguish and days of questioning. As we experience God’s presence, He examines our hearts and purifies our motives. As we experience a time of sustained worship and submission, we begin to see His perspective (1 Cor. 2:12-16).

When the battle seems overwhelming, being “in the tent” determines our response. Communion with the One who holds the future is the only thing that will take us past discouragement to determined faith. From that place, victory is won (Luke 22:41-43). – Regina Franklin

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I seek … to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life …. For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock (Psalm 27:4-5).

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How do you respond when tempted by discouragement? In what ways do you make it a priority to spend time with God?