It Is Time to Get Off the Fence 

One day recently I came upon an unusual sight as I drove by a cul-de-sac near our church. I was accustomed to seeing vehicles parked in that area as workers took a break or ate their lunch there. However, I hadn’t seen a car in this position before. Instead of pulled over to the shoulder of the road, it was setting atop the guardrail. I had to look twice to make sure I was evaluating the situation correctly. It appeared as if someone who was circling the cul-de-sac didn’t successfully navigate the turn and ended up driving onto that metal structure. The only reason this feat was possible is because one end of the rail had been previously damaged and hung low to the ground. Therefore it served almost as a ramp. The car had climbed up the rail and was stuck in that awkward position. Later I saw that a tow truck had been dispatched and successfully rescued the vehicle from its precarious predicament.

Seeing that car perched on the guardrail reminded me of how we sometimes refer to people as “straddling the fence.” It is used to describe someone who isn’t fully committed to one side or the other. Maybe the person is indecisive. Or it could be that he or she refuses to take sides so as to avoid conflict or opposition. In some cases, such an individual is trying to have it both ways – to reap the benefits of both sides of an issue without facing the negative consequences from either side. However, such fence-sitting can not only be a sign of lack of character, courage or conviction, but it often doesn’t end well.  

This principle especially holds true when it comes to our relationship with the Lord. We are called to love Him with all our hearts, not with hearts divided in our loyalty. God expects our full devotion. He doesn’t tolerate those who try to serve Him while still serving other gods in their lives. The first of the Ten Commandments declares, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).

There was a time in the history of Israel when King Ahab and his wicked queen were promoting the worship of the false god, Baal. The people were becoming drawn more and more away from worshipping Jehovah and instead were giving their devotion to this idol being endorsed by the royal family. God’s prophet, Elijah, confronted the people with their fence-sitting. “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him” (I Kings 18:21). In other words, “Make a decision. Choose which side you are on. Fully commit to one way or the other.”

Maybe the Lord would have a similar message for some of us today. It is time to choose which side we are on. Are we fully devoted to Him or to something else? Here are a few possibilities to consider. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if your preferred politician or political party, follow them. If the Lord is God follow Him; but if your favorite sports team, follow it. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if your family, follow it. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if your country, follow it. If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if yourself and your ideas, follow those. If the Lord is God follow Him; but if fame, power, or popularity, follow them. If the Lord is God, follow Him and His word; but if the world and its values, follow them.

Some of us need to quit straddling the fence and get fully on board with God. It is time to make a choice.

 

Let’s Move on Toward Maturity 

One of our grandsons is graduating from high school this weekend. Those commencement events are often seen as being transitions into adulthood. It is a time when young people are usually expected to begin to take on greater responsibility for themselves and become more independent. It can be a pivotal time as they leave childhood things behind and move forward to college, career, or other pursuits. Some struggle with that transition, wanting to hang on to the past or afraid to face the realities that line the path which leads to maturity. Others enthusiastically face those challenges and successfully navigate the changes.

Whatever stage of life we find ourselves in, whether graduating from school or ready to commence retirement, let’s be sure that we are moving ahead toward maturity in our spiritual journey. It can be easy to get stuck in a state of spiritual immaturity. It might be that we don’t progress in knowledge and understanding beyond the basics of our faith. Or it could be that we refuse to grow in our relationship with the Lord, content with being like spiritual babies who remain weak and unable to walk with the Lord, much less go forth as soldiers to serve our King and to conquer the enemy in the name of Jesus.

The Bible encourages us to graduate from our spiritual childhood and to become more mature in our faith. Paul tells us to come “to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:13-14). The Bible admonishes those who refused to grow up: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food…Therefore leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection” (Hebrews 5:12; 6:1).

It is time for some of us to start stepping up and taking greater responsibility for our spiritual wellbeing. In order to do that, we may need to set aside some childish things, in both our understanding and our behavior. We need to quit allowing ourselves to be bottle-fed those superficial soundbites of morality, self-help, and religion. Instead, we need to spend time studying God’s Word and digging deeper into discerning the will of God for us and for the world we live in. We need to move past the milk and start chewing on the meat. We need to quit relying on the faith of others and get our own feet firmly cemented into an immoveable relationship with Jesus. We need to stop toying around with sin and start pursuing a life of holiness. We need to realign our priorities, putting less emphasis on worldly pursuits and more value on the things of God.

In other words, it is time to graduate. It is time to move on to becoming the Christlike person God created you to be. It won’t be an easy road to travel at times. It will have challenges, hardships, suffering, and opposition. However, the destination will be worth the journey. As much as we might have pleasant memories of our childhood and our school years, in hindsight we wouldn’t have wanted to remain there. We would have missed so much if we had stayed in that stage of life indefinitely. Let’s not miss out on what God has in store for us in our walk with Him. Let’s keep pressing on. Keep growing. Continue to learn more about the Lord and His will. Keep becoming more like Jesus. Don’t get stuck in being a spiritual child. It is time to grow up.    

 

Beware of Adaptations of the Gospel 

Last weekend we attended a high school play in which a couple of our grandchildren were involved. It was an adaptation of that family-favorite movie, Mary Poppins. While the storyline was very similar to the film, there were some differences as well, including a few new musical numbers mixed in with those familiar beloved tunes. Everyone did a great job and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Creating adaptations is a common practice. Books are revised to make them appropriate for a movie. Movies and television shows are often adapted for the stage. While we may have varied opinions as to which version of the story we prefer, there is nothing wrong with taking license to make such changes, even in familiar, traditional works.

However, that is not the case when it comes to revising the gospel and the truths of God’s Word. There are those who attempt to adapt the Bible to fit their personal views or lifestyles, or to try to make it more in line with modern values and practices. Such efforts are not only unnecessary and futile, they are deceptive and dangerous. The Apostle Paul declared, “Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). That should serve as a word of warning to any of us who are tempted to revise the basic truths surrounding the good news of salvation we have in Jesus Christ.

While we could apply this principle to numerous examples of such misguided attempts at revision in our day, let’s focus on simply one. In a recent article I read, someone was denying the biblical truth that Jesus is the only way to God. The writer claimed that when Jesus stated, “No one comes to the Father except though Me” (John 14:6), Jesus was not excluding people. But I must ask, how is what Jesus said not an exclusionary statement? If I stated that no one could drive my car except those who have keys, aren’t I excluding certain people from driving my vehicle? I could provide keys to numerous individuals, but anyone without a key is excluded. Jesus is declaring that He is the key to our knowing God and fellowshipping with Him. That key may be available to all. However, if anyone doesn’t accept that key, they are excluded from such a personal relationship with God. All are loved by God. All are invited to come to Him. But the only ones granted access must come through faith in Jesus.

The gospel is very inclusive of people regardless of their race, sex, or social status. However it is exclusive when it comes to those who don’t trust Jesus as their only Savior and who refuse to repent of their sin. The book of Revelation pictures a glorious heavenly home, but it also states that there are those who will be left outside the gates of that city. There is a heaven for Jesus’ faithful followers to look forward to, but a hell to be dreaded for those who reject Him.

You can’t get much more exclusive than what Paul stated in I Corinthians 6:9-11. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

Whether it is denying the exclusive claims of Jesus or some other issue, let’s not dare to revise the basic truths of the gospel. And beware of those who do.

 

Stand Firm Against the Enemy’s Attacks 

One of my older grandsons was involved in a high school playoff soccer match. After the first few minutes, it became apparent that their opponent was a good team. They quickly scored three goals against my grandson’s squad, continually applying pressure to the defense and the goalie. However, when my grandson entered the game at that point, I was proud to see how his aggressive defense helped to slow down the other team’s onslaught. What had looked to be a blowout turned out to be a competitive game. My grandson’s team still didn’t win, but at least it was relatively close.

That game reminded me of how important defense can be, not only in sports but as we face our spiritual opponents. In noting this, I am not taking anything away from the offense. It is important that we take the fight to the enemy and tear down the strongholds of the devil. We should be pressing forward with the work of God. The Church should be battering the gates of hell, reclaiming the territory and the souls that have been taken captive. However, we need to make sure our defenses are secure as well. We can’t afford to let the enemy keep scoring points against us. We need to resist his efforts.

In the most familiar passage of scripture that refers to our warfare and the armor God provides for us as we do battle, most of what is mentioned is protective gear. It includes a shield, a breastplate, a helmet – items to be used on defense. The main goal extolled in this passage on warfare is not that of marching ahead and conquering the opponent. It is simply to “stand” – not to allow the enemy to knock you down or score against you. “Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore…” (Ephesians 6:11-14).

I am afraid that many of us who claim to be followers of Jesus are not doing a very good job of standing or of playing defense these days. The enemy is attacking and we are succumbing to his assaults.

As truth and the Bible are under attack, many are not standing firm in sound doctrine. They are compromising on clear, biblical teachings and explaining away explicit commands from God. Alternate explanations are being concocted for long-held beliefs based on principles taught in God’s Word.

Likewise, many are failing to stand firm in the living out of our faith. Godly lifestyles and Christlike character are being discounted as not being very important, or in some cases as not even being a realistic possibility. We excuse our sin or the sins of others, including our spiritual and political leaders. As long as they do some good things for our church or our nation, as long as they say the right words or take part in Christian rituals, we ignore their pride, hate, lies, and ungodliness.

One of the big dangers Jesus warned about in the last days was deception. Many are not standing firm against this particular tactic of the enemy. We are allowing ourselves to get caught up in the lies, half-truths, and the spiritual blindness of our present age. We refuse to accept the reality that is right in front of us. Our opponent isn’t scoring by blatantly running over us. He is overcoming us by blurring the lines between good and evil, including getting us to see less distinction between his team and ours. He is even tricking some into kicking the ball into their own goal.

The enemy is at work. Let’s not let down our defenses. Stand firm in truth and godliness. 

 

Look to the Lord for Needed Rest 

Last weekend my mother-in-law visited an urgent care facility after suffering from leg pain and taking a fall. My wife went over to stay with her for a day or so to make sure her mother, who is generally active and not accustomed to sitting still, stayed off her feet and got some prescribed rest. Sometimes the Lord has to do something similar with us. The beloved 23^rd Psalm depicts it in terms of a shepherd taking care of his sheep. At one point, it says, “He makes me to lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2). There are times when we need physical rest. If we don’t take those regular sabbaths of rest and refreshment ourselves, there may be times when the Lord allows circumstances to force us to do so. However, it is best if we cooperate with the Lord and willingly submit to and enjoy those times of “lying down in the green pastures.”

We are also often in need of a rest of a different kind – one having to do more with our minds, our emotions, and our mental state. Whether or not our bodies are actively moving, the wheels are constantly churning in our minds concerning certain matters we are dealing with. It may be the fallout from past events, worries over present dilemmas, or concerns about what might be coming up in the future. We have no rest because we are constantly thinking about those concerns, playing out all the possible scenarios in our imaginations, and letting the stress play on our emotions. We are wearing ourselves down mentally and emotionally, and that can end up affecting us physically as well.

It may have been more of that kind of rest Jesus was referring to and prescribing for us in another familiar scripture. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). I don’t believe Jesus was primarily calling out to people who were working hard and literally carrying around some heavy load from one place to another. He was inviting those who were loaded down with burdens in their hearts, minds, and souls to come to Him for relief. Some of that heaviness may have had to do with their spiritual condition and the weight of sin in their lives. He could certainly provide forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom from those types of burdens. But He may have also been referring to the rest we need from letting the cares, problems, and worries of this life weigh us down. We need help in dealing with those too.

The Bible tells us that we should be “casting all our care upon Him, for He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). That is what Jesus seemed to be advocating as well. It is not that we ignore those issues in our lives. It is not that we fail to make any plans or efforts to handle them. Nevertheless, the first and greatest thing we need to do is to hand them over to the Lord. We entrust the Lord with those matters rather than trying to take care of them ourselves. We have faith that He is in control of the situation and He will work it all out for good. We may still have things to do concerning those matters, but we do them under the Lord’s direction and in the ways He desires. Instead of worrying, we trust. Instead of running around in a panic trying to take care of it, we peacefully do what we can and leave the rest in God’s hands. Instead of constantly fretting, we prayerfully watch and wait on the Lord.

Let’s bring our burdens to the Lord today. He can give us the rest we need.   

 

Support Your Fellow Sojourners 

Recently my wife and I enjoyed a couple of days at a retreat sponsored by our church association. It took place at a state park in North Georgia known for its waterfall. For those who wish to attempt it, there is a wooden structure of steps and decks one can climb or descend to go from the top of the falls to the bottom, or vice versa. A sign warns that it is a strenuous activity involving several hundred steps. On a previous visit to the park several years ago, I took the challenge and traversed that route. However, this time I chose not to give it a try, but rather drove to a spot where a short path led to a good view of the falls.

Later at our group’s evening gathering, our guest speaker for this event informed us that he had made that journey. He talked about how everyone along that route supported and encouraged one another with such declarations as “it’s not much farther” or “you can make it”. He suggested that this is how we should be as the followers of Jesus and fellow members of His church.

As I thought about his observation, it seems that applying that truth to our lives may be even more challenging to many of us than climbing those hundreds of steps would be. Unfortunately, all too often we tend to be negative and critical toward our brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead of encouraging one another, we are more likely to find fault with each other. We tend to tear each other down rather than build each other up. That is not how it ought to be. Paul told the church in Thessalonica, “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another…” (I Thessalonians 5:11). Some translations use the word “encourage” instead of “comfort”. We should be cheering each other on as we take this journey together. We ought to be supporting our fellow travelers as they climb to greater heights in their relationship with the Lord, not discouraging them.

However, don’t misunderstand what I am saying. This doesn’t mean that there isn’t a time for correction or exposing error. If someone is straying off from the right pathway, it is only right and loving to point it out to them. Some correction can be gentle, but other times it may need to be more severe. Likewise, if there are those along the route who are guiding people to go the wrong way, maybe encouraging them to go a direction that could lead to harm and destruction, it is our obligation to expose those deceptive and dangerous individuals for who they are.

However, when it comes to people who truly love Jesus and are trusting Him, people who are sincerely seeking to follow Him, we need to do all we can to be supportive of them, especially the weak and the weary. We are all on the same team. We are striving toward the same goal. We are all wanting to know Jesus better and to submit to His will for our lives. So let’s help each other get to the top of that hill instead of throwing roadblocks in one another’s way or constantly berating each other. We may not all look alike, worship in the same style, belong to the same local congregation, or share similar views on secondary matters. Nevertheless, we are all followers of Jesus. We believe in those essentials about who Jesus is and the meaning of His death and resurrection. We have been born of His Spirit. We are all sojourners seeking the Lord and traveling toward our heavenly home. Let’s help each other get there.  

Therefore, as fellow believers cross our paths today and in the days ahead, let’s look for ways we can encourage and support them.  

 

The Broken Are Not Beyond God’s Reach 

“It isn’t salvageable.” That was the verdict being handed down to me from my dentist about a cracked tooth. What had started out as a broken crown turned out to be a broken tooth. And it wasn’t a minor fracture which could be repaired. The crack was so severe and deep that the tooth could not be saved. I was subsequently sentenced to going to see an oral surgeon to schedule having an extraction procedure.

My dentist was right in his assessment of my tooth. It wasn’t salvageable. However, let’s be careful about the tendency to judge the souls of others, or even ourselves, as not being salvageable. One of the definitions of that word is “capable of being saved, rescued, or recovered from ruin, damage or destruction; it describes items, situations, or relationships that are still worth keeping, repairing, or restoring rather than discarding.” Who are we to pass judgment that someone is beyond the reach of a loving God and a great Savior? Certainly the salvation Jesus came to provide is available to everyone. No one is excluded. “Whosoever” may come to the Lord, put their trust in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life. The Bible does indicate that it is possible for someone so to harden his heart that he can’t be saved. Because of this person’s steadfast unwillingness, he can’t be brought to the point of repentance. However, we aren’t the ones to conclude when someone has degenerated to that point. We should always consider each person as salvageable.

The problem is that often we make quick assessments of individuals not based on the condition of their hearts but focused on more superficial factors, such as their appearance, their posts on social media, or a few random actions on their part which we witnessed. In some cases, we may overlook this person as being someone to share the gospel with, assuming that he or she would not be open to the message. We may even avoid the person due to our own apprehensions about being around the type of person we have concluded this individual must be. We don’t try to get to know the person, to see beyond those superficial factors, and to give him an opportunity to connect with us and eventually to connect with our Savior.

Broken people aren’t necessarily unable to be salvaged. We have all been broken because of sin. Some of us may have thought we had done such terrible things that we could never be forgiven. And yet Jesus salvaged us. Likewise, we are going to meet others who are still broken. However, let’s not quickly discard certain ones as incapable of being repaired. Not all cracked teeth are destined to be pulled. And not all broken people are irredeemable. All of us need to come to the point of realizing our brokenness before we seek the remedy in Jesus. And maybe some of those individuals we encounter who appear to be so broken are actually more aware of their need than others who seem to have it all together. That person who is so broken may be closer to and more ready to enter God’s kingdom than the moral person who isn’t aware of his or her need.

That previously-referenced definition of salvageable applies the concept to things that are still worth keeping. Some items may break and we readily discard them even if they could be fixed because we don’t consider them worthwhile to hang onto. Let’s remember that every human soul is valuable to God. Every broken person is worth keeping. Therefore let’s not give up on others or ourselves. Let’s see us all as being salvageable through the power of our Redeemer.