For This Cause

In today’s world, causes are not in short supply:  Healthcare reform, civil rights, climate change, immigration, impeachment, education, animal cruelty, the homeless, vaccinations, Save the White Whale, Save the Dolphin, save “whatever,” house churches, and countless others.  

Cause-oriented and cause-driven people fill Facebook posts; and conversations in general center around those causes near and dear to us.  Inherently, there is nothing wrong with this; however, let me sound a warning, especially to all professing Christians.

God’s people need to remember that one CAUSE overrides all others:  the CAUSE of Jesus Christ.  Even in the church, people tend to elevate CAUSES over this most important issue.  Music preferences, preaching series, prophetic ministry, church government, sound volumes, and other issues catch the attention of church-goers, often “CAUS-ing” division and unrest.  I’m amazed at how often the enemy successfully CAUSES godly people to focus on lesser pursuits.  

My friend, believe me, a lot of issues beckon for my attention; however, I’m becoming very selective as to what I give my time and energy.  I understand that blogs like this tend to put well-meaning people on edge, but this I caution:

1. If you feel strongly about a given issue, avoid becoming disagreeable in the face of disagreements.
2. Ask yourself:  Does my approach need to be altered?  Am I building bridges or walls? Have I come across hateful and mean-spirited?  Christians especially, HAVE to consider the “how’ to’s.”
3. Am I adhering to the “Good-Better-Best” principle in my life?  Always remember, good and better causes abound.  But am I giving my life to those things closest to God’s heart?  In other words, is what I’m doing “cause-worthy?”
4. Do you understand that some causes are best confronted through fervent prayer?  The infamous quote, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,”  has merit, but be careful saint, that what you devote your life to is pushing back evil, not just reinforcing a strong opinion.
5. The Apostle Paul makes it clear to believers that ONE CAUSE supersedes all others:  “For this cause (reason), I Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ..” (Ephesians 3:1).  Paul’s cause (reason for living) was to carry the life-changing Gospel to Gentiles. I may be splitting hairs here, but it concerns me when Christ followers spend their time and energy never affecting positive change, ending their days tired and frustrated and living with an antagonistic mindset.  Positive, long-term change seldom, if ever, comes when divisive, at times violent, confrontational hearts demand their way.  Yes, Paul was at times confrontational, but always love-driven.  He says in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “The love of Christ constrains (compels) me.”  Another translation says, “The love of Christ drives me…”  Love for the lost was his motivating force!

We may live under a mindset where “opinion is king.” However, the downside to this liberty is mishandling our approach to those issues we feel so strongly about. Talking down to people, degrading comments, and unkind words never achieve righteous outcomes.  It concerns me that the Church in many sectors of society is known more for what we’re against than what we’re for. Do we walk in agape (God’s) love?  

My friend, we possess the greatest CAUSE known to mankind -- “that Christ Jesus came into the world to  save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).   YOUR GREATEST CAUSE AS A BELIEVER IS TO TELL ANYONE AND EVERYONE WHO WILL LISTEN!  The believer’s greatest cause is “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2)!

Tell everyone!  Witness with not only your words, but with your lifestyle, your actions and attitudes.  If Jesus tells you to speak out against a certain cause, then speak out in love and brokenness.  And make sure that your primary cause -- Jesus Christ -- is first and foremost! 

Filter every cause through the Cross.  Weigh the temporary against the eternal, and make sure the scales of endeavor first and foremost lean others toward the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. The Proverb says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise,” 11:30).  The preacher encourages us to use our righteous influence to touch and change our surroundings.  He reminds us that there’s our way, and then God’s way of doing things.  Follow the way of wisdom!  Sadly, many causes are picked up by those who employ counter-productive methods. 

Are You a Project?

Many years ago, at my invitation, I had breakfast with another pastor.  Instead of pouring into him and enjoying his company, I used the time to whine about a church problem.  The man abruptly interrupted me mid-sentence and said, “I didn’t come here to listen to your problems. Frankly, I don’t want to hear about them.”  Then, he got up and left.  

Admittedly, I was embarrassed and my feelings were hurt.  Anger quickly followed. “Who does he think he is?” I thought.  “What an arrogant, uncaring pastor.”

Was the man rude?  Yes. Did his approach leave something to be desired?  Absolutely! But out of that emotionally painful experience the Lord showed me that I had become a “project.”  I was all too willing to tell anyone who would listen about my woes. I was not enjoyable to be around because I allowed my personal hurts to define me.  I wasn’t interested in changing my outlook or moving past my pain. In this particular case, I was seeking the wrong kind of attention, unwilling to learn from his response, no matter how unkind.  

Nobody needs a “project.”  Why? Because nothing ever changes with some people. They get stuck.  They spin their wheels in the deep ruts of their past. They seek out those willing to validate their pain.  “Projects” become broken records that fixate on the same things. They never change, nor do they want to. They are the same today as they were three years ago!  Pain and on-going drama become their “normal.”

What do “project people” look like?  What are their characteristics?

1. They are totally self-centered.  Everything is about their pain.
2. They seldom, if ever, ask about others.
3. They tell the same stories over and over, refusing to walk in forgiveness.
4. They usually become social misfits, unable to make or keep friends.
5. They leave a trail of broken relationships behind them, often including family members.
6. They become unattached to the needs of others and easily angered when others try to redirect them.  
7. They despise healthy social boundaries.
8.  They become unteachable.
9.  Finally, they spend their lives playing the victim.

How do we address “project people?”  Sadly, many times these individuals cannot be helped until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.

“Projects” gravitate toward sympathetic listening ears.  Once...twice...three times, maybe; then an on-going “project” has to be lovingly confronted.  Often, “projects” move toward flight instead of being willing to honestly confront their deeper issues.

We are followers of Christ, who of course, should love everyone.  Sometimes, however, tough love is needed to effect life change. Until  “projects” are willing to make the necessary adjustments in their thinking patterns and actions, they remain time wasters.  

Remember, everyone is precious to God and possesses divinely given potential.  Some, however, refuse to improve the quality of their present, by allowing their past to enslave them.   

Do you know someone you view as a “project?”  Refuse to live in guilt when you have to call them to task. At times we offer the wrong kind of help that only perpetuates already negatively-established patterns. We are called upon to teach “project people” how to plant wheat instead of always giving them bread. 

Open, honest, and loving confrontation may drive them away temporarily, but in the long run, our prayer is that these “projects” seek life change that rebuilds their credibility and integrity.

That Night

When life knocks me down and threatens to overwhelm me, I look to a fixed point in time that lifts me up.  I’ve learned that perspective is everything.  During those times I must look at things the way God does. 

He shows all of us His perspective in the Bible. We have to keep our focus in the right direction.  Billy Graham once said:

1.  If you want to be distressed, look within.

2.  If you want to be defeated, look back.

3.  If you want to be distracted, look around.

4.  If you want to be dismayed, look before.

5.  If you want to be delivered, look to Christ.

6.  If you want to be delighted, look up!

When I feel like giving up, when tragedy strikes, when sickness goes long term, when financial setbacks occur, or when facing problems in general, I have an anchor.  It keeps me from throwing in the towel. 

I often look back to the night when my life was forever changed.  I have never been the same since August 4, 1970, when I said “Yes” to Jesus Christ while at summer camp in Big Prairie, Ohio.  I repented of my sins and accepted Him as my personal Savior. That same night I was called to preach!  I felt like a thousand-pound weight had been lifted off my shoulder.  My conversion was a very emotional experience that ran deep.  I was a changed young man! 

One of my favorite chapters in the Gospels in John 6.  Large crowds to that point gladly followed Jesus.  He had changed the water into wine, healed their sick, walked on the water, and fed the multitudes.  He also provided a veritable outdoor smorgasbord.  Who wouldn’t want to follow the itinerant teacher/preacher from Galilee? 

Then Jesus began to teach on total commitment versus a casual relationship.  Perhaps you remember the infamous cartoon from years ago which featured a picture of a chicken and a pig.  The caption read (with the pig talking): “For you it requires only a contribution, for me it’s total commitment.” 

Likewise, Jesus exposed the true motivations of the peoples’ hearts in verses 25-26: “When they found Him on the other side of the lake, they asked Him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’  Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.’”

Jesus began to require commitment based on WHO He was, not what He did.  He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day” (verses 53-54).  Obviously, theological treatments of the passage differ; however, I believe Jesus was asking the multitudes and specifically His disciples, to enter into a reckless abandonment to God. 

Verse 60 says, “On hearing it, many of His disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching.  Who can accept it? From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.’”  Jesus then looked at the Twelve, perhaps staring intentionally at Peter. He said, “You don’t want to leave too, do you” (verse 66)?  I love Peter’s response, and I’ve embraced it as my own: “Lord, to whom should we go?  You have the words of eternal life” (verse 67).  Some translations say, “You alone…”

When difficult days come, I look back to that night almost fifty years ago when Jesus touched me and reversed the course of my life.  During these times He renews my thinking and therefore my perspective. 

Remember, perspective is the way you look at things.  It’s determined by the way you think.  My conversion has kept me anchored when life’s difficult days threatened to batter me.  Jesus remains my one Constant and Keeper in the day of tribulation. 

He has kept me in the day of adversity.  The preacher warned us that “If we faint in the day of adversity, our strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10).  The New International Version renders it this way: “If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited.”  I wish to remain strong in my resolve to serve God. And I know you do too!  How I praise Him!

What is Faith?

Faith is a subject often discussed in Christian circles.  It is the believer’s anchor, mentioned 458 times in the New Testament (New International Version).  Nowhere is it better defined than in Hebrew 11:1. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith is not a “shot in the dark.”  It is not hoping for the best.  It is not a hit and miss proposition.  It is the firm conviction that what God said He will do, He will do!  Faith impresses the Lord and moves His hand to act on our behalf.  Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  There always seems to be a correlation between “seeking the Lord” and faith.  When we “hang out” with someone, we get to know their heart and we develop a give and take relationship that becomes mutually satisfying.  It’s the same with God!

At salvation, every believer is given the measure of faith.  Romans 12:3 says, “…God has allotted to each a measure of faith.”  The King James Version perhaps captures a more accurate rending of this verse when it uses “the measure” instead of “a measure.”  God’s doesn’t give some individuals more faith out of the starting block! We are saved by faith, live by faith and one day will die in faith.  Faith is the victory that overcomes the world!

So, every believer stands on common ground when it comes to faith.  As we study God’s Word and allow it to work in our lives, we become stronger in faith.  Faith, like a muscle when exercised, grows stronger.  The Word of God mixed with His wonderful presence multiplies our faith from the “measure” to “mountain moving” faith.  The Holy Spirit even gives the “gift of faith,” the supernatural ability to believe Him without human doubt, unbelief and reasonings.  

That’s why we need to:

1.  Maintain a consistent, daily devotional life.

2.  Learn how to worship Him uninhibitedly.

3.  Sit under solid, anointed preaching.

4.  Derive encouragement from other Bible-believing Christians.

The Apostle Peter summarizes the outcome of our faith when he writes, “And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). 

Faith both initiates and consummates our Christian life.  We begin our walk with faith and end by faith!  Our goal is to see Jesus face to face, when we want to hear Him say, “Well done good and FAITHful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

Occasionally we hear God’s people correct one another with the phrase, “You did not receive your answer because you did not have enough faith.”  I suppose that a lack of faith does constitute unbelief, but when individuals are struggling, they need encouragement, not chastisement.  They need a “refresher course” on how to develop their faith.   

While rebuking us, these critics refer to Jesus’s comment to Peter when he briefly walked on the water before looking down at the raging sea and starting to sink.  Jesus held out His hand to Peter and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt” (Matthew 14:31)?   

 

Jesus correlates “little faith” with “doubting.”  Peter started to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and put them on the raging waves.  Doubt occurs when we put more stake in our circumstances than God’s ability to help us.  Jesus wasn’t rebuking Peter as much as He was instructing him to keep his eyes in the right place. 

Do you remember the story of the father who brought his demon possessed boy to the disciples for deliverance?   “I told your disciples to cast it out, and they could not do it” (Mark 9:18).  Again, it appears as if Jesus takes on a rebuke posture when He says, “O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you?   How long shall I put up with you?  Bring him to Me!” 

After a few minutes, Jesus says to the father, “If you can?  All things are possible to him who believes” (verse 23).

What the father says next captures my attention: “Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, ‘I do believe, help my unbelief’” (verse 24).

Let’s back up to verse 22.  When addressing Jesus, the boy’s father says, “The demon often throws my boy into the fire and into the water to destroy him.  But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”  He’s talking to Jesus, the Son of God, the miracle worker, and says, “If you can?” 

“If you can?”  What do you mean, “If you can?”  That father evidently forgot who he was talking to!  And we also at times forget to whom we belong.  Yes, Jesus expressed disappointment toward both His disciples and this desperate dad.  But to the man’s credit he says, “Jesus I believe, help my unbelief.”  I for one am glad the Holy Spirit included this story in the Bible!  I relate.  Often, I have asked God to make my faith stronger.  But then He reminds me that I was given “the measure” when I trusted Him for salvation.  Then I’m further reminded that my privilege and responsibility is to let His Word “dwell richly in me” (Colossians 3:16), so my faith continues to get stronger and stronger and my unbelief dissipates. Remember, whoever we feed gets stronger, so let’s determine to feed our faith and starve our doubts.

I too have taken my eyes off Jesus and operated in unbelief.  I too have forgotten whom I serve.  I know I can’t earn my salvation, and I can’t earn any of God’s favor, but when I become determined to “amp up” my prayer life and my fasting, God hears!  Heaven responds. 

Jesus Christ told His disciples (and us) that effective, fervent prayer (James 5:15) and a fasted lifestyle keep us in the realm of belief and help us maintain a faith level that moves the hand of God when we face desperate times.  Jesus places the emphasis, both in Peter’s predicament and the demon- possessed boy’s dad on our need to keep our faith grounded in what He says, not what our circumstances say.

  

As for me, I do not believe that God punishes us when we struggle with “little faith.”  He does, however, remind us to keep our eyes fastened on Him – not our circumstances – so that we move from unbelief to a faith that accomplishes even the impossible!