Forgive as forgiven

 “Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity, and his anger tore perpetually, and he kept his wrath forever.” -- Amos 1:11

I received a call recently from a church member who was angry with another member. The call went on and on about the terrible thing that was done and how inconsiderate the individual was that committed the crime. There was no pity expressed, just fire and brimstone wrath. One can only imagine what would have been said if the caller weren't a forgiven, Spirit sealed, heaven bound saint?

Then I received a second call some time later. This call came from the same church member as before, but with a sweeter and calmer voice, now assuring me that a mistake had been made and all was well in Zion. What a relief, but what a disappointment to find such anger and wrath among the children of God. As the above passage enlightens us, God is never pleased with unforgiving perpetual anger and lifelong wrath toward a brother.

It was for good reason that Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:26-27, "“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." Unchecked anger will always lead to spiritual defeat my friend. They who are wise will follow the further counsel of Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

A Meaningful Life

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14

The summer is past and many recent graduates have found a sad end to a long academic pursuit; no job. There were hopes and dreams of a bright future, but alas, the economy has closed doors in many cases. The truth is sobering; having a diploma doesn't always lead to a meaningful life.

Paul brought everything in life down to the main thing - the cross of Christ. It's the cross that puts an end to our past failures and opens the door for a bright future. It's the cross that breaks the chains of sinful habits and sets us free to live for Christ. It's the cross of Christ that makes it possible for us to have hopes and dreams fulfilled.

As someone has best said it, "Keep the main thing the main thing". Never leave this basic truth behind and never lose its power to change you day by day. Having that diploma may or may not open the right doors my friend, but starting each day at the foot of the cross will always lead to a meaningful life.

Serve One Another

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other." - Galatians 5:13-15

One of the interesting results of the Alcoholic Anonymous program is the support given to others after sobriety is achieved. Recovering alcoholics know that they need each other to make the journey in life. For years they were bound to a lifestyle from which they are now free. They use this new found freedom to serve others.

Paul spoke to the Galatians about a new life in Christ that set them free from the law and sin. They were now a transformed people who were called upon to love others as themselves. Any other lifestyle would be devastating. This expectation was a timeless truth found as early as the giving of the law. God knew the need for his people to lovingly serve one another. 

All too often my friend, the church of Jesus Christ is guilty of shooting its own wounded soldiers. We give way to selfish agendas and critical attitudes. As we cut each other apart we lose the battle and the blessing. We have been set free from such ways. Use your freedom to love your brothers unconditionally and help them up. Be a brother or sister who lovingly serves others today.

Never Late!

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." - Galatians 4:4-5

The words from Alice in Wonderland often come to mind in this busy world we live in: "I'm late, I'm late for a very important date." Too many people, on too many occasions are late for very important dates. As a result, we tend to lower our expectations and even believe that the Lord will be late for our very important needs. But God... is never late!

Paul noted that Jesus came to be our Savior at just the right time. He didn't come too early, or too late. God had a time table that ticked away with exact precision and when the time had fully come, God sent his Son. To this very day God is following his time table and will bring life and blessing to each one of his children on time. Our God... is never late!

Trusting the Lord involves the patience that lives within God's time table. We need to wait on Him with utmost confidence that he will accomplish his will and our best in his time. Solomon said it in Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time." Wait on the Lord my friend, for he is never late for a very important date!

Imitation

"When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray." - Galatians 2:11-13

It has been said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. There were times that I wanted to be just like my father and there have been times that my sons have wanted to be like me. From time to time, we are all influenced enough to imitate someone. But do we ever consider that we too are influencing others to the point of imitation? If we are imitated, are we leading others astray or into truth?

Paul was led to rebuke Peter to his face for hypocrisy. Peter's conduct was confusing and inconsistent with Biblical truth. While his personal practice was disturbing enough, the fact that others followed his lead was even worse. Peter's fear of men led him into error, followed by other Jews, and finally Barnabas. By imitating Peter, many were being led astray.

It doesn't really matter who we are, other people imitate us. There will always be someone who looks up to you and is influenced by your life. When you walk with the Lord and live a godly life, this can be a good thing. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Be a consistent and godly example to imitate my friend, for as you follow Christ, you will lead others into all truth.

Who do you serve?

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10

The Sunday that I was being considered for the role as pastor at my first church, a young believer asked this question: "Do you serve God, or man?" The Next year Bob Dylan wrote the song "Gotta Serve Somebody". The issue is thought provoking and life directing. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters"

Paul faced quite a dilemma with the churches in Galatia. The believers had initially trusted in the finished work of Christ for their salvation, but now there were false teachers that sought their allegiance. These teachers were winsome and convincing, teaching a works salvation. They were seeking the approval of their own circle of peers and were determined to increase their followers. Paul sought the approval of the Lord alone and was simply saying, "No one can serve two masters"

There is no safer path than the one that follows the Lord alone. Do you seek the Lord's approval in every decision you make? Is His will the most important thing in your life? Serve the Lord and you will never go astray. Remember, "No one can serve two masters"

Decide NOW

"Multitudes, multitudes,  in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." - Joel 3:14

Decisions! Decisions! Every day we make decisions that will determine the outcome of the future. Some decisions are greater than others, but every decision will make a difference. Of all the decisions that we ever make, there is one that is greater than all, for this decision will determine our eternal destiny.

Joel writes about the valley of decision. This will be the moment that God will pass judgment on the multitude of mankind. The outcome will be simple; the Lord will decide against those who have decided against Him in this life. God honors those who honor Him and rejects those who reject Him - for all eternity! And on that day ... "The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining." (verse 15)

Stop and think my friend. Have you decided for or against the Lord of Glory? There will be no reversing your decision after you breath your last on this earth. And you may be assured of this ... Love will not win then, if you have reject His love now.