Naked and Exposed, but not Afraid

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. (Hebrews 4:13)

How does God see us? The image of being 'naked and exposed' before God kind of says it all, doesn't it? We cannot 'hide' our true identity, motives, attitudes, or thoughts from him. If that is the case, then it is high time we start to look at ourselves as God sees us - knowing everything we are and do, good or bad. When we start to see ourselves through God's eyes, we see areas within ourselves that need to change, and we also see those areas where he has been at work, changing us from the inside out. Pride might keep us from seeing ourselves as we really are, but when we get past that prideful attitude about ourselves, we find ourselves standing before God, naked and exposed, but no longer ashamed of who we are because we know he is at work.

God is the creator of all things - you and I would not exist without his action of creation. I have often come across individuals who just don't like themselves, complaining all the time that God 'created' them with something that is 'too big', 'too small', 'too ugly', or 'too something'. They refuse to see the unique beauty of what God has created. When we are down on ourselves, it is easy to get critical of what God is doing within our lives. We don't think he is moving fast enough. We are critical of the 'material' he is using to create something afresh within us. We complain about the 'method' he is using to show us what we are in him and what he desires to do with and for us. 

Remembering that our 'starting spot' is always that of a sinner, given to following one's own will, living apart from God's grace, we might do well to see just how far we have come from that 'starting spot' since God's grace entered into our lives. We may not be perfect yet, nor are we always consistent in our walk with Jesus, but we are not the same as we were! If we keep that in mind as we come into each new day, we might just see what some label as 'progress' in our walk with Jesus. God might just see us quite differently than we see ourselves - because he is able to be honest in areas where we are not quite able to be very honest with ourselves yet. We need to trust him to expose what needs exposure, touching those areas we have neatly hidden away from public view. 

As he touches our lives each day, we come away just a bit different than we were when we entered that day. It may not seem like we are, but it is impossible for the creator to leave us mired in sin's guilt and debris. He will help us rid ourselves of all that hinders our walk with him and embrace all that helps us live as transformed creatures. Just sayin!

Garbage in - garbage out

Be kind and honest and you will live a long life; others will respect you and treat you fairly. 

(Proverbs 21:21)

Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. (Dennis Prager)

Aesop told us, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Being kind and honest may not seem like actions that can move mountains, but I believe with all my heart as Aesop did, no good or kind action is ever wasted. If we want goodness in this world, we must begin to model goodness toward all people. 

I agree with Prager - how we treat others is so very important. We might not think our actions matter all that much, but they add up. One bad, harmful, or wrong action on our part may only seem like a 'drop in the bucket', but when it is compounded by the bad, harmful, or wrong actions of others who 'mimic' our actions, those 'drops' add up!

Integrity is something we live out - it is more than words. The sum total of all our actions reveals the most about what is inwardly transpiring within our heart and mind. One action alone may not reveal much about us, but when we begin to add them all up, there is much revealed about our character. What others 'see' when they look upon any of our hurtful actions may actually be giving them license to do similar bad actions.

Perhaps this is why God always emphasizes being on guard within our lives - allowing his Holy Spirit to temper or control what enters into our lives because it is what directly influences what comes out of our lives. Just sayin!

Sought, Provided, or Allowed

Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself. (Walter Anderson)

We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit! (Romans 5:3-5)

What comes our way in life is a combination of what is sought, provided, and allowed. We seek things such as a good car, bargains at the grocery store, or the most cost-effective way to get that vacation we desire. Other things are provided to us such as the roads we travel, the air we breathe, and the rains that come in season. Then there is this other category of what is 'allowed' in our lives. It is sometimes the things that are 'allowed' that try us the most, putting us through our paces, testing the very fiber of our being. We may not have sought them, nor did we really hope they would be provided, but when God allows something in our life to occur, we had better pay attention to it. There is something profound in what he is about to do, teach us, or bring forth from that thing!

In alert expectancy - this is to be our attitude when what is 'allowed' comes our way. We may not know the reason for the events or circumstances, but we can gain much from them if we allow our hearts to be in tune with the heart of God. We may not want the grief the moment brings about, as I doubt Job of the Old Testament wanted the loss of his family, flocks, herds, and wealth. We may not even relish going 'through' the moments from the beginning of those events until they are over, but as long as we walk with God 'through' them, we will come out the other side with something more than we had when those events began. We can't round up enough containers - that says it all. God might have allowed the events to occur, but deep within those events lies something more than we can imagine - godly character. Just sayin!

Live well

So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Jesus has the power of God - so, if he indwells your spirit, don't lose one minute in allowing him to put that power to use within your life. Faith is good, but we need renewed thoughts, changed behavior, and a whole lot of 'umph' to get through the testing of that faith! We need his power - we have his power - but most of us still feel 'powerless' to live as we should. It is because we think we have to do all this 'changing' in our own power, not HIS.

Good character comes as we begin to allow his indwelling power and his word to bring conviction to any area of our 'character' that isn't upright. That conviction should turn us away from those things that muddy our character and point us toward those things that will build up the good character of one who is truly devoted to God. Spiritual understanding may not be immediate, but when we said 'yes' to Jesus, his Spirit came into our lives in order to bring us into more and more understanding of 'spiritual things'.

Many times, the 'failure' to develop 'good character' begins by allowing our focus to drift back to old ways of thinking and acting. Alert discipline is called for in this walk with Jesus. It is more than 'being on alert' for the enemy's attacks - it involves being open at all times to receive the 'teachable moment' within that circumstance we are facing. Patience may seem a little bit 'passive' to some, but in reality, there is a great deal of 'passion' behind our patience. We know Jesus is about to break down walls, remove past hurts, heal unhealthy emotions, and create a newness within us. We are eager to see it done but wait on his perfect timing with expectation and hope.

Love caps it all off - because God is love and his presence creates that love within us - the love that has no strings attached. We cannot love well until we have truly made the commitment to 'live well'. We only 'live well' when that living is guided and empowered by the Spirit of Christ that indwells us! Just sayin!

Tested Faith

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (James 1:2-3)

How do we fair when things are a little bit too difficult or different from the 'ordinary' in our lives? If there is uncertainty looming, where do we turn? The answer to those two questions can show us a great deal about where it is we place our trust and on whom we 'rely' when the times are a bit challenging. Panic setting in, or a peace that seems to envelop you - which one best and most often describes you? 

When our faith is being tested, it is an opportunity for God to demonstrate his power and grace. If we face difficulties in 'panic mode', we frequently take things into our own hands. In other words, we jump right out of God's arms and attempt to take control of the situation, leaving God somewhere 'back there'. Get out ahead of God's power and you might just find yourself facing some pretty tough stuff without the wherewithal to deal with it!

Some things we should keep in mind:

- Our faith isn't tested because God has it in for us. It is being tested because God wants to strengthen that reliance upon him, not our reliance upon others or ourselves.

- The testing of our faith is an opportunity to grow closer to God than we ever have been before. If we embrace the test, we are likely to discover things about God and ourselves that we really didn't fully grasp prior to the test.

- Our plan may not always work when it comes to facing the hardships of life. The closer we get to Jesus in the times of testing means the less we rely upon our own plans and devices to work through those hardships. 

- Character is most frequently developed in the 'hard places' in life. It seldom comes when we aren't 'stretched' or 'stressed' a bit. Character is the result of a 'tested faith'. To resist the testing is to resist the growth God desires. Just sayin!

Read me, I'm reading you

Dwight L. Moody reminds us, "Where one man reads the Bible, a hundred read you and me." Truth be told, our actions are being 'read' each and every day by more people than we may realize. Jesus was talking with his disciples one day and reminded them, "When you pray, don't be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward. When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private and will reward you." (Matthew 6:4-6) What reward will we have if all we do is 'show-off' for others, but neglect the importance of our relationship with Jesus?

Moody also told us to 'take care of our character' as it affects how others will perceive us. We may not realize this, but how others perceive us may not be the way we see ourselves! We need God's perspective in order to get a 'true picture' of our character. When we allow him to expose areas of weakness within our character, focusing on where and what he needs to change within us, we are more likely to reflect back actions that will point others to him. Yes, read your Bible. Yes, spend time in prayer. But...don't neglect taking time to just sit and listen to his still small voice. Our character is often refined more in those moments of obedient silence than they are in hours of 'church service' or 'showy Christian activities'. 

I have heard it said that character is really revealed in private. What we do in our private time, how we act when we are alone, this may be the greatest revelation of our 'inner man' than anything else. When I was a little kid, I would sneak away to eat that candy that I wasn't supposed to be eating. Why didn't I do it out in the open where others could see me? I wasn't supposed to be eating it! I chose to do 'in secret' what I was too afraid to do 'out in the open'. What we do in secret is more telling about our inner character than what we do out in public. Yet, what we do in secret is the basis for all we do in public. It lays a foundation for what others will 'read' in you and me. 

Maybe we need to consider Jesus' words carefully today. Do we do what we do 'in public' out of a genuine heart that has been transformed by Jesus in the quiet places we have shared together? Or our actions merely a 'cover-up' for not having spent time alone with him? Just askin!

The golden rule

I saw this post today and wanted to share it - there is a whole lot of truth in this one: "How people treat you is not who you are; it is who they are." (Curtis M. Lloyd) Scripture reminds us, "So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12) Mom and Dad always taught the 'golden rule' at our house - be the kind of person others will want to be around - treat them as you would want to be treated. Did this always ensure that I would never have to deal with a 'son-of-a-gun' personality on occasion? Absolutely not! It took a long time for me to realize that the way the 'other guy' was acting wasn't because of me, but that was a hard lesson for me to actually learn. 

In fact, I used to bend over backwards to be or do what another wanted. I wasn't true to myself at all. I became who they wanted me to be - losing my identity in the process. I believed they saw me a certain way because they treated me a certain way. The truth is that their actions didn't accurately reflect who I was or who I was becoming in Christ Jesus. We can go through life always believing ourselves to be who we are through the eyes of another, but there is not great wisdom in that kind of existence. We might not always 'like' who we are at the moment, but God isn't finished with us. The only eyes that really reflect our true identity and 'character qualities' are God's. We need to stop trying to 'measure up' to another's opinion of us.

Become true to the character and qualities of personality that God has created within you. Romans 12:1-2 reminds us, "...to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." We can go through life trying to 'live up to' the expectations of others - the way they see us - or we can turn our eyes fully upon Christ and trust him to make us into the person he desires us to become.

When we are treated in ways we don't deserve - press in deeper to God's presence and experience his peace. When words cut to the quick of our soul - turn to God's Word and take in the many 'love words' he shares with us there. When another's opinion of you isn't 'top notch' in their eyes - listen instead to how God sees you. There is more truth in his view of you than there is in a thousand words for that one who speaks in ways that hurt you! Just sayin!

Imperfection is an opportunity

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5)

Jean de la Bruyere reminds us, "Out of difficulties grow miracles." What miracle are you waiting on? It could just be that at the end of these present troubles, a miracle will have begun. I want to say that life without trials or problems is never going to produce anything that really matters. Why? They are the foundation for the development of our character. A life without solidly grounded character isn't really all that fulfilling - in fact, it can be downright disappointing. Trials or problems emerge, not to confound us and weaken us, but to really help us understand where we turn when we need help. Do we turn to our own strengths and abilities, or do we turn our focus toward God and allow him to bring things into focus for us? Too many times, I did the former, but nothing good came from those problems until I turned them over to God. I needed to get my eyes off of the problem (me) and get them on God. Why did I infer the problem was me? In all honesty, I was the one getting myself into those binds, so when you looked at the root of all of those problems, you'd see my pride, stubbornness, or fear.

Those problems didn't defeat me, though. They shouldn't defeat you, either. Why? They are allowed because there is something within our character that needs a little work. Some mental or moral quality just isn't up to par in our lives, so God uses whatever it takes to expose what needs to change. Some call these qualities our 'temperament' - the sum of all the good and bad stuff that make us act the way we do. I have some pretty good strengths, such as being organized, a planner, and thorough in my work. I have some not so 'perfect' stuff in my character make-up, as well. When you add that I can be demanding, too harsh in my answers, and a bit too judgmental of others, the good doesn't always outweigh the 'imperfect' side of my character. I needed God to show me what 'parts' of my temperament needed his attention, so the good parts could flourish. We all have those good and bad parts - but without God's help in identifying them, we just flounder around in a muddle of problems wondering why there is no end to it all. When some of those areas of my character began to change, it was indeed a miracle in the making!

When the Holy Spirit fills our lives with God's love, there is a revelation of those things within each of us that don't exactly 'line up' with that love or his grace. Those are areas we might not want to focus on all that much, because they are 'problematic'. God isn't content to just 'push them to the back' in our hearts but wants to bring them forward so he can help us recognize when those things are leading our heart and not him. Pride keeps us from admitting we have those areas of 'opportunity' in our lives. The first thing God may deal with is that overarching issue of pride, but if we think he deals with it once and it is gone, we have another thing coming. Pride is at the root of a good many of our 'not so perfect' character traits. It will be dealt with time after time, until one day it is no longer leading our actions. We might not see the miracle instantaneously, but when God sets to work bringing forth the good, it will happen. Just sayin!

Trials and Suffering, Oh my!

 Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. (Helen Keller)

We might desire all of life to be ease and quiet, but then we are living with unreasonable expectations. Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) We will have many trials - not just a few. We may not face all of them with strength, but we can learn strength in the midst of them. It is important to remember there is no temptation 'unique' to any man - we all have faced a similar temptation at one time or another. What we might find 'unique' is that we all learn different things from trials that are quite similar. Why? God is developing some strength within us that will not only benefit ourselves, but will be a means of helping another develop strength, too.

Character is something developed when the mind learns to be at peace and the heart learns to be at rest. We don't learn this in the absence of trials - we learn it in the midst of them. Our character is a way of describing those unique qualities that set us apart from another, but it is also important to note that Jesus wanted us to take on his character. We are to develop in a loving servant's heart - taking the truth he gives to each of us and using what we have learned to influence this world and to encourage one another as we face life's challenges. Have all the lessons I have learned in this lifetime always come from good, God-fearing believers? Not hardly! Some of the best lessons I have learned have been from those who have failed miserably - their failure leaving a life-long influence in my life making me determined not to follow in their footsteps. 

We all want to be defined as men or women of 'good character', but we don't always make the choices that exhibit the best of moral or ethical standards, do we? Sometimes we just get a little too selfish or stubborn and go our own way. When we do, our 'character' may become a little 'tarnished', but take heart - Jesus stands at the ready to help bring beauty where only ashes remain. As others see how God can take even our worst failures and turn them into lessons that develop good character in us, they will be encouraged. Why? They might just come to the conclusion that God can do something similar in their lives, helping them put behind the things that didn't produce the best of character and move toward the things that will. Just sayin!

Is it tangible or intangible?

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) 

David said, "“You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” (Psalm 16:2) Every good thing comes from you - I don't have anything of 'goodness' or 'value' apart from you, God. Because of his relationship with God, he lacks (has no need that is unmet) nothing. Whatever is good or 'beneficial' for us, God provides. Nowhere in scripture does it say all our 'wants' will be met, but we will never lack what God has determined to be of 'value' or 'benefit' for our lives. 

Sometimes we complain because we see something as 'beneficial' for us, but then we don't ever come to realize it in our lives. We forget that God might see it differently! He might actually be withholding that thing from our lives because it is far from 'beneficial' or 'good'! Now I have gone to meddling, haven't I? It is always good to remember God cares way more about our character and our relationship with him that produces that character than he does all our 'wants' that we think we 'need' in order to be happy in this lifetime. 

God gives us both the tangible and intangible. We need a new vehicle because ours has seen its best days and has resulted in mounting repair costs that far outweigh its value - God will give us a means to obtain a new vehicle. Will it be brand-spanking new? Not always - but it will be of a greater value than the one we have been sinking good money after bad into with all those repairs. We need to let go of bitterness or regret over missing out on some opportunities, so God helps us see the 'value' in letting go and in allowing him to bring about the good he desires in our lives. Tangible automobile, intangible healing of our wounded mind and emotions. 

The thing I think God wants us to see today is that it is not 'wrong' to want something, but not every 'want' is good for us. Sometimes we have to let God show us when those things we 'want' are not what he desires for us and then let them go so he can give us what we need. The thing that meets our need will be the very thing that brings about his character development within us. The intangible may be our need today - seek it wholeheartedly. The tangible may be our need - ask for that need to be met as God sees fit. Then trust him to meet both of those needs because he withholds no good thing from those he loves. Just sayin!

This no longer 'fits'

A solid reputation requires a commitment to being honest. Deceitful people walk a treacherous, thorny path. Mom always said that my lies would "snowball". In other words, it was like rolling the tiny snowball into the bigger one which eventually became the biggest part of the snowman's body! The more you "roll around" in the lie, the more lies you attract and use to cover up the original one. Eventually, there is more effort in being dishonest than there ever would have been in maintaining your integrity and just coming clean about what it is you wanted to cover up in the first place. At the moment, a lie seems like an easy fix to a miserable situation, but in the end, the situation is made more miserable by the lies. No amount of "cover-up" actually stays covered up very long. Eventually some form of "heat" will cause the truth to surface - and when it does, the damage the lies have done to your reputation leave a bigger "hole" to fix.

We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance. Arrogance and pride—distinguishing marks in the wicked—are just plain sin. (Proverbs 21:2-4)

Consider how we treat the poor or those who seem to have injustices done to them all the time. We could all probably forget that the "beggar" is really a person behind the sign. We see the "outward" but forget about the person behind the outward display. I think God wants us to consider the person and not only their "display" - for the person is the one with the true need for our touch, consideration, and empathy. Injustice is any event or circumstance which inflicts undeserved hurt. See beyond the "sign" in another's life and look for the ways we can turn-around the "hurts" they have experienced. The foolish man is really exhibiting some 'not so good' behavior which affects those around him. Fighting, quarrels, and insults leave their devastation behind wherever the fool has had his influence. The fool defies and challenges just for the sake of an argument without regard to the outcome or the cost. We have to guard against maintaining company with the fool - because they do damage without any concern for the damage inflicted. If you find yourself "downing" the hopes of another, you might just be venturing into the realm of the fool. Check yourself if this occurs, for you are not only damaging the delight of another but developing a bad reputation for yourself.

Reputation is both gained and maintained. What we might not realize is how it can also be "re-gained". It is through the work of Christ in our lives, taking apart the pieces which don't "fit" any longer after we give him control. In turn, he replaces these pieces with the type of actions which "fit". It is this "refitting" operation which reveals new evidence consistent with a change in character. This change in character is what gives us a renewed or new reputation in the eyes of others. If you have found yourself in the place of living with a damaged reputation because of past actions on your part, don't be discouraged. God's plan is to restore in ways you would never dream possible. You just need to give him the damaged parts and let him have his way in taking away what no longer "befits" the child of God and "outfitting" you with his character in turn. Just sayin!

What a character!

A good reputation is better than much wealth; high esteem is better than silver and gold. The rich and the poor have this in common: the Lord made them both. Prudent people see trouble and hide, while the simpleminded go right to it and get punished. The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord is wealth, honor, and life. Thorns and nets are in the path of the crooked; those who guard their lives keep their distance. Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it. The wealthy rule over the poor; a borrower is a slave to a lender. Those who sow injustice will harvest evil; the rod of their fury will come to an end. Happy are generous people, because they give some of their food to the poor. Remove the mocker and conflict disappears; judgment and shame also stop. (Proverbs 21:1-10)

The overall quality of character is what determines if a man or woman will be known in a favorable light. We call this "reputation" - something which "precedes" us into every venture in life. Get a "bad rep" and we might just have to "start over" in a new "life" in order to escape the "unfavorable" reputation we have acquired. People try to do this by moving to a new location, starting a new job, or entering into a new relationship. Until we deal with whatever got us the "bad rep" in the first place, we will just redo the same things wherever we start anew. I know this because I speak from personal experience. I was a little bit of a troublemaker as a teenager, and there were times when my reputation preceded me wherever I went. Despite the attempts to convince others I had "started over", the bad events of my past just followed me. What I failed to recognize it that others looked for evidence in the actions I exhibited, not in the words I spoke. The "convincing" only came once God fully got hold of my life and my "reputation" began to change because my CHARACTER began to change!

Character is the basis of everything others might come to believe about us. We can determine to "show" one thing, but if the character is not there behind what it is we are "showing", it won't hold up to the test of time or the scrutiny of the observant eye. God asks for us to "guard" the "clean" reputation that comes from simply serving him. We need to "protect" it - not because we need to "shine it up" to make it appear good, but because there are lots of opportunities for it to get "dings" and "gouges" along the way. All we respond to in life provides opportunity for getting a few dings or gouges in our reputation - it is the responses we give in the moment of testing which often need our greatest attention. A prudent person "foresees" the dangers ahead and as a result, he takes the necessary actions to avoid those dangers. This is where I went wrong in my teenage years - I thought I could just trudge ahead, unconcerned about the consequences of my questionable and even bad decisions. I forgot to consider my actions producing certain consequences - some of which damaged my reputation. This is where a good many of us fail in life - not considering the dangers ahead by giving full-steam to the actions we take in the moment. When God reminds us to "guard" our reputation, I think he is telling us to think about the actions before we take them - considering well the consequences which could come as a result of certain actions. Just sayin!

Lipstick on a pig

Charm can fool you, and beauty can trick you, but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

Ladies, I am going to share a bit with you today, but guys you will do well to consider these words, too. The godly woman bears one significant and constantly evident trait: She is in love with Jesus. She keeps him first - in tending to her family's needs, giving of herself within her church congregation, and even in just being a member of her community. A life surrendered to Christ gets noticed - because Christ shines through in every action of her life. 

A woman might feel a bit inferior because she doesn't dress as others who are 'more stylish' than she is, be married to a 'successful man', or even have a career others will 'admire and praise'. Let me be the first to acknowledge - there is no 'successful man' in my life other than the Lord Jesus himself. I don't wear the most stylish of clothing, following the latest trends - but I am adorned with the garments of salvation provided by my dear Savior. I am retired from my 'career' - but it never 'made me' what I am - only Christ did that.

Charm and beauty are deceptive, indeed. We can put a whole lot of effort into what we 'display' on the outside but be kind of 'lacking' on the inside. The greatest beauty is displayed in the kindness of our actions, the dedication of our heart, and the gifts of God's Spirit coming through in all we say and do. We may want to focus on the outward - having the nice clothes, fancy car, and even the 'right man', but if we neglect our time with Jesus, exploration of the Word of God, and fellowship with other believers, we are just 'putting lipstick on a pig'. Just sayin!

A few 'truth-rumors' we need to share

Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. (Proverbs 26:22)

 A rumor is something put into general circulation without confirmation of the facts behind the message. Considering this, do you ever wonder how so much stuff gets into general circulation without someone taking the time or effort to confirm it? I think it is probably more than we realize. Everyone wants to "out-scoop" the next guy. Someone has to be "first" with the "big story" - not just on TV news, but also in real life day-to-day interactions. People just want to be "in the know" about the other guy, the latest event, or the way-out-there thing that just happened. Mom always used to teach, "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, don't say anything at all." Sound advice, but I think many folks operate more on the "If you don't have anything nice to say about someone, I am all ears"! Did you ever stop to consider that almost no one gossips or spreads rumors about someone's good virtues? They almost always pick the "bad stuff" - because it is "juicier"! Don't you wish people would spread truth-rumors about all the character CHANGE God has worked into your heart as freely as they would latch onto the one thing about your character God is still working on right now?

Alice Duer Miller reminds us: "If it is very painful for you to criticize your friends - you're safe in doing it. But...if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that's the time to hold your tongue." If the words we are about to share touch upon the character trait still "under construction" in another's life, judge how much it concerns you to be sharing those words. It is not as much a focus on the words shared, but on who it is you are sharing those words with - someone who probably doesn't need to know that 'truth' about that individual! If you find it hard to criticize a friend - you are safe doing it - as long as you are doing it to their face, in love, and with God's leading! If you are about to criticize them behind their backs, you are really just spreading dainty morsels that eventually will sink deeply into your heart and become a deeply rooted critical bent toward that individual.

Someone once said, "The easiest way to keep a secret is when you don't have any help doing it." Share something and you run the risk of it no longer being a secret. If you have a trusted friend, it is likely you share things with this individual which you might consider "knowledge" about you that you'd rather others not know - like those "under construction" areas of your character. It stands to reason we need to be cautious about what we share and to whom we reveal the secrets of our heart, right? I don't think just anyone has a right to know the inner workings of my heart - but I can trust God with them and a few others he has placed in my life as accountability partners. God doesn't bless who you pretend to be - he blesses who are not afraid to be. I think we need to evaluate the words we are speaking a little closer some times. If we find ourselves frequently gravitating toward pointing out the "under construction" areas of another's life, we probably need to evaluate the "why" behind that urge. Maybe it is time we shift to pointing out the virtues of another - even if we have to look pretty deep to find them. God isn't looking for pretenders - he is looking for truthful witnesses. Just sayin! 

Roots of Good Character

A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation. (Proverbs 16:21 MSG)

Boy, it has been a rocky year we have come through and most are glad to see it in their rearview mirror! Between the pandemic, political climate change, and the constant struggles with just 'getting along with each other', this has been a hard year indeed. Things will stand out in your memory that describe this year in some way. I would like to ask what makes you stand out from another in a crowd - especially the crowds that scream the loudest, protest the most, or seek the most prominent positions? Lately, I have been observing all kinds of things that make folks stand out. More than just multiple body piercings - loops dangling here and there, chains connecting this to that, and studs outlining their facial features like eyeliner. I am referring to the ways people act, speak, and especially the way they treat others. This seems to be the thing that intrigues me so much right now. The 'character' of a man or woman is what I am referring to here. So, what is it we desire to have on display in the way of character? That is the question I would like us to consider this morning - how is it we 'stand out' in this world?

God offers us one insight into what we put on 'display' for others to see - get known for your insight! It isn't what we 'display' on our bodies - it is what is displayed in the outpouring of our minds, hearts, and spirits! Where do gracious words emanate from? The scripture points us to the heart - out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). How is the heart made reliable? Scripture points to the fact of our heart being "deceitful" and "desperately wicked" - a puzzle no one can truly figure out (Jeremiah 17:9). We are faced with a conundrum of sorts, aren't we? We want a great reputation or character on display, but our heart betrays us with 'not so good' character being displayed at times! We are directed to consider our words - we find the root of our words is really the heart - therefore, the root of a good reputation lies in a changed or renewed heart. In allowing the examination of the heart, we often are providing the means to 'uproot' the stuff which negatively impacts our reputation (our character). A plant grows in various kinds of soil because it finds various forms of nourishment.

In my travels, I have observed the well-cultivated gardens of the Southern portion of the states where I find rich, dark soil. It is filled with all kinds of nourishment for the plants. The soil is easily worked and relatively free of barriers to growth. In Arizona, our soil is hard, filled with pebbles and stones, and oftentimes quite unwilling to be a growth medium to anything but weeds. All soil is affected by "external" things - like rain or sunshine. Too much rain and a lack of sunshine - mold and mildew begin to affect the roots. Not enough rain and too much sunshine - plants wither and die. It is a fine balance, isn't it? So, "intake" is important to maintaining the health of the plant. This is the purpose of the roots, is it not? Intake also involves spreading leaves wide to receive the rays of the sun. A different type of plant grows in the shadows of the tree than that which is out in the blistering sun of day! Too much of even a good thing can affect us adversely! The importance of "balance" in our lives is not to be missed.

Looking at the rocky desert landscape of Arizona, I find alkaline soil - hard, impenetrable, and almost hostile to growth. The things which grow in this soil are much different in appearance than those of the deep South. In fact, many of the plants growing in the deserts have to struggle to grow. There are rocks in the soil, impeding the deep reaches of the roots to much needed water sources. The "leaves" of the desert plants resemble spikes! In fact, they often repel rather than attract. Most of the time, you don't hear anyone saying, "Oh my! Just look at the beauty of that cactus over there!" But...there is something to be said about the roots of these desert plants. Their roots go deep! They have to in order to survive! Strong winds apply pressures each monsoon season - easily ripping up those which are not anchored deep. Hot seasons produce very little relief in drenching rains. Consider the "reputation" of the two types of "growth". The plant of the deep South - it is beautiful, lush looking, and admirable. But...will it endure the harshness of the seasons? I challenge us to consider again the plant of the Arizona desert. First, it is adaptable. When the seasons of dryness come, it may not bloom as much or as vividly, but it sinks its roots deeper and endures. Second, it has adapted to where it is planted. The spines may look a little "rough", but they are simply "adapted" leaves. Last, but definitely not least, they grow where others tend to wither.

Bringing this back to our discussion of "heart", here's what I want us to see. An "adaptable" heart reflects the soil its roots are planted within! At first, we may only see the spikes of "adapted leaves", but in time, we see the beauty of sturdy, steady, and deeply anchored roots. The woodpecker makes his nest in the hollow of the cactus, carving out a safe habitation for its young. He looks beyond the long spikes of the cactus, anchoring his trust in the shelter of the stately cacti. I wonder if this is what God had in mind when he reminds us of the reputation of the wise? They may not "fit the mold" of what the world calls wise. If you have ever been drawn to the words of one touched by God in the depths of their heart, you will soon realize they have adapted to the soil they are planted within, allowing it to affect them deeply. In turn, their words provide a little nourishment to all who take them in - a shelter of sorts. The external appearance may not always reflect the internal source of strength realized in the "rooting" of the wise person - but their words betray their roots - the roots of good character! Just sayin.

Embraced and Given - Not Plug and Play

If you have ever had to install a new electronic device, like a modem, router, new laptop, or even a new cell phone, you know how totally frustrating this can be when you cannot figure something out that seems so simple in the diagram. I should not be amazed 'plug and play' smart technology becomes a little less smart in my hands on occasion, but I am always amazed at how easy it was once I figure it out! Each of us has struggled with stuff that should have been as easy as 'plug and play' in life, but it just wasn't. There is an "app" for everything these days, so why isn't there one for 'how to do this the simplest way'? The "little things" like being agreeable, being sympathetic, acting in a loving manner, exercising compassion, and living in a truly humble manner aren't ever going to come to us in 'app form' or in that 'plug and play' kind of moment! They are the "little things" that give us so much trouble, but are only learned the hard way in life!

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to push a button, work through a few simple steps and "poof"...we came across as agreeable in those "tough or awkward" conversation moments we feel really uncomfortable in? Or how about being able to take an infrared scan of our eyeball to somehow communicate some "blessing" in the life of another person? We'd all want these "apps" or "plug and play" kind of 'instant abilities', wouldn't we? Life is just not this easy for any of us! It takes work to be agreeable and commitment to be a blessing. It takes connection to be sympathetic, just as much as it does to be truly loving. No matter how "smart" technology gets, I don't find human beings getting a whole lot "smarter" when it comes to living life as described in our passage today! No amount of technology or self-help system gets us to the place of living as we should. We need divine help!

Be agreeable. Simply put, this is being gracious, even when graciousness is not the easiest choice in the moment. It is living in such a way so as to constantly produce harmony within the relationships we impact. Now, how many of us actually are at this point in life? I know full well I am not there yet! One thing I have seen as I get to know people is that we all need grace. Grace embraced is first of all grace displayed. In other words, the more we "need" grace in our lives, and the more we embrace it when extended, we find ourselves becoming a little more willing to extend "grace" when it is needed. Start with embracing grace, then begin to extend it just as freely as you have received it. In the end, you will be practicing "harmonious" living! Not truly "plug and play", but rather "embraced and given".

Be sympathetic and compassionate. In the simplest terms, being sympathetic is really a sense of "identifying" with another's circumstances, feelings, or needs. It is an ability to be compassionate because you understand the old adage: "There, but for the grace of God, go I." We understand the same "bad thing" may have happened to us (or maybe has in the past). There is a connection made in not being judgmental of another's circumstances when you exercise sympathy. Compassion is really closely related to being sympathetic - there is a desire to alleviate the sorrow or meet the need of the one who is suffering. Connecting love with compassion is natural. When we are loving - we are thinking of someone other than ourselves. When we exercise compassion, we are looking for a way to bring someone out of their place of hurt. They go hand-in-hand.

Be humble and don't retaliate. Now, why would I put these two together? Well, why do we retaliate? Isn't it because we feel like we have been "done wrong"? What is the opposite of feeling like someone should treat us differently? It is not being a doormat that people can walk all over, but it is learning to live in a manner that is courteously respectful of others. The opposite of retaliation is learning to return courteous respect, even when the other person may not "deserve" it (humble). Be a blessing. Well, if I could get a "bless" button for my smartphone, I'd be pointing it left and right, blessing all of you with the many things you desire - things like solid relationships, reliable jobs, consistent walks, and good health. The one thing I can do in the absence of such an "app" is to learn to bestow good upon others. It is not as easy as it seems, but when I start at the top of this list and work my way down, being a blessing is an outflow of the other "life applications"!

Now, maybe we don't have "plug and play" easiness in adapting to these characteristics in our lives, but we can learn to "apply" them to our lives. It takes some effort, including doing it wrong the first, second, and even third times! In the end the "embraced" becomes the "given" we can use over and over again! Just sayin!

Do I measure up?

There is much written in the letter to the Roman church to describe the conduct becoming of a child of God. There is also this idea of the futility of trying to impose your way of believing on another individual. Sometimes we find there are certain issues at hand in the church causing the members to be at odds about some 'doctrine' or another. It could be the 'age-old' argument of 'is this right for you to do' once you become a Christian, or it could be much deeper, such as what does the Bible say about a certain 'hot topic' in culture today. It could even be if we are free to worship this way, or if there is another 'more acceptable' way in which to worship Christ. It seems there are always individuals trying to impose "rules" into the relationship they have come to experience in Christ - bringing freedom of heart and soul into the bondage of rules and rituals instead of allowing grace to break one free from the need for 'ritualistic worship'.

Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong. (Romans 14:22-23)

We have a responsibility to cultivate our own relationship with God - not imposing it on others. This may seem contrary to the idea that we are called to share the gospel message with those who have not heard it. In actuality, what our passage is driving at is the idea that we cannot share the message of freedom in Christ if we are still living in bondage to certain 'forms or rituals' in our lives - there is an inconsistency in what we are saying and doing. It isn't that the 'rules' are bad, or that the 'rituals' are incorrect - it is that we seem to focus on the rules or rituals MORE THAN we are focusing on the relationship we cultivate with Christ.

For most believers, we start our Christian walk with a whole lot of inconsistencies in our pursuit of holiness. We believe with all our heart that we are free from our past, but we hold onto something we somehow believe we just cannot let go of right now. Past hurt becomes an influencing factor by which we interpret present day events. Jesus proclaimed we are free from that past hurt. We "say" we believe that we are free of it - but our behavior reveals that we are still responding to that past hurt (either in our expression of bitterness, regret, or mistrust; or in our inability to step out in newness of faith in that area).

Mind, will and emotions all play a part in what we "hold onto" from our life prior to Christ. It is only to the degree we submit the mind, will and emotions to the influence of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that we will be transformed. Congruent behavior is based on consistency - all the pieces aligned in our lives. When there is a lack of agreement in what we say compared to what we do, we struggle with feeling like we aren't making any progress in our Christian walk. The fact of the matter is that there ARE inconsistencies in our daily character - mind not agreeing with emotions (we think one way, but respond another); spirit not agreeing with will (we are prompted to do one thing, yet act totally contrary to what we are prompted to do). This is the truth for ALL of God's children - there is a continual struggle with having our actions align with our beliefs. No one is exempt from this challenge.

There is a need to bring those inconsistencies frequently before God - asking him to align the parts of our character that are not in total agreement. Through his Holy Spirit and his Word, he gives us the tools that begin to affect our mind (helping us adopt the right way of interpreting life); align our will with his (giving us stability in our motivations); and to dissuade us from relying on our emotions to interpret what we see or feel in life (providing us congruence between what we believe and how we respond to it). Since the struggle of living "aligned" or "consistent" lives is common to all mankind, we must bring our struggle to the ONLY source for congruency - Christ Jesus. As I indicated above, mind and will come into alignment, followed by our emotions. We often get this backward - wanting to "feel" changed before the work is really "final" within us. The mind must be assured, the will must be submitted, and the emotions will follow.

Ask God today where there are inconsistencies in your character - what is it that you are "saying" (believing), but are not "doing" (acting)? When he exposes those areas in your life, trust him to align those areas with his Word, even when you may not "feel" fully or totally "aligned" yet. Congruent behavior is a matter of a yielded heart - mind, will and emotions fully surrendered to his control. The change will come - you just need to remain committed to the steps you know are right for you to follow! Just sayin!

Be one - get one

Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here's what you do: say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you're worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he's asked; but he turns his back on those who do evil things. (I Peter 3:8-12)

Herein we find a very long list of character traits that we are to exhibit as the children of God - some of them a little bit hard for us to actually 'implement' in our lives, but which we are not given any lee-way. Living in such a manner actually encourages God's blessing in our lives - and it appears that it actually opens up a lot of blessing into the lives of others, as well. God's goal is to open us up to living in such a manner, bringing delight to his heart, and in turn, delighting us with the blessing of his presence, constant care, and protection in our lives. In the end, we reap huge benefit, but so do those around us. These character traits aren't just for our own good - they are to help us be better people and in turn, we all become better together.

Why does the first one to 'top the list' have to be to be agreeable? When we live in a manner that is compatible with the character of Christ, we are agreeable - agreeable isn't easy, but it is possible when Christ is at the core of our every choice and action. We are accommodating of others, gracious, and harmonious in our responses. Why is this so important? Because it reflects the very grace of God to others, and in turn, it draws others to us - agreeable people are like magnets. They never lack for friends because others like to be friends with them.

Being sympathetic - affectionate, appreciative, considerate, and understanding of what the other person is going through hits the list second. If your main focus is to be agreeable by keeping Christ at the center of all your actions, it will be easier to be considerate toward others. God wants us to learn to see life through the other person's eyes, instead of judging them from our vantage point in life. This engages us with their needs and better focuses us on how to pray for them, helping them through their time of need. There is no greater form of 'sympathy' than to identify with the needs of another and then take their needs before the Lord until you see that need being met through his grace and help.

Be loving and compassionate - this reflects a responsiveness on our part because love and compassion are action words. Loving and compassionate people are charitable in their response - kind, considerate, and accommodating. Love and compassion flow from being agreeable and learning to identify with the needs of others. In order to truly identify with the needs of others and then to develop a consistently loving response to those needs, one needs to add the trait of being humble - being courteously respectful of others in every way. No need to pretend you are important here, my friends - God honors the life that is real, genuine, and unassuming. A life that is humble is genuine - there is a transparency that does not assume any of us have it all together, but that we are willing to be opened up before others.

No retaliation comes next in the 'list' - the ability to not return like for like. It is quite easy to strike out when we have been struck first. It is quite another things to withhold angry response, returning evil with good. This comes at about the middle of the list for a reason. When we are learning to be reflective of the graciousness of a holy God, considerate of others, understanding of their vantage point in life, it is easier to NOT retaliate when they strike out. These traits build upon each other - there is first a change of heart that begins to affect how we interpret life (how we think), followed by a change of action (how we respond). Similarly, we are to not have sharp-tongued sarcasm - because sarcasm is caustic. It destroys the self-worth of another - rarely does it do much to build one up. It is usually directed from a heart that has little understanding of being charitable (kind and considerate), one that is struggling with pride (wanting to cover up our own faults by pointing out another's), etc. God wants his kids to be known for their gentle answer, truthfulness, and their compassionate embracing of each other - including their faults and failures.

The promise to us is that God looks well on those that are working to allow these traits to become part of who we are - he opens the doors of blessing in our lives. He turns a hearing ear to the heart that wants to live in such a manner - it honors him and brings his great joy. These are tougher traits to develop than we imagine - yet, with the help of God's Spirit resident within us, they are entirely possible character qualities that we can have worked into the fiber of our being. Today is a new day. Give it to God and see what he will do with it! Just sayin!

Called into account

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (James 1:2-4 MSG)

Our passage today refers to the process of our "faith-life" being forced into the open by the challenges we face in our daily walk. We don't always like it when our "faith-life" is brought into the open, though. Many times we try to compartmentalize our "faith-life" as something separate from the rest of our 'real life'. Pressure helps to produce evidence of our faith in Christ and brings evidence of Christ-like maturity in our choices - those 'real life' choices. I don't want you to miss the statement that "true colors" are revealed - these are often hidden or need something else to be removed in order for them to show through. Pressure is simply a burden of physical or mental stress. It can be a constraint that comes into our lives that demands our attention at this very moment, no delays. There is usually an urgency about what we face - we are not able to sweep it under the rug - it just keeps exerting that pressure until we pay attention to it. James is pointing toward the process where both our growth of character and spirit is in unison - the type of unified growth that produces unity between our 'faith-life' and our 'real life'. He is giving us the simple truth that the pressures we face in life have an impact of producing what God desires - the image of his Son deep in our lives.

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. (James 1:5-8 MSG)

Ask boldly - this is the attitude of heart that we are to have when faced with challenges that we don't understand - challenges that exert pressure and oftentimes don't let up until long after we are thinking we are sort of "done" or "over" dealing with them. To be bold is to be fearless, assured, and confident. A bold person stands out - they are conspicuous - there is no hiding their boldness. God never expects us to either keep our needs hidden, or to feel like we have to just barely let out a "squeak" in his presence while laying our burdens down before him. He tells us to come boldly - totally assured he will be listening, absolutely confident that he will be responsive, unwavering and fearless to lay it all down (even the ugly stuff that may not come easily for us to actually admit or deal with). It amazes me how many times I come to God as the "worrier" and not the "warrior"! That 'boldness' isn't always evident in my life and I bet I am not alone on this one.

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. (James 1:12 MSG)

Meeting challenges head on can only be done under the anointing of Christ. Lots of times we have all the passion, but we need him to give us the ability to actually fulfill what needs to be done in that moment. A challenge is something that calls us out - invites us into competition - it opens us up to the possibilities of something being different from what it is right now. It stimulates us - exciting our passion. It also serves to call us into account - or into question! What calls us into combat at this moment? Are we facing those "giants" or running from them? What invites us into competition - in our thoughts, our actions, or simply our interests? What is it that stimulates us - what do we get excited about? Those things that stimulate us act as a "goad" to draw us out of our present complacency and to move us into places where we can often feel a little exposed - but our 'faith-life' and 'real life' actually get very intertwined when this happens. A challenge that will produce right character, or that will reveal an opportunity for change in our lives isn't always embraced eagerly, but when the pressure is allowed to expose something new in our character, what an awesome sight to behold! Hold onto this truth - that pressure is revealing your true colors! I want mine to be the colors I don't mind "flying high"! How about you? Just askin!

"Pretty good"

"Give yourselves to disciplined instruction, open your ears to tested knowledge." (Proverbs 23:12)

One of the easiest things for many of us to do is to believe what we are told or taught without ever seeking to validate the knowledge shared. As a believer in Christ, we have an obligation to avoid blind belief in everything we are taught or are exposed to over the course of our lives. There is an expectation that we will apply ourselves to learning - active, involved, frequent and committed study of the Scriptures. As believers, we should offer words of wisdom, thoughts that challenge each other to grow, and even subtle humor that draws us closer together in the Lord - thereby applying what it is we are being taught.

Disciplined instruction is characterized by that which produces development of self-control (something I lack more than I'd like to admit), obedient actions (also not a consistent thing in my life), and orderly conduct (well, might as well confess to all three). We often "bristle against" anything that smacks of discipline or obedience because it rubs us the wrong way - it is going to "cost us" something and that makes it challenging. It challenges us and often requires that dreaded thing: "change". For many of us, nothing challenges us more than being called upon to actually change - after all, most of us see ourselves as 'pretty good' individuals. "Pretty good" isn't really good enough if we are to examine ourselves through God's eyes, though.

God expects that we will be open to the correction that he identifies as necessary in our lives as we apply ourselves to gaining that deep, intense spiritual knowledge he desires to share with us. Study of the scriptures can be a difficult pursuit for even the best scholar, but nothing pleases the Lord more than to see us delve in, even if we don't always "get it" as we are reading it through the first time.  We are each given a tutor to take us verse by verse through these 66 books known as the Holy Bible. He is the Holy Spirit and he is an awesome teacher - all he needs is attentive and responsive students.

As truth is revealed in the Word by the Holy Spirit, course correction will inevitably be called for in our lives. The simple truth is that none of us "lines up" to the characteristics of a righteous, obedient servant of Christ 100% of the time - we are 'pretty good', but not 'all the way good'. We struggle with ALWAYS being honest, ALWAYS being kind, ALWAYS being loving, and the list could go on. God not only asks that we are disciplined in exploring what he has for us in his Word, the Bible, but that we examine the knowledge we receive, putting it to use in our lives on a daily basis. Knowledge applied is powerful - bringing change, release, and honest transformation of character - moving us from 'pretty good' to 'all good'. Just sayin!