The 'Why'

Have you ever noticed that when the Word gives a directive, it gives the 'why' at the same time? You don't have to seek the reason - it always presents what happens when you do obey and when you don't. We never read a ' because I said so' comment, contrary to what we practice. I might also add that God's whys are always for our benefit, our whys to others... maybe not so much.

Now let me ask you a related question: Did you know that God has a plan for you? Have you ever tried to negotiate it with Him? Many a soldier in a foxhole has... how many followed through I wonder. Do we? From a different perspective, perhaps you feel that you've blown it? That you've missed your opportunity or you are too old or you are too young or that you are too.... Is that how you feel? That you've missed your opportunity and now it's too late? Well, the good news is that with God, it's never too late. Our God is a the God of multiple opportunities.

OK, granted we're not worthy of knowing our 'whys' and that we believe that second chances aren't available for us... but since our reasoning flies in the face of what actually occurs - why do we believe the lie? If you look at scripture, there are countless numbers of examples of God granting a second chance. Look at the lives of Sampson, of Jonah as examples and after given that second chance, look at the result of what occurred! ALSO, remember other things that the Father has said to us both whys as well as promises.

   "So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy 

    and all slander and hateful speech; like newborn babies [you should] 

    long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and 

    grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment]...." (1 Peter 2:1-2, AMP)

   "I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun 

    a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the 

    day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]." (Philippians 1:6, AMP0

   "So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new

    behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn 

    away from sin]... (Matthew 3:8, AMP)

 

I could cite many other verses, but I chose these 3 specifically. In 1 Peter we clearly see we have a role in terms of the whys. It tells us what we should be doing and the result of our following. In the Philippians verse, it informs us of the high regard the Lord has for us and that He will continue to be with us to help us accomplish all that we can be. Convinced and Confident whys to who we are becoming. The Matthew verse tell us how we can know and see our whys (produce fruit). The direction is there, the provision is there, the why as well, and it is always our decision to accept and act on it.

Do and Not Do according to what scripture states. Look, if you don't immediately see the why because it is there and is never capricious - in every statement it is for our benefit. My point is... there is always a - why.

As a man thinketh...

   "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he..." (Proverbs 23:7, AMP)

Believe this? Do you believe we are 'controlled' by what's in our hearts? Is the heart, not the head, the source and 'director' of our words and behaviors? If it's the heart that leads... where and how? Hmmmm... think on this verse if you question or doubt the power of your heart. 

   "Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life."

    (Proverbs 4:23-25, AMP).

It doesn't say head. Surprised? However, it does say - heart. Plus it does say - who is in charge, responsible. WE are supposed to do the doing. We are supposed to watch over our heart. And then it tells us why:

   "You brood of vipers, how can you speak good things when you are evil? 

    For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart." (Matthew 12:34, AMP)

   "Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, And put devious 

    lips far from you. Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of 

    moral courage] And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you [toward 

    the path of integrity]."

I believe that the end result of how we think in our heart is heard from our mouths... we start in the heart and our words are the expression. From another perspective... do your words confirm what you think? Do they originate in your heart? Are the words who you are? And if not... what does?

When God was establishing His covenant with His people... what is it He says? 

   "I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols. 

    Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, 

    and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a 

    heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:25-26, AMP)

The verse in Ezekiel is not the first time God uttered these words, how the Covenant is. Throughout the Old Testament He was continually bringing His people back to Himself and repeating and renewing His Covenant by giving them a new heart and spirit.

Ponder the following:

   "...For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks [a]at the outward

    appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, AMP)

   "The heart of the wise instructs his mouth [in wisdom] And adds 

    persuasiveness to his lips." (Proverbs 16:23, AMP)

   "I, the Lord, search and examine the mind, I test the heart, To give to 

    each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds."

    (Jeremiah 17:10, AMP)

Those are only 3 scriptures that indicate the value God places on our hearts.  I could cite scripture after scripture indicating the role and importance of our hearts. How our hearts combine with our minds to demonstrate who we are and how we do us. It's not just important, it's the center, the focus. The real question is - do we appreciate the importance? And, how do we 'feed' our heart - strengthening and protecting it?

   "Heart" (Hebrew lebab/leb [b'bel], Gk. kardia [kardiva]) occurs over one

    thousand times in the Bible, making it the most common anthropological 

    term in the Scripture. It denotes a person's center for both physical and

    emotional-intellectual-moral activities;... " 

    (https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/heart/)

 

Led by the Spirit

When I first began reading the Bible after I was saved, I discovered this verse:

   "For God has unveiled them [all that God has planned for us, v. 9] and 

    revealed them  to us through the [Holy] Spirit; for the Spirit searches all 

    things [diligently], even [sounding and measuring] the [profound] depths 

    of God [the divine counsels and things far beyond human understanding]."

    (1 Corinthians 2:10, AMP)

In the church I had been attending I don't ever remember a message about the Holy Spirit - who He was and what He did. Granted He was acknowledged as part of the Triune God, but any understanding about the person of the Holy Spirit was not taught. Therefore, this verse captured my attention. [Certain words typically capture my attention and 'all' is one of them.]

If the Holy Spirit is this important, this powerful that He is able to search even the deep things of God, then this was not just important... it was essential. But, what does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit. I had also discovered Galatians 5:18

   "But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law."

Again a powerful statement about the person of the Holy Spirit. If led by Him then free from the law...?! In my world, this means that I need to start by learning the Who of the Holy Spirit. Jesus talks about Him in John 14:16-17 (AMP)

   "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Com-

    forter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to 

    be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot 

    receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know 

    Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you

    continually and will be in you."

Helper, Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby - this is huge, dramatic, and what a gift for us. However, to increase our understanding, we should read further:

   "And He [the Holy Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world about 

    [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, 

    and about judgment: about sin [and the true nature of it], because they 

    do not believe in Me [and My message]; about righteousness [personal

    integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you 

    will no longer see Me; about judgment [the certainty of it], because the 

    ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned." 

    (John 16:7-12, AMP)

In the Last Days, the Holy Spirit will no longer be on earth, His ministry here will end. The time of the wrath of God will begin. 

   "For the mystery of lawlessness [rebellion against divine authority and 

    the coming reign of lawlessness] is already at work; [but it is restrained] 

    only until He who now restrains it is taken out of the way." 

    (2 Thessalonians 2:7, AMP)

I'm emphasizing the importance of the Holy Spirit and being led by Him. However, it's one thing to say this, another thing to understand, and another to act in faith on it. Being led, in my world, goes beyond 'surrendering', it's another action word. It's doing what's at our hand, our how we are being led, how we can bring hope to our world. Being led is confidence, is belief, is hope, is trust. Without those qualities being visible, we're not following. We have to complete the act of being led by what we say and do. Remember that when you accepted Jesus as your Lord, while you were accepted 'just as you were', you also were expected to grow and become part of God's army. 

YOU have a place a part. Being led is acting on this. The Spirit is with us to enable and equip us... but God decided to work through us to touch lives so it is our responsibility and honor to act on this in the unique way we are formed, gifted,  and growing. And as each of us does our part (Ephesians 4:16) the body does grow and sow, water, harvest. It starts with being led by the Spirit. These are the first steps.

Baptism

What do you know, believe about baptism? What meaning does it have for you? When does it occur? Its purpose? And there are a host of other questions. Traditionally (?) I think water baptism has been associated with our witness of who we now are since we have accepted Jesus' invitation and become saved, born again.

   "Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, 

    unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually trans-

    formed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience 

    the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, AMP)

But let me quickly state that baptism is not salvation... it is the evidence of who we have chosen and where our allegiance lies. It states that we have become part of the family of God. And... is there a difference between water baptism and the Holy Spirit baptism? Short answer - yes. Does this mean we receive more than 1 baptism? Short answer - yes.

There are those that believe we are baptized in the Holy Spirit when we are saved. Other denominations think differently (based primarily on the scriptures in Acts). Some believe there are multiple baptisms throughout the believer's life. According to 'Got Questions', 

   "What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?"

    Answer: The baptism of the Holy Spirit may be defined as that work whereby the Spirit of God places the believer into union with Christ and into union with other believers in the body of Christ at the moment of salvation. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was predicted by John the Baptist (Mark 1:8) and by Jesus before He ascended to heaven: “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4); for the first time, people were permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and the church had begun." (https://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-baptism.html)

And when we consider 'form' (immersion, sprinkling) of water baptism, we have many disputes and disagreements. When you add baptism in/of the Holy Spirit, you now add another area of dispute. There are those that believe there is a difference between the baptism of the Spirit and the infilling. My view - not the point. Baptism is the point, specifically Holy Spirit baptism.

   "For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually

    transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), 

    slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit 

    [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life]." (1 Corinthians 12:13, AMP)

   "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is 

    within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you 

    are not your own [property]?" (1 Corinthians 6:19, AMP).

To be honest... sometimes I think that we in the "Christian world" focus on the incidentals rather than the essentials. Incidentals should never be the basis, foundation between us, to separate us. And do NOT jump to the conclusion that I consider baptism an 'incidental' - far from it. It is essential because of the witness it provides to us as well as others. My point is that the 'how' of baptism shouldn't be emphasized. Being in one accord should be! 

I believe the Holy Spirit baptism is a kind of seal in us of who we are... not that we have attained our best us, but that now we have the assistance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, helping us. [Remember the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives - who He is: "Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever..." (John 14:16, AMP)] This announces the importance of the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives. 

This only begins to scratch the surface of Holy Spirit baptism. What an adventure awaits those who decide to learn more. What questions are sparked? Is there more than 1 Holy Spirit infilling? ........

My Ideal Me

Occasionally I find myself sighing and wishing I was more like my ideal me. Do you? This can be my mindset when I find myself acting on what I call Paul's lament - doing what he doesn't want to and not doing what he does want. Then after a few sighs I typically find myself wondering who that ideal person actually is and how they go about being 'ideal'. Perfection, for me, does fall into the same category as ideal. Both.. not there yet. Somehow though, perfection is less troublesome than ideal. I think I feel that ideal should be the mindset (and visible?) and perfection is a process. Or does this thinking really fall into the same area as utopian thinking?  And... if perfect and ideal are related, then maybe... just maybe I can apply the same mindset to being my ideal me.

It never is a wrong/right issue... it's simply an issue. I don't think that I'm 'bad', it's just that I'm not 'good'. This has been a somewhat bothersome (difficult) post to write. I have a great tendency toward wanting perfection in myself and this is never a good burden to place on ourselves. This means that I can get (read - daily) extremely irritated  with myself when I don't live up to this standard. And while it is simple (not necessarily easy) to grace others with this kindness of unperfection (yes it is a word, at least in my world), it is very, very difficult to apply it to self. The old 'I should have known better' or worse, 'I knew better' always rings in one's ears and mind.

While it's easy to know and realize the fact that perfection is a process, a goal that one presses on toward... less easy to apply. Each day becomes an opportunity and a challenge - a possibility but not a probability. So it just kind of hangs in midair. (I do believe this is turning into a vent post but I also believe I'm not the only one living in this predicament.) 

And what do we need to do? This is easier to state than apply. What we need to do is grant ourselves a bit of grace.

Grace, in spiritual terms, means unmerited favor. That's me. Daily I experience such grace extended toward me by the Lord. He goes further by providing me with scriptures (there are over 100 verses) that talk about being perfect, many of them written by Paul who was also afflicted with this issue. What you can easily take away from them is that 'perfect' and/or 'ideal' is definitely a process, something we need to have as a goal, but also never accomplished overnight or easily. 

I also believe it can't be rushed... that we can grow in this daily. It's our gift to the Lord - becoming our best. Sometimes the problem really is... who's doing the defining of 'ideal'? If it's us - never going to happen. If it's the Lord, then He helps us because He says in John 15, AMP (read it in its entirety... I'm just emphasizing certain verses)

   "Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear 

    fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit,

    producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. (v.4)

    I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I 

    in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off    

    from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. (v. 5)

    My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, 

    and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples. (v. 8)

    ...remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]." (v. 9) 

We have made Jesus our Lord. Perhaps we should also let Him do the defining of words. My part: remain in Him since apart I can do nothing. His part: everything else.

Skip the guilt trip

I can't take credit for that title... Joyce Meyer talked on this topic (you should check out her video teaching). However, it is such a great line, that I wanted to use those words. First we need to realize that 'guilt' has many faces. There's the guilt we feel when we do or don't do something we know we should/shouldn't have. There's the guilt that is used by others (and ourselves) to make us do/don't do something. There's the guilt that comes when we aren't understood or what we 'meant' has gone astray.

It is true you know. We can get into guilt trips so fast... and what does it get us? What possible value can be placed on guilt trips? (I do realize that there are some parents that use this as an excuse to get their children to (fill in the blank). Not good. Not wise.) More importantly, have you ever read the Lord using this device. NO! Actually, 'NO!' to all those questions. It gets us nothing, there is no value, and the Lord would never use this as a means to get us to do what He wanted. 

I suspect we've all been 'guilted' into doing/not doing something in our lives by someone, at sometime. Point: how did it make you feel? Angry? Upset? Irritated? However, none of the attending emotions were positive... even when it 'was for our best interest'. The thing is - we all know when we are being guilted into something. And we all don't like it. I've yet to meet a person who said that they liked, enjoyed being guilted. People using this behavior technique probably don't realize the damage they are doing - at least to the relationship. 

We all know the signs when another person is attempting to 'make' us do something we don't want to do or don't need to do. Being a pawn also is not a pleasant experience. (The 'pawn' is being used by another person to make a difference person guilted into doing ...) However, we also do this to ourselves. We guilt ourselves into doing something we don't want to or to hang on to feelings of guilt that occurred because we didn't do something we thought we should/could.

The value of guilt? Is there any positive outcome? It's all in the application of the definition. Example, in this case, I am defining guilt as producing sorrow:

   "...because your sorrow led to repentance [and you turned back to God]; 

    for you felt a grief such as God meant you to feel, so that you might not 

    suffer loss in anything on our account. For [godly] sorrow that is in 

    accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading 

    to salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not

    believe] produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:9-10, AMP)

This verse also distinguishes the behavior between spiritual versus worldly guilt - repentance not hopeless sorrow (depending on the method and other people, you can add anger, regret, frustration, etc.) Sooooo if you are feeling guilted, what is it you are feeling? If repentance, then get on with it and be restored to relationship. If hopeless sorrow (and anger?), then skip the guilt trip. Don't go there and don't allow others to try and make you feel guilty. Honestly, we enable and empower others to do this to us - we don't need to. 

Guilt, in my world, has a limited value. I try and never to use it and I tend, perhaps out of spite, to never fall for it. Point is - skip the guilt trip. This rarely has a positive outcome.

A Cracked Pot

You realize that we're all wounded warriors... cracked pots. A chink here, a rough edge there. But look at what the Lord does with us! And that's the point. We can wallow in our cracked status or give all that we have and are to the Lord. Actually, this process of giving all we have and all we are to the Lord is bringing us from strength to strength! How can a cracked pot become stronger? In the Potter's hands, cracked pots can be strengthened and be available for His use.

Consider Psalm 84...what does this say, mean to You?

   "Blessed and greatly favored is the man whose strength is in You,

    In whose heart are the highways to Zion.

    Passing through the Valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs;

    The early rain also covers it with blessings.

    They go from strength to strength [increasing in victorious power];

    Each of them appears before God in Zion." (Psalm 84:5-7, AMP)

This Psalm tells us that when we go from strength to strength we are increasing in victorious power! That's to be valued. Many times we feel we need strength ... that ours is depleted. Take heart - scripture speaks to our need for strength.

   "... And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and 

    your stronghold." (Nehemiah 8:10, AMP)

   "The Lord is my strength and my song, And He has become my salvation;

    This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will exalt 

    Him." (Exodus 15:2, AMP)

   "He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He 

    increases power." (Isaiah 40:29, AMP)

   "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts 

    His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, 

    will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you

    what you ought to be]." (1 Peter 5:10, AMP)

   "I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who

    strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient 

    in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything 

    through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

    (Philippians 4:13, AMP)

And these only scratch the surface of how many times and in how many ways the Lord tells us to be strong because it is He who is strengthening us, equipping us, with us! If you need further strengthening, then read Joshua 1:1-9 which ends with:

   "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be 

    terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you 

    wherever you go.”

When our eyes our on ourself, this is when we fear and say it's too much or did the Lord really call me to this or any other discouraging word. Bottom line: We are not able to (fill in the blank) in ourselves... we were never meant to be. We have always been meant to be in union with the Lord to accomplish His goals. Yes we're cracked pots living in our world each day... but if you are breathing in and breathing out then YOU were called for such a time as this. Remember that cracked pot or not... you can do all things through Him who calls you (Philippians 4:13).

Equal

We are all equal. I did not say 'the same'. I said equal. in one place in scripture it says that God is no respecter of people, doesn't show partiality (Acts 10:34). But, to get really specific:

   "For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with 

    the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, 

    you have taken on His characteristics and values]. There is [now no 

    distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither 

    slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] 

    are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. 

    And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s

    descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise." 

    (Galatians 3:27-29, AMP)

There is a qualifier... 'in regard to salvation'. But this is huge, especially when we consider how we need to see and relate to one another. The point - we are equal. But we are not the same. However... what is 'in regard to salvation' mean? Simply, that equality is based in being saved, accepting the invitation to make Jesus our Lord. However... don't miss the 'And' either. We are also heirs according to God's promise. If you need further confirmation of being an heir:

   "The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit 

    [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. And if [we 

    are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and 

    fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inherit-

    ance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also 

    share in His glory." (Romans 8:16-17, AMP)

Yes, it does say if we share in His suffering. I've always believed that this is an individually defined word, so what kind of sufferings would we share in? Perhaps rejection, being misunderstood, excluded, etc. While we all don't experience the more visible sufferings - loss of a family member, loss of job, loss of (fill in the blank), most of us 'suffer' on some level... in some area. This, however, is not what I understand about 'share in His suffering'.  

To be perfectly clear... I'm not certain I have an answer to this. I've read a great deal of commentary on this verse in Romans and how other people define and describe this state... but... I'm still uncertain. Except. I do believe that if we are bold and confident in our stand in Jesus, then it is inevitable that we will 'suffer' exclusion and misunderstanding. So did Jesus. Fortunately that understanding gives us a model as to how to respond. Bottom line for me is to stand confident in that which I believe and in whom, and doing what I can to help others understand. 

However, the bottom line is that we all are equal in God's eyes when we stand in our status as believers in Jesus. Not the same.... just equal. 

Lacking in NOTHING

I'm returning to an earlier post thought because I wanted to revisit 'lacking nothing'. Those are the ending words in James 1:4. Lacking in nothing. Wow! Can you get your head around that? How do we place ourselves in a position that we lack nothing? One of the beginning steps is to NOT consider the material, carnal things only. 'All these things' (Matthew 6:33) will be added. How? As you seek FIRST the Kingdom of God. 

Probably the quickest start to understanding and appreciating 'lacking nothing' is to begin with verse 2 so that there is a context. 

   "Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall 

    into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through 

    experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner 

    peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, 

    so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], 

    lacking in nothing."

We need to 'consider' how we react, feel, and think about trials. These are the times that determine who we are in trials and how we act to resolve them. If we look at a trial as a test, an opportunity to grow then we can change our perspective to one of joy. Joy is a terrific attitude to cultivate, especially in trying times. How we purpose in our hearts -  this is truly critical. Taking only one example, Daniel, of a man who purposed in his heart... what do we discover?  Daniel 1-8-16 demonstrates that Daniel purposed in his heart and continued to stand in it. He wasn't looking for prestige but to honor God, and the end result was promotion, not immediate but it did occur. This speaks to our attitude. Once we get the proper attitude, the word tells us to 'be assured'. 

As long as we live in this life we will be tempted by the devil to put aside our life in Jesus. You may not think you are or could be tempted. Wrong. Daily we need to build ourselves up in the things of the Lord. We won't lack when we know who we are and whose we are. We WILL be assured. Being assured, in my world of definitions, is based in confidence. Without a solid ground of confidence we walk on slippery slopes or shifting sand. Neither of those 2 positions provide stability. Our testings are meant to shore up those areas that we aren't strong in before we have to face them. If you remember your school days, the teacher's tests were designed (should have been) to discover what it is you know and don't know. Knowing and growing in those areas we aren't strong in is our defense because lack can be dangerous.

And what do tests prove? James tells us tests produce. It produces endurance, the result being our becoming perfect and completely developed - lacking nothing! This is what we can look at that shows we passed the test. If we feel that we aren't prepared, that we are lacking... what is it? The 'what' leads us into the area(s) that we need to grow in. And the end of this is the result of our success - 'that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing'.

We live in difficult times... so did the first century Christian. And we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1), so don't discard what you've gained. Continue to build yourself up and read again: Romans 8:28, John 16:33, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Peter 5:7, James 4:7-8... these verses can begin your journey of understanding that you really lack in nothing.

Leaving behind

Are we? Are we leaving behind or standing still or moving forward? I suspect I should ask whether or not we want to grow, to become mature? Is where we are 'comfortable' and not requiring (that we know of) anything from us? Becoming a Christian is not meant as a stand still, no need to move. 'New Christian' is not an unending status.

   "Therefore let us get past the elementary stage in the teachings about 

    the Christ, advancing on to maturity and perfection and spiritual com-

    pleteness, [doing this] without laying again a foundation of repentance 

    from dead works and of faith toward God, of teaching about washings 

    (ritual purifications), the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the 

    dead, and eternal judgment. [These are all important matters in which 

    you should have been proficient long ago.] " Hebrews 6:1-2, AMP)

And what does this mean? How do we advance on to maturity? I would suggest that the mindset, the attitude can be seen in Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-16

   "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or 

    have already been made perfect, but I actively press on [a]so that I 

    may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of 

    me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider 

    that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what 

    lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward 

    the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ 

    Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should 

    have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, 

    that too God will make clear to you. Only let us stay true to what we 

    have already attained."

 

Wow! Those verses are very meaty. A challenge? An opportunity? However you choose to look at these verses - they are the direction. Simultaneously, the opening words, for me, is the comfort in growing (which can be incredibly difficult at times) - 'not that I have already obtained it'. It is a process not an instantaneous. 

Perhaps the first step is to stop and consider where we are right now. How are we progressing? I believe the answer begins with John 15:4 when Jesus tells us to abide in Him and let His words abide in us. One of the keys of progressing is found in verse 5: "...neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain (abide) in Me". Until we understand what our part is, how we are to be and do, we are somewhat direction-less. Where to turn? What to do? And what does Jesus mean by remain/abide? Partly this is how you define those words... what they tell you about who you are.

Also I believe the final sentence in this verse gives us our starting point and our foundation - "Only let us stay true to what we have already attained." It's not necessary to continually reinvent the wheel when it is right there with us. Build on that wheel! Hebrews tells us to 'get past' where we are and continue to move on. It doesn't tell us that it will be a walk in the park, but it tells us what we DO know and that we should press onward to the upward call in Christ. This, to me, means that Jesus is with us in this process... He is our High Priest who knows what we are feeling and thinking and He will help us. Therefore... it's up to us to leave behind and actively press on. If we weren't able to - we never would be asked to.

You and Me

   "For you [who are born-again have been reborn from above—spiritually

    transformed, renewed, sanctified and] are all children of God [set 

    apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in 

    Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual 

    union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ 

    [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. There is 

    [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there 

    is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who 

    believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority].

    And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s

    descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise." 

    (Galatians 3:26-29, ANP)

Do you look at others and yourself in this light? Are there those that you give more grace to than others? These 3 verses go a long way toward helping us to review how we go about doing this. When you consider You and Me, first get rid of comparing. None of us can walk fully in another person's shoes, on their path, experiencing what was experienced, etc. Not possible. Then, after you've put comparing away, begin to look at both of us (and everyone else) in what Paul says in Galatians. Now add John 13:33

   "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just 

    as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this every-

    one will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish 

    concern for one another.” 

In terms of your attitude and subsequent words and behaviors... everything begins with Jesus command to love. This is not always a simple thing to do because none of us are always loveable. In fact, sometimes we are downright unloveable. Loving isn't gooey and mushy nor does it condone sin ... and yes, you need to know what love is. It is a word and it is also an action. 

One example: Scripture tells us we should speak the truth in love... that's the standard, and truth isn't always easy to speak or hear. However, I think that the underlying rationale to NOT do this is self preservation. Let's be frank - we don't want to be viewed by others as a negative and criticizing person. Our focus is not on the truth... it's on us. This should not be. Luke 17:3 should be our guide:

   "Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one another]! If 

    your brother sins and disregards God’s precepts, solemnly warn him; 

    and if he repents and changes, forgive him."

One 'quality' of love that I try and follow is to look at how I might respond to this expression of love if I were the recipient - how I should view a word of correction from others. Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 to examine ourselves. and 2 Peter 1:10-11 gives us further reason to stop before we react.  If we receive a word of correction in anger or embarrassment ... we're not following these directions, and no, it's not always easy to accept.

Do we use this as our standard, guide in accepting and giving correction/truth in love. Ideally... yes. Realistically - not always. Being true to who you are becoming and caring more about you needs to be our motivation.