Mind Your MInd

Have you ever been around negative people?  You know, people like “David and Debbie Downer!”  Their glass remains half-empty. They live to whine.  Nothing’s ever good enough. And they spend their time looking for the worst in others.  They are the ultimate critics, who when others see them coming on the sidewalk, quickly cross the street.  And of course, “birds of feather flock together!” Their best friends are “Negative Nellie” and “Gloomy Gus.”

Norman Vincent Peale was an American minister and author known for his work in popularizing the concept of positive thinking, especially through his best-selling book, “The Power of Positive Thinking.”  His life’s work was based on the premise, “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” He is hailed as the “father of positive thinking,” who through his writing and speaking shared his famous formulas of faith and optimism.

Many today still accept as truth Dr. Peale’s simple and effective philosophies about positive thinking.  Neither time nor space allows us to dissect Dr. Peale’s premises, however, we all agree that negative people make life more difficult to navigate.  We need people around us that adhere to the “glass half full” outlook on life. We need to live on the brighter side of life, for God knows, we see and hear enough of the other.

It goes without saying that our actions follow where our mind goes.  “Walk over there.” “Pick up that book.” “Plug in the cell phone.” Pretty simple, huh?  Our mind-brain mechanism is a wonderful tool that when faced with difficult, heart-rending dilemmas, allows us to keep a positive perspective.  As you know, perspective is defined “as the way we look at things, our approach to life.” And generally speaking, outlook really does determine outcome!  We are given the choice to view situations as negative or positive. It seems to me that a solid, faith-filled life necessitates a good, positive outlook on life in general.

Charles Swindoll, popular radio minister said, “Sow a thought and reap an action.  Sow an act and reap a habit. Sow a habit and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny. The progression from our thoughts to our destiny is sobering, isn’t it?

Untold volumes have been written about the power of the mind, and the choices we make to live either negative or positive existences during our time on earth.  What happens “to us” is many times the product of what first happens “in us.” Determine to live in a positive vein that keeps you healthy and others around you happy.  In other words, mind your mind!

The Prophetic and Today's Church, Part 2

As you recall, last week I introduced my concerns surrounding the prophetic ministry.  Today, I wish to point out 17 principles/teachings/warnings that I believe should guide prophetic emphasis in the Church. 

1. People often speak out of their soul instead of by the Spirit of God.  I call them “Pentecostal Well-Wishers.”  The man who prophesied to me about my dying mother fit into this category.  He meant well, however, his best intentions were mis-led.  He wanted to see my mom healed, but allowed his emotions to override what the Spirit was really saying.

2. And, if individuals have broken, unhealed areas in their soul -- mind, will and emotions -- they are likely to speak through those areas.  Beware!  God, of course, uses imperfect vessels to speak in today’s Church; however, we dare not filter the intended message through wounded emotions.  In the past, when I preached through anger, everyone suffered!  Love has to be the motivating force in all we do.  

3. Individuals with mental health issues or cognitive challenges often use the prophetic to exaggerate their importance or to draw attention to themselves.  They function as engines not hitting on all six cylinders.  In my opinion, these individuals must be re-directed away from public ministry, toward more behind-the-scenes types of ministry.  Frankly, the prophetic gift is perhaps the most likely to be abused.  

4. It seems that everything now has a prophetic angle to it -- prophetic poetry, drawings, art, prayers, songs, choruses, etc.  What?  Why do we have to use the word “prophetic” to describe innate gifts or interests? 

5. Many who prophesy lack knowledge of God’s Word, are spiritually shallow or pseudo-spiritual, gossip, walk in unforgiveness, operate in pride or false humility or sow discord in the church.. Only consistent Christian character validates those who operate in the prophetic, or any of the gifts, for that matter.  

6. Believers who tend to be “loose cannons,” refusing to submit to pastoral authority and instruction, forfeit their right to express any prophetic gifts inside them. In summary, those who refuse to come under spiritual authority, disqualify themselves from speaking in the church. In the same way, women who function outside of healthy spiritual order in their home should be monitored closely.   

7. Many prophetic words do not line up with God’s Word.  Some even contradict God’s Word and/or obvious biblical principles.  We are called to judge the validity of any prophetic word.  

8. Prophetic words should ALWAYS be unto edification or bring comfort (1 Corinthians 14:12).  They should never be used as weapons of mass destruction! 

9. Some use the gift to “read others’ mail.”  God NEVER tattletales on “one kid to another!”  Prophetic words are separate from words of knowledge or words of wisdom, as these two gifts usually operate in obscurity and confidentiality.  

10. Too many treat prophetic words like a crystal ball -- reading the future. Always remember, the gift of prophecy, when used by impure, self-serving vessels, closely parallels the travesty of divination, which aligns with enemy strategy.  One of the most dangerous realities happens when individuals who at one time operated accurately in the prophetic word, and subsequently turned apostate.  The gift inside them transferred to the demonic realm.  Currently, hundreds of psychic hotlines exist for those seeking answers to life’s questions and dilemmas. My guess is that a good number of these “readers” previously operated in the genuine prophetic word and sadly were somehow wounded in the house of God, and allowed offenses to make them rebellious.  You remember that “rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft” (1 Samuel 15:23).  Operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit remains a high and holy opportunity.  And an awestruck responsibility.  

11. Prophetic words are not given to provide direction, only confirmation.  God does not operate on a third party basis.  He’s not going to tell Bill to tell Bob to tell me!  What a beautiful experience it is to have someone confirm what God has already told us!  We all have direct access to God’s throne and should cultivate hearts that listen to God’s voice.

12. Prophetic words should not be elevated above God’s Word.  I’ve known people who kept dated journals of personal prophecies and relied on them more than trusting God’ Word.

13. The Scriptures nowhere support the practice of giving “personal prophecies,” or what I call “assembly line prophetic words.” Inflated egos, pride, manipulative people, and self-indulgent attitudes fill our churches when people are allowed to operate in this vein.  I’ve seen churches literally destroyed by allowing this self-serving practice to continue.   Some who refer to having a prophetic anointing really have the “gift of suspicion!”  This “gift” can bring much harm into any situation.  

14. Some overlook the fact that words of knowledge and words of wisdom are often given as prophetic words.  They are different in purpose and operation, and never meant for public expression. The gifts of prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues are the only verbal-public gifts discussed in 1 Corinthians.  And remember,  tongues manifested in the public worship service must always be followed by an interpretation.  

15. As a general rule, so-called prophetic worship/songs are given for individual edification and private times of praise, not for public worship.  I’ve been amazed at how “prophetic singers” attempt to lead entire congregations of worshipers, without realizing that the only one singing is the leader.  They are an audience of one!  Entire congregations are reduced to spectators. Some well-meaning worship leaders are  misdirected and/or oblivious to the very people they are trying to lead into the presence of God.  John Maxwell said it best:  “If no one is following a supposed leader, then he or she is simply out taking a walk.”  Worship leaders would do well to remember that the OBJECT of our worship is Jesus, and the IDEAL of worship is to get as many involved as possible in the ACT of worship. So-called prophetic worship automatically disengages the leader from those he strives to lead!  There are exceptions, but very few indeed!

16. What is prophetic preaching?  Not all biblical passages carry prophetic implications.  Paul told Timothy, “Preach the Word.”  He did not say, “Prophesy the Word.”  I may be splitting hairs, but the difference again remains the difference between Christ-centered and messenger-centered ministry.  My friend, when rightly divided, the Word speaks for itself!  We don’t “read into” the Word; we allow the Word to “read us.”  And this truth leads me to my last observation.

  

17. Some preaching referred to as prophetic preaching is simply drawing analogies or embracing allegories used to teach a higher principle, or one that hides beneath the surface of a Bible story.  Such preaching also draws from types and shadows revealed in a given passage.  Let me give an example of each:

A.  Analogy (Metaphors) -- Proverbs 13:14 says, “The teaching of  the wise is a fountain of life.” This metaphor compares wise teaching to a flowing fountain. Sometimes when individuals give prophetic words, they use colorful Imagery to share God’s message.  This type of prophetic ministry is totally subjective, leaving the message open-ended and subject to personal interpretation.  I for one, am cautioned to not build my future on “I see or I think…or, take this for what it’s worth.”  I need something more solid!

          

How many people have walked away from having received a prophetic word of such a general nature, asking themselves, “What did that mean?”  I have!  Realizing what was spoken could have been understood in any number of ways!  Or misunderstood!             

    

B. Allegory -- The Bible contains several allegories.  An allegory is a literary work in which the characters and events are symbolic of a deeper moral or spiritual truth.  For example, the Song of Solomon is viewed as an allegory by both Jewish and Christian scholars.  One says it’s an allegory of God’s love for Israel.  The other says it’s an allegory about Christ’s love for the Church.  Still, others believe it’s an allegory about married love. Prophetic words based on allegorical passages are also left up to private interpretation.  They too are subjective and need to be received with caution!    

C.  Types/Shadows -- Acts 27 records the story of Paul sailing from Cesaerea to Rome when he encounters a shipwreck.  When the 276 passengers and crew announce they are jumping ship, Paul tells them if they remain in the ship, their lives will be spared. “Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, ‘Unless those men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.’”  The ship, then, is a type of the Church or “staying with the Lord.”  This type of biblical preaching is challenging because it too leaves room for personal interpretation.  

         So, what is the drawback on prophetic ministry that builds on analogies, allegories and types and shadows?  Always remember.  We need to draw on a literal interpretation of Scripture that requires full disclosure of the text and minimizes temptations to “read into the text” what may or may not be there.  This is also the drawback to preaching topical series!  Some search for Scriptures to support their erroneous thinking or personal opinions!  This is dangerous!

         Prophetic words that employ any of these three comparative genres have to be time tested and weighed in light of deeper, more solid biblical interpretation.  I sure would not build an entire church service or more important, a life decision on prophetic words that leave themselves open to interpretations that are general, not specific in their intent.  Such prophetic activity may seem good at the time; however, we must build our lives on “The Word,” not “A word.”

         I understand my potential for being misunderstood in this blog.  However, if prophetic ministry is allowed to run rampant outside the guidelines of biblical authority, the chances for confusion and division remain a constant threat.  And the gift of prophecy MUST never be allowed to get out of balance with the other ministry gifts.  Entire services that feature only prophetic ministry open the door to extremes that highlight imbalanced and over-zealous believers.  In my experience, nothing overrides the preaching of God’s Word.  

          NOTE:  This blog about the prophetic in today’s church should by no means be seen as a comprehensive treatment.  Volumes have been written about each of the above 17-mentioned guidelines.  This summary simply provides a general overview for those who have perhaps been confused (like me) regarding the intents and purposes for which the prophetic gifts should operate in today’s church.  

The Prophetic and Today’s Church, Part 1

I believe in the prophetic ministry. You’d think this would be a foregone conclusion for a man of my theological persuasion -- Pentecostal (although I dislike labels).  However, I have struggled with the Church’s sometimes over the top teachings on the prophetic during the past 25 years.  

Can I be honest with you?  I never heard the phrases, “Prophetic Word” or “Prophetic Preaching” used in our circles until the latter part of last century.  I was perfectly comfortable with the phrase, “The preached Word.”  Then, as if a new doctrine hit the church scene, many began talking about “the prophetic” as if God was introducing something new. I’m not trying to be disrespectful or snide; I have really struggled with what many dub the “Prophetic Movement.”    

And I have never heard so much ridiculous teaching and seen so much hyper-sensationalism done in the Name of the Lord. How many offerings have I sat through that used some aspect of the prophetic to move people to give?  I do not see myself as a close-minded preacher, but I admit it, I am squeamish when it comes to the prophetic.  I personally believe that many people have used the Lord’s name to scratch their “hyper-spiritual itches,” and to elevate themselves “above what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6).  Removing humility from the prophetic leads to disaster.  

I tire of the showmanship and attention-seeking that accompanies a lot of prophetic meetings.  Yes, God does speak to individuals; and yes, there are times when prophetic words are welcome, but too much of the time, the “prophetic word” smacks of a “pathetic word,” when individuals are highlighted and “the testimony of Jesus, who is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10) is sidelined.  I understand the prophetic gift involves “seeing,” but the pronoun “I” is used way too much for my comfort.

If truth be told, my hesitancy to embrace certain aspects of the modern prophetic movement, goes all the way back to 1972 when my mother passed away after a long, grueling sickness.  A well-meaning man, whom I admired in the Faith, came to me and said, “The Lord said, ‘I’m going to heal your mother.  Watch Me perform my wonders.’” I was overwhelmed with emotion and accepted the man’s “word from the Lord” to be true.  

Three weeks later mom died.  I was a fairly new believer, and her death shook me to my core, emotionally and spiritually.  I suppose it was this unfortunate incident that made me suspicious of the prophetic.  However, I do not wish to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I’m being brutally honest, so wait before you judge me!

Go with me to Ephesians 4:11a. “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers..." We refer to these offices as the “five-fold Ministry.”  And I’m so thankful for these wonderful gifts that Christ gave to His Church.  We need all of them functioning in a biblically sound manner if we are to come into the fullness of the stature of Christ:  “For the equipping of the saints for the work of service to the building up of the body of Christ.”(11b).  And so, we acknowledge the office of prophet.  However, unless these offices and their functions are properly taught and understood, then we are likely to have a “Five-fold Feud” on our hands!

I usually explain the individual roles this way:

The Apostle:  To send

The Prophet:  To see

The Evangelist:  To speak

The Pastor:  To tend

The Teacher:  To teach (Of course!) 

I’m going to go out on a limb and say based on personal experience (40 plus years in ministry) these five gifts, to work effectively and to stay in balance, need to channel through the office of pastor.  After all, it is the pastor who gets in the trenches with the sheep!  The other four gifts should humbly come into line with the pastor’s ministry, as he, under God, leads each local church.  This is the pattern I see in the New Testament, as revealed in Paul’s writings to the various churches. And of course, these offices can and do overlap one another.  Neither time nor space will allow me to cover apostles, evangelists, pastors and teachers, so let me get back to the office of prophet.  

Are there prophets in today’s Church?  Of course!  “Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.  One of them named Agabus, began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world.  And this took place in the reign of Claudius” (Acts 11:27-28).  The above mentioned famine later embraced the entire known world at the time.  These were in fact, New Covenant prophets!  

However, please understand that prophets in today’s church are different from the prophets mentioned in the Old Testament.  Prophets of renown -- Isaiah,  Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Elijah, Elisha -- FORETOLD what God was doing, especially pertaining to Israel.  They were protectors of the Covenant and foretold the coming of the Messiah with amazing and detailed accuracy.   

Prophets today FORTHTELL what God has already proclaimed in His Word, because the Canon of Scripture -- the Bible -- is closed.  God has already told us everything we need to know as it pertains to our salvation and those things yet to come upon the earth.  And like the prophets mentioned in Acts 11:27-28, God uses prophets today to warn of things to come -- those things related to sin and judgment.  Perhaps the Prophet Amos said it best:  “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets” (3:7).   This verse balances the “Fore-telling” with the “Forth-telling” aspects of prophetic ministry.   

The late David Wilkerson, I believe, was a prophet.  He did not like to be labeled; however, in 1986 he prophesied of a coming plague that would hit New York City, and like all true prophets, his words came to pass.  At the time of this writing, we find ourselves in a world-wide pandemic; with New York City being one of the hardest hit areas.  The acid test of a true prophet is that his prophecies come true.

I still struggle, however, with men and women of God who insist on carrying titles. We have become both image and title crazy. And  I’m very concerned about the abuses I’ve personally witnessed and heard in regards to the gift of prophecy, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 12.  “Now there are varieties of gifts...and to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good...to another prophecy…” (verses 4,7 and 10).  Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth to correct abuses that had developed while employing the gift of prophecy and the other gifts mentioned in chapter 12.  

And today, the potential for abuse is present as well.  Pastors have the responsibility to make sure these gifts bring edification and comfort, not confusion and strife. “All things have to be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). A wonderful gift in the wrong hand (heart) becomes a sideshow attraction that draws attention away from Christ to the individual.  All attention and adoration goes to Jesus!  Only Him!

In next week’s blog, I discuss principles/teachings/warnings that I believe should guide prophetic ministry.

The Same Place

Years ago, I heard Paul Crouch, then president of the Trinity Broadcasting Network say, “The brink of a disaster and the brink of a miracle are the same place.”  God does his finest work and proves His power when things look their worst. The hour preceding dawn is the darkest.  You may be in that hour, but take heart, morning’s coming!

Travel back with me to 1446 B.C.  Moses and the Children of Israel have escaped from Egyptian bondage.  But not without nerve-wracking consequences and further testing.  The people are backed up against the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army in hot pursuit.  Things look pretty bleak for the approximate 1.5 million men, women and children. Many in the crowd begin to murmur against Moses. “Why did you bring us out here to die in this wilderness” (Exodus 14:11)?  Fear began to sweep through the camp, as horse hooves trampling the earth became louder. 

Disaster appeared imminent.  Between confusion brought on by the enemy and the grumbling of the people, Moses had his hands full.  His leadership was on the line, and God’s reputation was soon to be verified.    

But then…

Moses lifted his rod high and the waters of the Red Sea divided.  The breath of God piled the waters high on each side and dried the earth under the sea.  A pillar of fire then separated the Israelites from the fast approaching Egyptian army.  It was Israel’s finest moment, one that Jews still celebrate today!  We do, too!  In that hour, the brink of a disaster and the brink of a miracle were one in the same!       

Have you been there?  Perhaps you’re there now!  Backed up against the wall with seemingly no help in sight.  The enemy of your soul may even be taunting you:  “Where is your God now?”  

Keep praising.  Keep believing.  Your deliverance is on the way!  God has not brought you this far to fail you now.  “The horse and its rider WILL be thrown into the sea” (Exodus 15:21b).   We used to sing this faith declaration:

“How great is our God!

How great is His name!

He’s the greatest One, forever the same.

He rolled back the waters of the mighty Red Sea.

And He said, “I’ll never leave you, so put your trust in Me!”

No matter how difficult your circumstances, no matter what you’re facing, the waters are about to part.  “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5b).  Let this incredible story from Israel’s archives, hold you steady today.  The same God Who parted the waters approximately 3,466 years ago is still proving His power today!  The brink of your disaster is about ready to become your most glorious victory!

Praise Him out loud this very moment! 

The Gospel According to Mephibosheth

The Old Testament contains many stories of intrigue.  It’s no small wonder  the early years of Hollywood brought many of these ancient stories to the wide screen.  In recent days, I’ve watched three of them: Victor Mature played Samson (Samson and Delilah); Yul Brenner played Pharaoh (The Ten Commandments), and Gregory Peck played David (David and Bathsheba). While their directors practiced poetic license, their portrayals of biblical characters were heart-warming.  

I wish Hollywood would take a long, hard look at the story of Mephibosheth, an obscure account found in 2 Samuel 9.  Let me summarize the plot.  

As you may recall, King Saul and his son, Jonathan were killed in battle against the Philistines.  Although Jonathan was heir apparent to the throne, it was widely known that David was God’s choice.  In those days, remaining family members became fearful for their lives, as survivors were typically seen as threats to the throne and subsequently executed.  When it became known that Jonathan was dead, members of his household fled in fear.  

“Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son crippled in his feet.  He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled.  And it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and became lame.  And his name was Mephibosheth” (2 Samuel 4:4). His name literally means, “From the mouth of shame.”  There’s a story here!

Who would name their kid “Mephibosheth?”  Say that five times quickly!  But I digress!  His nanny picked him up and in her haste to escape, dropped him and the Bible says he became lame in both feet.  This is mentioned two times in this brief narrative -- for a good reason.  It describes our spiritual condition before God.  

Mephibosheth became a lame refugee.  But after a period of time we discover that David’s love for Jonathan transcended the grave.  One day when thinking about his beloved and sadly missed friend, David asked, “Is there yet anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness, for Jonathan’s sake” (2 Samuel 9:1)?  Verse 3 continues, “The king said, ‘Is there not yet anyone left of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?”  Then Ziba, the former servant of King Saul and now Mephibosheth, told David about the lame prince.  And this is where the story really unfolds and the plot becomes emotionally-charged.  The Holy Spirit uses this story to illustrate how a crippled refugee shows us the Gospel.

With David’s kingdom firmly established, his family settled into power and luxury.  His sons were educated and privileged, growing up with every advantage.  Meanwhile, Mephibosheth grew up in a place called Lo-Debar The name literally meant “pastureless.”  Another source says it was in the middle of “Nowhere!”  The town name inspires thoughts of dead grass, decay and the absence of life.  Aren’t you glad you’re not from “Nowhere?”

Imagine Mephibosheth daily hobbling on his crutches out to his porch to sit quietly because the pain in his legs was too much for him to stand for very long.  And as he gazed out at the land of Lo-Debar, the pastureless plain, I wonder how many times he reflected on his situation.  He looked down at his deformed and lifeless legs and wondered what life might have been had his father lived.  After all, he had been groomed to be the prince of Israel.  

This pitiful man was now doomed to a life of hopelessness. 

But his circumstances changed! And yours can, too!

Rather than punishing the descendants of Saul, David remembered his intense friendship with Jonathan, and he actively sought out anyone left from the family so that he could show kindness.  

“Then King David sent and brought him...from LoDebar.  And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage.  And David said, ‘Mephibosheth!’  And he answered, ‘Behold, I am your servant.’  And David said to him, ‘Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always’” (2 Samuel 9:5).

Mephibosheth was crippled.  Cast out.  Helpless.  Without hope.  “But David..” (verse 7).

We too were broken.  Hopeless.  Dead in our sin.  Cast out. “But God…”

(Romans 5:8)

Two parties without hope and living under a dramatically uncertain future.  And two extravagant displays of grace, both based on the merit of someone else.  For Mephibosheth, it was David.  For us, it is God’s own Son.  

And in both cases, the outcome involves a meal!  Mephibosheth ate at David’s table for the rest of his life.  And it is comforting and exciting to think that at the end of history, we too are headed for a meal -- the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  The meal where the marriage of Christ and His Church will be celebrated.  

The “Gospel according to Mephibosheth” is a story of God’s grace.  You’d be hard-pressed to find another story in the Old Testament that portrays the Gospel in such a beautiful way.  You see, I am Mephibosheth.  In my sin I have fallen from grace, and in my brokenness, unable to stand before the Lord.  In my shame I run from God.  I hide myself from His gaze.  I fear His judgment.

While far from God -- while living in Lo-Debar -- His Spirit comes to me like the faithful servant, Ziba, and brings me before His throne.  While I ought to be condemned, God shows me His undeserved kindness.  God shows me grace, not because of anything I have done, not because of any potential He sees in me, but because Jesus has died in my place.  He sets a place for me at His table as one of His sons.  This my friend, is the Gospel!  

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. 

The Power of Influence

Mother’s Day is behind us, but I can’t shake a certain, powerful thought from my mind.

It centers around the power of influence.  God designed the home to be the premiere laboratory for the Christian faith.  Nothing outranks the home in the training and nurturing of children, not even the local church. In the home, the man (husband) is the head; the woman (wife) is the influencer.  Someone suggested that “while the man is the head of the home, the wife is the neck that turns the head!”  Two women were sitting in church listening to this teaching, when one leaned over and asked the other, “What did he just say?”  She replied, “I’m not completely sure, but I think the pastor just said we were necks!” 

Influence is defined as “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development or behavior of someone.”  God, in His infinite wisdom, gave this gift primarily to the mother (wife).  She is the one who sets the atmosphere in the home.  The old saying is true:  “If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy!”  This is a fact!

The Bible contains stories about a number of mothers; however, none prove the reality of “the influencer” more than Jochebed, the mother of Moses.  Her story is found in Exodus 2:1-10.  During this time, Pharaoh issued an edict that all Hebrew newborns be cast into the Nile River, as he feared the growing Hebrew population was gaining too much prominence and power.  To protect her newborn son, Jochebed placed him in a basket and hid it in the reeds along the great river.  Through a divine strategy, Pharaoh’s daughter came upon the drifting child and took him into the palace.  Later, in a strange turn of events that only God could orchestrate, Jochebed was hired to nanny the boy.  Jochebed raised her own son in Pharaoh’s court!

During the subsequent years, Jochebed trained her son -- the son of Pharaoh’s daughter -- not only academically, but in the ways of Israel’s God.  Jochebed’s name literally means, “The glory of YAHWEH.”  The word “glory” is the Hebrew root word for “influence.”

Under Jochebed’s tutelage and godly influence, Moses was groomed to be Israel’s deliverer.  God used the dynamics inside Jochebed to raise up Moses, who in 1446 B.C. led the Children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.  How wonderful!  Indirectly, the power of her influence won the day!

Jochebed was also the mother of Aaron and Miriam; and her influence guided their lives as well.  Aaron became Israel’s High Priest and Miriam became a prophetess.  She would later pick up a tambourine after Israel’s great deliverance on the opposite bank of the Red Sea and lead a band of women to praise the God of Israel.  He’s our God, too!

Sadly, Jochebed died before seeing the results of her godly influence play out in the lives of her three famous children.  However, she is indirectly mentioned in “The Hall of Faith,” published in Hebrews 11:23 -- “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden by his parents (Levi and Jochebed) because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”

Thank God for the power of godly influence. It was Nancy Todd Lincoln influencing a future President.  It was Suzanna Wesley influencing two renowned sons -- Charles, a hymn writer; and John, a revivalist (founder of the Methodist Church).   

Moms, we honor you and we are especially grateful for you godly moms, who used and continue to use your influence to raise up effective and powerful Christ followers.