Pride Police

The Bible tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we should (Ro 12:3).  What it doesn’t say is, make sure others don’t think more highly of themselves than they should.  God has the humbling department all sewed up.  He doesn’t need you there. Besides, we have more than enough work to do on ourselves.  There’s no need to pile any more onto our workloads.  Our opinions of self -and certainly of others- are to be taken with sober judgment.  They’re to be moderate, not leaning towards extremes. 

The problem with being a pride policeman is the risk of falling into hypocrisy.  One might argue that the preoccupation with checking on another’s pride is a prideful stance itself.  You can find fault without being a fault finder, but a fault finder always finds fault.  One can’t properly discern what’s prideful in another if they are prideful themselves (Mt 7:5).  As long as we’re human, and Jesus has yet to make his second advent, we’ll remain imperfect. 

A person, however, who fearlessly recognizes, addresses, and makes a sincere effort toward correcting their own short comings (as opposed to projecting them on others) is fit to appropriately asses sinful behavior, such as pride (1Co 11:31; 2Tim 3:16).  We’re obligated to correct, in love, not fault find (Lev 19:17; Eph 4:15).  Loving correction, according to God’s word is sometimes necessary.  We may need to accept the wise counsel of someone being led by the Spirit to correct, rebuke, or teach us what is right (Pr 11:14; 15:22; 27:6; Jas 1:5; 1Co 11:31).  And our response to biblical correction will show whether we’re truly caught up in pride or not (Pr 12:15).

Whether intentional or not, perception of others is always effected by perception of self (Ge 4:1-12).  What is often mislabeled as pride is not pride at all.  It’s often the result of a person thinking lowlier of themselves (their abilities, accomplishments, gifts, physical characteristics, etc.) than they ought to, that makes rich soil for planting seeds of jealousy and resentment of others.  Distorted perception of self will cause one to misjudge another’s motives or intent.  It will lead them to call a person who is striving for perfection, someone who thinks they’re perfect.  It’ll lead them to search for another’s wrongs, instead of appreciating what’s right.  It’ll hinder them, and prevent them to serve God freely as they’ve been called to do (2Co 3:17).   

It’s not unusual for children of Cain to throw their own insecurity on others; especially others who are apparently enjoying the benefits they don’t believe they can have for themselves (or even someone they love).  To fittingly bind this evil, divisive spirit, we must identify it, and call it by its name:  jealously (jealous- adj. 2. Hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage [m-w.com]).  Don’t buy into the Tempter’s lie of jealousy!  God is not a respecter of person.  What He’ll do for another, He’ll surely do for you (Ro 2:11; Mt 25:14-30; 1Co 3:3; 2Co 12:20; Gal 5:20).  If we are to live lives pleasing to the Lord, these seeds of envy and jealousy must be uprooted before we become murderous descendants of Cain, whether in thought, speech or deed.     

He's Faithful

God has provided.

God is providing.

God will provide

(Ge 22:8; Jer 29:11; Php4:19)

Unbound and Unharmed

Here's a thought. I'm sitting at work, and a question comes to mind. What is worst feeling? My answer? Hopelessness. A following question. What is the best? Answer? The unfathomable, uncontainable feeling of being loved by God. Now, the revelation that smacked me across the face. Everything is not alright with my life, but when that feeling comes across me -as it occasionally does- IT DOES NOT MATTER. Because the Lord is with me, I can walk around in my fiery furnace unbound and unharmed! (Dan 3) (Oh yeah! The best thing about God's love for us? It's unconditional and present whether we 'feel' it or not.) via iPhone

Favor Is Fair!

            The saying ‘favor isn’t fair’, irritates me so much. 

In regards to favor from God, to say so is to imply that God isn’t fair or just.  And surely we know better.  What the statement references is grace specifically, which is defined as unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification (m-w.com).  But the thing about ‘favor ain’t fair’ is that it could mislead those who don’t know better. 

fair - adj. 6.a. marked by impartiality and honesty;  free from self-interest, prejudice or favoritism <a very fair person to do business with>; just; unbiased

favor - n. 1.a. friendly regard shown toward another, especially by a superior

favoritism - n. 1. The showing of special favor; partiality     (m-w.com)

Peter said in Acts 10:34-35, ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’  And if we are to be godly, we aren’t to show favoritism either (Jas 2:1,8-9,13; Ex 23:3; Job 34:16-19; Ro 2:11; Col 3:25; 1Tim 5:21; 1Pe 1:17).  God doesn’t favor individuals because of their station in life, their nationality or their material possessions, or any other worldly, passing trait.  For God -or us- to discriminate based on these factors would mean judging with ill intent, and goes against the law of love (Jas 2:4; Mt 22:37-40; 1Jn 4:8).  God used whoever he wanted to spread his message and show himself to be a respecter of no particular person:  youth, women, blind, sick, thieves, prostitutes, the dead, etc. (1Sam 17:42-51; Jn 4:1-42; Jn 9; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 23:32-43; Jos 2; Jn 11:38-44).  God does, however, respect character and judge work (NIV study Bible note on Ac 10:34)(Isa 64:5; Eph 2:8-9; Ro 10:9). 

As far as I know, favor from God is dependent on two criteria: 

Based on scripture, favor is shown to those who have met a certain requirement.  God responds to what we do, not who we are (1Sa 2:30).  And based on experience and observation, the previously mentioned grace may also be granted based on what a person is to become, regardless to what they currently are. (Pr 3:34; Isa 26:10.) 

Ez 33:12-16 warns the righteous not to rely on their righteousness and encourages the wicked to become righteous; this Old Testament text does not refer to redemption through Christ, but does affirm that one who turns from their evil ways can live, just as the Word states that (unrepented) sin results in death (Ro 6:23; 10:9) 

How God balances grace, mercy, blessings, and judgment in the right measure at the right time is something man cannot even fathom, because He operates in the divine wisdom of a being that has all knowledge.  His knowledge isn’t limited by perspective because He’s infinite and omniscient (1Ki 8:22-27; Heb 4:13).  He always has been, and always will be everywhere at all times.  He isn’t hindered by corruption because he’s absolutely just, holy, and right, and has need of nothing (Dt 10:17). 

Out of all of our confusion, we should understand that whatever God says, is.  He said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was (Ge 1:3).  He says, ‘Let Mr. Jones be blessed’, and although I don’t deserve it, I am!  My worthiness ceases to be an issue once God has made His decision.  (One might argue that a person’s ‘blessings’ serve as validation.  But we cannot be deceived by what may appear to be a blessing though.  It would be wise to discern whether a person has been blessed by God for doing things His way or has succeeded in their own way [Ps 37:7].)          

Lawful Judgement

On the subject of judgment, I’m sure you’ve heard -like I’ve heard- Matthew 7:1 quoted countless times (“Judge not, that ye be not judged”), often a misuse of the Word out of a fear of conviction (Jn 3:20).  Personally, I’ve always despised the ‘everything’s alright’ attitude, and viewed the lack of accountability associated with it as cowardly.  Of course, the hypocrisy in scolding someone for what is viewed as judgment is that the person scolding is an act of judgment. Also, forming a positive opinion -if misappropriated- is just as judgmental as forming a negative opinion (Isa 5:20-21).  It can be just as damaging.  Surely, hypocritical, perverse judgment and acting in fear is contrary to everything the Bible teaches us. 

The Bible tells us, in fact, that this God-breathed word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Ti 3:16; Lk 6:45).  Let’s be clear:  Speaking God’s word, in a spirit of love, with the purpose of teaching rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness is not judgment on the part of the one speaking.  If there be any judgment made after the Word is spoken, then it’s by the Word, not the person speajking the Word.  The individual chooses to make biblical scripture either a cornerstone or stumbling block (1 Pe 2:7-8).    

Understanding leads to discernment, which is a form of judgment. 

understand - (trans. v.) 1.a. to grasp the meaning of  b. to be thoroughly familiar with the character and the propensities of  2. to accept as a fact or truth or to regard as plausible without utter certainty

discern - (v.) to separate, distinguish between  (trans. v.) 2. to recognize or identify as separate and distinct; discriminate <discern right from wrong> :  to see or understand the difference

judge – (trans. v.) 1. to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing premises  2. to sit in judgment on; try  4. govern, rule – used of a Hebrew tribal leader  5. to form an estimate or evaluation of; especially to form a negative opinion about  8. to hold as an opinion

We see in scripture that God wants us to have understanding and discernment (1Jn 4:1).  God places the importance of godly wisdom and understanding so high that we’re to obtain it, even if it costs us everything! (Pr 4:7; 3:5-6; 2:6)  Solomon was commended and rewarded for asking for a discerning heart for the purpose of leading God’s people correctly (1Ki 3:9-15; Kings, leaders, and judges are synonymous.  In this context of leadership -which all Christians are, in one way or another- the first, second, and fourth definitions of the word ‘judge’ apply.)  The entire book of Proverbs is basically God’s plea to the individual to gain knowledge, understanding, discernment, wisdom, and good judgment (Pr 1:5; 8:9; 10:13; 14:6).  It’s for us to understand what’s right, just and fair (Pr 2:9; Ro 12:2).  Without it, there is no sanctification for the believer, hope for the sinner, or glorification to our Master.  Without this understanding how can we be good stewards over the things God has entrusted to us:  jobs, children, money, and our very lives?  Jesus even gives us one basis for excommunication in Matthew 18:15-20, which is , no doubt, be an act of judgement.  How can we be the light to a dying world if we don’t distinguish right from wrong as scripture itself does? 

So, what does it mean when Jesus tells us not to judge? Verse 1 in Matthew chapter seven is the first in a lesson by Jesus on judgment that numbers to verse 6.  Unfortunately though, verse 1 is often used out of context, so the meaning is lost.  He goes on to explain that one can’t judge properly, wisely, or fairly if they are judging hypocritically.  You know?  Get right, so you can see right.  True indeed, no one's perfect, but a repentant, spiritually mature individual who has a heart to do things God’s way (according to the Word) is equipped to make sound judgment.     

(Suggested reading:  ‘Is It Right to Judge?’ by:  James L. Melton at www.biblebelievers.com/jmelton/Judging.html)

Unforgivingness Denies Justice

Looking at 1 John 1:9 not too long ago, the Spirit gave me more incite on the necessity of forgiveness, and it’s that forgiveness is just. 

The definition of forgive (trans. v.) is (1.a.) to give up resentment of or claim to requital for <forgive an insult> (b.) to grant relief from payment of <forgive a debt> (2.) to cease to feel resentment against (an offender); pardon <forgive one’s debt>; excuse.  

So, while studying the subject, I came up with some key points concerning forgiveness/unforgivingness:

1. Withholding forgiveness is unjust.  Forgiveness isn’t simply a nice thing to do; it’s the right thing to do. (1Jn1:9)
2. God commands us to forgive.  It is not a request. Although God’s forgiveness is conditional (It’s offered to all, but we must ask for it and repent.), we’re to forgive unconditionally. (2Ch 7:14)
3. God forgives and we are to be like God. (Col 3:13)
4. There are some things that are just reserved for God, who has infinite wisdom.  Vengeance, favor, and withholding forgiveness are some of those things.  God knows best when, and at what measure to dole out blessings and punishment.  We do not. (1Sam 2:30; 2 Ki 22:17-20; Mt 18:21-22; Lk 6:37; Ro 2:11; 12:19; Jas 2:8-9)
5. There’s a penalty for withholding forgiveness. (Mt 6:14-15; 18:21-35)
6. Redemption is a key facet -if not the key facet- of the Christian faith.  And without forgiveness, there is no redemption. (Ps 103:12; Isa 59:1-2; Eph 1:7) 

A forgiving character is certainly an indicator that a person is a (mature) child of God.

But Seek First His Kingdom

I was trying to gain an understanding of the meaning of Matthew 6:33 apart from (or maybe including) other interpretations of it, as is the case for me with a lot of scripture, especially well-known verses.  My issue is with the common interpretation of this verse that has resulted in the importance of a religious practice that has seemingly taken precedence over the Word itself. 

Verse 33 and 34 of Matthew six is a conclusion of the previous eight verses spoken by Jesus, so in order to gain an understanding; we have to include them as well.  Jesus explains that worrying is futile -even about essential things, such as food and clothing.  And Jesus concludes that the needs of those who seek God before seeking these things will be met.  Jesus positions ‘things’ as secondary after the primary God, and the extension of God:  His kingdom and righteousness. 

seek- [trans. v.] 1. to resort; go to 2. search; look for 3. to try to discover; ask for: request 4. to try to acquire or gain (m-w.com).

first- [adj.] proceeding all others in time, order, or importance; earliest (m-w.com).

Concerning God’s kingdom, Jesus has said that God’s kingdom dwells within the individual believer (Lk 17:21).  The NIV study Bible commentary on Matthew 6:10 (‘The Lord’s Prayer’) explains that to ‘come’ isn’t in the sense of God’s kingdom not existing, because it’s already here (see Lk 17:21).  But it means to ‘come’ more and more completely until it’s full and final consummation.  God’s kingdom is birthed within the believer after they believe and confess (Ro 10:9).  And it is revealed more and more through the continued maturation of the working out of their salvation (Php 2:12-13). God’s kingdom is defined as the reign of God that is brought about through Jesus Christ –i.e. the establishment of God’s rule in the hearts and lives of his people, the overcoming of all the forces of evil, the removal from the world of all consequences of sin –including death and all that diminishes life- and a creation of a new order of righteousness and peace (NIV study Bible note on Mt 3:2).  

Many people insist that this means we must pray in the morning.  And I’m not saying that this interpretation and practice is wrong.  What I’m saying is that an understanding of Mt 6:33 isn’t limited by this interpretation.  Just as the four gospels give four different takes on the same life and events, it’s also possible for us to see things differently and all still be correct.  Based on the previous definitions and scripture seeking God first can be expressed in various ways in the life of a Christian (studying God’s word in the morning, praying over a situation before acting on it, seeking the wise counsel of God’s word before turning to anyone or anything else, etc.).  There are many instances in the Bible where the Lord speaks very plainly (Ex 20:1-17; Mal 2:16; 2Co 6:14-18), and I think that if this was as simple as merely praying in the morning, Jesus would just said, Pray in the morning.    

It’s always good for people to make God’s Word personal, seek revelation on it, and apply it to their lives.  However when, in pride, we attempt to validate our interpretation or understanding by presenting them as gospel, we get into a dangerous way of thinking called legalism, which will prevent God’s us from gaining a true relationship with him, as evidenced by the fault-finding Pharisees and Sadducees in the New Testament.  It’s always important to keep things in proper perspective.  And as Jesus said, all ‘things’ (to include our ideas, interpretations, and religious practices) have their proper place after God’s way, his kingdom and righteousness.