There is a difference between someone who wants to do what is right, but struggles and stumbles, and a person who doesn’t care and sins to please self. It’s not a distinction in offense for godly people have done some terrible deeds. David committed adultery and murder, and Peter lied about knowing Christ. Neither does it involve the possible effect of sin. The “good” kid, who’s never tasted alcohol before, but gives in to the pressure to drink and drive the first time, is just as dangerous as the one who does it all the time.
The main difference is in one’s heart and hope for doing better. A person motivated to be right and do right he has a much better chance of turning his life to God. God described King David as a man after His own heart. (Acts 13:22) By reading the Psalms of David you get a glimpse of just how much he love God. Peter went out and wept bitterly after he denied the Lord three times. (Matt. 26:75) On the other hand, the Jewish leadership had no hope because they renounced Jesus. They did not want to believe Him because Satan had filled their heart. (John 8:42-45)
Sin is a destructive and progressive force when allowed to fill one’s life. (2 Tim. 3:13) David and Peter responded quickly in remorse for their sin. They did not deny or excuse their offense, nor did their sin become habitual. If we are not careful, evil has a way of becoming a compulsive behavior. (Gen. 6:5) People may develop a pattern of thinking or repetitive action that become difficult to overcome. (Heb. 6:4-6) It’s possible to become psychologically and emotionally addicted to sin’s pleasure. We may also turn to evil to mask other problems in our lives. Alcohol and drugs do all of this. Sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, and pornography, can fall into this category.  People may develop a vain sense of superiority by tearing down others in pride, selfishness, gossip. It’s sad that some people feel good about themselves only when they disparage others.

It is hard to change and do better when sin controls our thoughts and actions. (2 Tim. 3:1-7) Paul describes people who have no self-control over their lusts. He says that they are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” He talks about women “loaded down with sin, led away by various lusts.” Clearly, people like this will find it difficult to change because evil consumes them. That is what sin does; it makes us comfortable and happy with an evil life-style.

Sins can also sear the conscience to a point where once objectionable acts become agreeable. (1 Tim. 4:1-3) Abortion and homosexuality fall into this category, as do lying, cheating, and profanity. People relax their position on indecency and sexual impurity because they’re so widely accepted by society. We have come to expect these acts on television, in the movies, and from our neighbors, and so we’re not “shocked” by them anymore. Christians need to take care to never become comfortable with sin. A searing of the conscience begins with a softening position on evil.

When we develop a compulsive behavior of sin, it’s usually not long before we excuse our conduct. People find a way to console and convince themselves that their sin is not so bad. If we find pleasure in wrong doing it’s much easier to believe the lies of evil. The nature of sin is it lies to us and we believe it. (2 Thess. 2:9-12)

Even if you want to do better, it is hard to break the cycle of habitual sin. That is why everyone needs to take care about what they do, and never allow evil to get a foothold. Many of the early Christians came from paganism, a life-style that encouraged all manner of immorality. It was a concern addressed by the inspired writers. (1 Peter 4:1-3) It is a lot easier to never begin a bad habit than it is to stop one.

Another reason sin is so invasive has to do with the influence of others. The bible warns us not to put ourselves in precarious positions. Choose your friends wisely and don’t hang around those who tempt you. (2 Cor. 6:14-18) Even secular wisdom understands this principle. Drug and alcohol abuse counselors tell their patients to avoid people who use these substances and locations where they’re available. (1 Cor. 15:33) If a person has trouble with fornication then he should stay away from places and people who tempt him. It is much better to find Christian friends who will help you succeed than it is to be around worldly people who want you to fail.

Have you ever noticed that if you are trying to quit something it seems as if the matter is always on your mind? You think about how great it use to feel and how much fun you use to have. You become much more aware of people doing what you want to stop doing. It is hard to get away from the problem. That’s the devil’s way of testing your resolve and patience. The solution is to focus your mind on good and wholesome thoughts. (Phil. 4:8)

Even though it is hard to quit something that’s ingrained in your life, I don’t want to leave the impression there is no hope. People stop doing bad things all the time and for reasons less noble than pleasing God. With God’s help you can overcome anything. (1 Cor. 10:13) Nothing less than total resolve will defeat ingrained sin. Patience and long-suffering enable us to endure to the end. You must respect God’s Word and seek His help by prayer. Seek out and trust faithful Christians to aid your effort. Remember, it’s worth the fight to triumph over sin because the reward is heaven. Terry Starling

Psalm 56 & 57

Some Commentators have called psalms 56 and 57 “twin psalms” because both psalms have many things in common. Both psalms are similar in length and are divided into two parts. Both were written at times of deep distress and the tone of both psalms is similar. Each psalm begins with a prayer for deliverance, and both end with praise and triumph in the Lord.

Although both psalms are similar, each one contains thoughts that contribute to the overall statement of faith on the part of David. In Psalm 56:3 and 4, David wrote, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

Within the above passage, there are two important points to consider. First, when David wrote that when he was afraid, he placed his trust in the Lord. In fact, David always placed his faith in the Lord. Was he a flawed man? Yes. Did he make mistakes? Yes. But the single shining quality he had was his trust in God.

One of the greatest obstacles that Christians seem to have is an unwillingness to place their trust in the Lord. Whether consciously, or unconsciously, there is always the thought, “I have to take care of this myself.” “I mean, miracles don’t happen anymore right? So, God doesn’t work that way…..right?” That is not true. There is a difference between the reason for the miracles that were performed then and God’s work in His universe today. It is certainly different on how God interacts with His children. God is always in control. Both the Old and New Testaments clearly state that His people are to place their complete trust in Him.

God is not some servant to answer prayers. Prayer and trust are not insurance policies to be pulled out in an emergency. Being a Christian is not like belonging to a club or an association. It is not a business contract or a partnership. God is the Supreme Being, Creator, and the Living God. Being a Christian involves a life-time commitment to Him through Jesus Christ, a change in living, and continual growth and maturity. David understood that even though the Gospel Message was still in the future. But he believed and loved God.

Sometimes, when trials hit, and a person becomes afraid, the urge is to blame God or to blame the church because God did not protect the person. All such “urges” are the work of Satan. David could have despaired and complained to God but instead, he kept his wits and faith about him and he placed his trust in the Lord.

The second main point was that David knew that as long as he was with the Lord, mortal man could do very little to him. In Psalm 56 verses 3-4, David wrote, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can mere man do to me?” Today, it is easy to get caught up with the problems and dangers of this world. There IS danger that can be avoided, and the Bible dearly teaches that the Lord expects his children to use responsible judgment in facing those dangers. However, when those dangers cannot be avoided, each person must remember that with the Lord, there is nothing in this life that can actually affect the hope and promise of eternal life that comes in Jesus Christ.

For people of this world, the worst thing that can happen is death; but, for Christians, death is merely the beginning of an eternal relationship with the Lord. Paul longed for that day when the faith would become reality. John wrote, “Amen, come Lord Jesus”. Thanks be to God that the hope of a Christian rests upon the foundation of God and not man!

In Psalm 57 there is also a beautiful expression that vividly shows how God protects His people. David wrote, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” David pictured the protection of God like a mother hen protecting her chicks.

Today, the stress and pressure of life can build up very easily. As an adult, or near adult, it can be a very lonely time. As a person tries to deal with all the trials, that person usually feels very exposed. Certainly, as David faced his great trials of life, he must have felt that; but David found the answer in the Lord.

All grownups can remember back to the simpler and more innocent times of childhood. For a little one, problems still seemed to be large, but there was one thing about the problems. If they got too big, that child could run to Momma or Daddy and let those big loving arms encircle him, or her, and that sense of protection helped. There was refuge in the arms of that parent.

Adults don’t have that luxury – or do they? When David placed his trust in the Lord, he pictured, in his mind, the Lord covering him. Today, a Christian could also think of the Lord placing his great, loving hands around him as the problems seem to increase. For a Christian, the security and refuge of a child is still there in Jesus Christ.

The trouble is that too many Christians do not make use of that. What a tragedy! God’s presence sustained David in many very difficult situations. As a child of God, how much more will the Lord protect a man or woman who places their trust in the Lord?
Jim Shelburn

A friend of mine, wise and astute beyond his years (so he tells me), has shared his newly discovered motto with me: “it is what it is.” Ok, so I’ve thought that a few times before, but it is one of those simple statements that forces us back to reality at times when we may feel overcome by our circumstances and disappointments of life. When things aren’t exactly as you would desire them, you can become focused on reality by telling yourself, “it is what it is.”

Circumstances are what they are. There are some things we can change, and some things we can’t (we’re getting more profound as we go). Our problem is that we often expend more worry and energy on the things we can’t change; and this, in turn, can become a stumbling block to our spiritual growth and joy. “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt. 6:27)

Paul’s own circumstances were often less than ideal, and beyond his control, yet his attitude remained stable: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11-13). If I may venture a loose paraphrase: It is what it is, I have learned to deal with “it” through God’s help.

“Moses My servant is dead.” So spoke the Lord to Joshua (Josh. 1:2). Joshua knew this already; they had been mourning for days. But sometimes we need a reminder of the simple truth about reality. Essentially, God was telling Joshua, “Moses is gone, and you can’t change that now or have him back. Now it’s time to get up and go take the land of promise.” In other words, “It is what it is, and you have to work with ‘it’ the way it is.”

The only other option is not to accept reality. People do sometimes go through phases of “denial.” They do not feel mentally able to accept what “is.” It hurts too much perhaps. But if we will ever “arise and cross the Jordan” in our lives, we must learn to accept the facts and circumstances of life. It takes courage. It takes resolve. But it must be done.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7). God gives us the tools to be able to deal with all of our circumstances, including the painful ones. He wants us to cast our cares on Him, pray about them, and then let Him grant us peace in our hearts.

The solution to problems is not denial. We should learn to admit reality, then work with it as it is. When there are matters we can change for the better, let’s work to change them. When the circumstances don’t meet our concept of ideal, and we can’t change them, let’s learn to accept them and resolve to move forward with the strength God supplies.

In all matters, we must “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33). Because, as another one of my favorite “profound” questions reminds us, a hundred years from now, what will “it” matter? We worry about things that will pass away into oblivion, and sometimes ignore those matters that have eternal consequences.

A hundred years from now, it won’t matter that my car has a few scratches, or my water heater went out. What will matter is whether or not I’ve devoted myself to God and His will.

It is what it is. Thanks, Chris, for that reminder.

Doy Moyer

While Saul of Tarsus was on the road to Damascus, he was blinded by a light from heaven (Acts 9:1-9). During the time that Saul was blind, he saw a number of things that most people today don’t see. Let’s notice three things that Saul saw while blind.

1) That One Can Live In All Good Conscience And Be In Error. The trend in religion today seems to be, “just let your conscience be your guide.” Saul of Tarsus was guided by his conscience, but he was guided into error. Saul was a man who “made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and hailing men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). Tell Me Saul, did your conscience bother you while you persecuted the church? Saul said, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). Many today may live in all good conscience in religious matters, but still be engaged in religious error.

2) That A Person Can Be Zealous In His Religion And Be Wrong. Saul revealed to the Galatians that he was a religious man (Gal. 1:13).  But Saul was not your ordinary religious man. He was zealous in his religion! In Acts 22:3, Saul testified that he was “zealous toward God.” Furthermore, he announced to the brethren in Galatia, that he was “exceedingly zealous” (Gal. 1:14). The Bible teaches that zeal is essential if one is to please God (Tit. 2:14). Yet, some today may be in the same condition that Saul was in—“concerning zeal, persecuting the church” (Phil. 3:6). It takes more than just being zealous to be pleasing to God!

3) What A Man Must Do To Have His Sins Washed Away. While Saul lay trembling on the earth, he asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” The Lord answered, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). It must be recognized that whatever Saul was told to do, in the city, that it was imperative if he was to have his sins washed away. Saul was told, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Saul, while blind, saw that in order to have his sins washed away, he had to be baptized.

Saul of Tarsus saw these things while blind. Can you see them?

John Isaac Edwards

Pigeonholing is the process of compartmentalizing. By labeling a particular item a certain way, we can categorize it with other items labeled the same, and thus deal with it from a priority base of which items we think are most important. We all try to logically pigeonhole matters by priority. Sometimes, though, that process can become fairly arbitrary, and I believe the phrase “doctrinal issues” tends to fall into this category.

We often look at various questions in terms of being “doctrinal issues” or non-doctrinal issues (and no, I’m not going to “make a list” here). What is usually meant by this is that some matters are significant, if not vital, points of teaching, while others aren’t so much. This concept of “doctrinal” fits more along the lines of dogma (a set of doctrines authoritatively affirmed). If the issues do not carry the significance, in our judgment, then we deem them non-doctrinal, and “it is ok to disagree on those issues.” But what exactly is a “doctrinal issue”?

While the Bible uses the term “doctrine” (e.g., 1 Tim. 4:16), the word “doctrine” has come to have a life of its own. “Doctrine” is often used to refer more to a set of particular dogmas or tenets affirmed by certain groups. While doctrine and teaching mean the same thing in Scripture, a modern definition would include, “something taught as the principles or creed of a religion … tenets.” In other words, doctrine (as used today) is not just teaching; it is teaching that embodies a set of beliefs peculiar to a particular religious body, the violation of which brings about some kind of negative consequence. The problem is that this is not how we find the term used in Scripture.

Here’s a challenge. Show just one passage where the word “doctrine” means anything other than “teaching.” Think about it. Do we give the impression that some matters of “teaching” are “doctrine,” while some other matters of “teaching” are “non-doctrinal” (i.e., not a part of “our” core tenets)? Here’s the point: anything that is taught is doctrine, including our applications. Teaching – right or wrong, important or not, sound or unsound, in application or not, is doctrine by definition. Vital or not, if it is taught, it is a doctrine.

Here’s where it gets more difficult. Some doctrines do not carry the same weight as others (cf. Matt. 23:23-24). I teach that a congregation may have a building in which to meet; that is a doctrine I accept. But whether a group owns a building or not is ultimately not eternally important; it won’t condemn or save anyone. This is not on par with a doctrine for which its violation would cause eternal destruction (2 Pet. 2:1; 3:16-17). Whether a person eats meats or not is ultimately not going to condemn or save. It is not a doctrine that would lead to condemnation (unless a brother was divisive about it, which seems to be a major point of Romans 14). On the other hand, Jesus said, “unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). What we believe and teach about Jesus does have eternal consequence.

The distinctions that need to be made are over the significance of the doctrine itself, not over whether a teaching is actually “doctrinal.” If it is taught in any way, then it is doctrine. How significant will that doctrine be? This is why we need to be diligent and careful students.

Let’s be careful not to misuse terms. It’s too easy to espouse a pet phrase (even if the Bible does not use it like we do), then use it as a measuring stick for everyone else’s soundness. If we are concerned about using Bible terms in Bible ways, then we need to think about how we sometimes use the word “doctrine.” Most importantly, let’s make sure that our doctrine is sound and that our application is proper (two sides of the same coin). Scripture needs to be taught and applied correctly.

Doy Moyer

How would you like it if someone spoke about your life based on one thing you said or did?  Without any input from you, they chose a phrase or event that they thought best summed up how you should be remembered? That’s what we have with the apostle we often refer to as “doubting” Thomas. Even in nonreligious settings, wherever there is a dissenting voice or a lone skeptic, that person is called a “doubting Thomas.”

Thomas was not viewed that way by his fellow apostles.  According to John’s gospel, the only thing they called him was Didymus or “the Twin” (John 11:16, 20:24, 21:2).  Not only that, but when Jesus insisted that He and the apostles go to Jerusalem, a place where they were afraid for the Lord’s safety, it was Thomas who insisted, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16).  In other words, if the enemies took Jesus, they would have to go through Thomas first.  Yet, no one ever refers to him as “fearless Thomas.”

His unfortunate nickname comes from the statement he later made after hearing about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. “Unless I shall see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25). Instead of casting doubt on his faith, what are some lessons we can learn that will help us in our own belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God?

It is not wrong to demand evidence.  As one of the chosen twelve, Thomas had been “all in” before.  Remember, he was prepared to fight to the death for Jesus.  When the Lord did die, the apostles were so convinced that the cause was over that the first report of His resurrection “appeared to them as nonsense” (Luke 24:11). Before Thomas could consider himself “all in” again, he wanted to see and handle the evidence.

The Lord does not ask His disciples to follow Him with a blind faith.  When Jesus appeared to Thomas, He did not withhold proof from him.  Rather, He invited careful investigation:  “Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing” (John 20:27). Luke also wrote about the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, that He “presented Himself alive…by many convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3). The truth has nothing to hide.  The more we look into it, the stronger our convictions become.

Each person must have their own faith. Thomas’ request to examine the Lord was not an unreasonable one.  He simply wanted the same opportunity that was made available to the other apostles.  A week earlier, Jesus appeared to them when Thomas was not present and “showed them both His hands and His side” (John 20:20). When they later told Thomas, “We have seen the Lord” (20:25), he didn’t just take their word for it.  He wanted to see it for himself. He wanted to have his own faith.

While we certainly learn about the gospel from other people, we must eventually reach the point where we stand on our own convictions. This very attitude is seen in the Queen of Sheba’s statement after testing the wisdom of Solomon. “It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it.  And behold, the half was not told me” (1 Kings 10:6-7). How much more ready will we be to give an answer for our faith when we can reason from that which we have personally experienced?  No longer is it based on what our parents or our preacher knows. It is rooted in “for the Bible tells me so.”  It is our own.

Honest evaluation calls for a humble confession. Thomas asked to see all the evidence; Jesus held nothing back. There is no record of the apostle following through with his request to put his finger in the nail prints or his hand into the wounded side. What is recorded are the words he spoke: “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)!  Having seen for himself the proof of Jesus’ resurrection, he could do no less than to confess His deity.  Any other response would have been dishonest to the facts of the case.

Many people are like Thomas in that they ask for proof from the word of God.  But when they are confronted with the inescapable truth, their conclusions do not follow the evidence.  “That’s your opinion.”  “I don’t believe that.”  “That’s just your interpretation.”  “My God is bigger than that.”  It takes honesty to want to see things for yourself.  It takes humility to go wherever the truth leads you and confess, “My Lord and my God!”

The ability to physically see and touch Jesus after the resurrection was limited to a 40-day window.  But we can still see Him through the testimony of those who did and come to believe that He is the Christ, the Son of God.  In fact, Jesus said we are “blessed” (John 20:29) when this happens.  Without a doubt.

Bubba Garner

In so many ways I stand in awe of my Lord Jesus Christ. What a challenge it is to attempt to pattern one’s life after Him. As a person who overcame every temptation He faced (Hebrews 4:15), who always did the will of His Father (John 8:29), and who loved unworthy humans to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice for them (Romans 5:6-8), Jesus stands without peer. Equally remarkable and unparalleled is the way Jesus communicated with His Father in prayer.

Jesus’ prayer life is notable on several counts. First, it was a persistent prayer life. Luke 5:16 says that He “often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” The gospels record a number of examples of this (Matthew 14:23; 26:36-46; Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18). They also reveal that, at times, Jesus would “continue all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). It is impressive that the only begotten Son of God felt the need to devote so much of His time and energy to prayer.  From our perspective we might wonder, “Why would the all-powerful Son of God need to pray at all?” From His perspective there must have been little question that, as God’s Son come to earth, reliance upon the Father was imperative.

Second, Jesus prayed passionately. In Hebrews 5:7 the inspired writer indicates that, “in the days of His flesh,” Jesus “offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears….” His prayers were not memorized speeches, rattled off unthinkingly when it was “time to pray.” They were impassioned pleadings from a heart aflame with righteous needs and desires.

Third, Jesus prayed confidently. There is a tremendous example of this found in Luke 22:31-32. There, on the night of His betrayal, the Lord told Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Do you see the confidence the Lord had in the effectiveness of His prayer? He had prayed that Simon Peter’s faith would not fail and He was certain that Peter would return and be in a position to strengthen his brethren.

Later on that same evening, after Peter had tried to defend Jesus by attacking the servant of the high priest with a sword, Jesus told him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:52-53; cf. John 18:10). Again, Jesus was certain of what would happen in response to His prayer — if He prayed for twelve legions of angels the Father would provide them. You see, when Jesus prayed, He knew that His prayers were being heard and answered. His followers knew it too. After her brother Lazarus died, Martha said to Jesus, “I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You” (John 11:22).

Jesus’ disciples were so impressed with His ability to pray effectively that they begged Him, “Lord teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Don’t we also want to be able to pray with the power and confidence of the Christ? By example and doctrine Jesus instructs us how to pray with the assurance that our prayers will be effective.

1. We are to pray in Faith. God is all-powerful and He will help His children. We must believe this. On one occasion recorded in Matthew 21:19, Jesus cursed a barren fig tree and it withered away. The disciples were amazed, but Jesus told them, “If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, `Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive ”(Matthew 21:21-22).

2. We are to pray with concern for God’s will. Even facing death, Jesus prayed, “not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). The apostle John wrote, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us” (1 John 5:14).

3. We are to pray persistently. The parable Jesus told of the insistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 was told to make the point that “men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”

4. We are to pray with godly fear. The Bible says that Jesus “was heard because of His godly fear” (Hebrews 5:7).

5. We are to keep God’s commandments and do the things which please Him. Jesus knew the Father was with Him because He always did what was pleasing to the Father (John 8:29). Even so, we are assured that, “Whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1 John 3:22).

This is the formula Jesus followed which resulted in such confidence and power in His prayers. As our High Priest, Jesus will help us come confidently before God’s throne with our requests. And so, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Steve Klein

Several years ago, A British magazine, Tailor and Cutter, suggested the following guide to be used in tie-buying so as to match the tie to the personality of the wearer:

“Neat patterns are chosen by men modest and careful in thought and action. Stripes are selected by men overwhelmingly conscious of fashion, decisive in action and reluctant to take ‘no’ for an answer. A single motif is chosen by those who are studious, attentive to detail and efficient. Knitted ties are for the flamboyant, with an eye to color. A plain or single color indicates one who is upright, conservative and careful with money. The bow tie is for the extrovert. However, when women buy the ties instead of men, you can throw out the guide. Women are more likely to buy something that appeals to them regardless of the personality of the man who is going to wear the tie. If someone else picks out ties for you, the ties may not reflect your personality at all. Worse than that, they may misrepresent you.”

When I read this, it occurred to me that there is an important analogy that is suggested by it. The pattern of the lives of some does not always represent what they really are. Their pattern of life (called today, “Lifestyle”) often misrepresents them. The reason for this: they allow the views of others to determine their choices in life. Faith and conscience, in the eyes of God, are intimately personal things. The faith of another will not suffice for me. My faith must represent my personal conviction relative to that which is true and right. The conscience of another person cannot be substituted for my conscience, even though there are many fanatical brethren who seem to think that their consciences should be the consciences of every member of the congregation in which they hold membership. Even “public consciences” – the norm of behavior that is the consensus of society in general – sometimes called, “social conscience,” will not do. Conscience must be based upon absolute personal conviction concerning which is right and what is wrong.

All of us like to please our peers; hence we often allow peer pressure to determine the course of our lives. In other words, we are letting somebody else select our spiritual ties. Therefore, our actions do not truly represent our basic convictions. This is a species of hypocrisy in reverse, and it emanates from cowardice. Christians must “dare to be different.” They must make their own choices. They must stand on their own convictions. No other course will meet the approval of God. Paul says, “whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). The faith to which he refers is one’s personal faith in the rightness or wrongness of any act the Christian performs. A life lived in conformity to what one honestly believes to be wrong will damn his soul whether it is wrong or not. The following poem well expresses what the Christian should do in life:

Paddle Your Own Canoe

Voyager upon life’s sea, to yourself be true;
And where’er your lot may be, paddle your own canoe.
Would you crush the tyrant, Wrong, in the world’s fierce fight?
With a spirit brave and strong, battle for the Right;
And to break the chains that bind the many to the few –
To enfranchise the slavish mind,
Paddle your own canoe. — Sarah K. Bolton
 
Represent yourself as you are. Select your own ties!

James W. Adams

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Comforting Passages

Hebrews 13:5-6—…”I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (6) So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Romans 8:18—For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

1 Corinthians 15:58—Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

The Devil is no fool. How often we underestimate his cunning and crafty nature. The Scriptures warn of his “wiles” (Eph. 6:11) and tell us of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11). “Wiles” have to do with the Devil’s abilities–abilities to concoct methods, plans, strategies for deceiving us. He’s good at it. Real good. “Devices” are the tools he uses to make his plans work, to cause us to move toward evil. He’s good at that, too. Real good.

Peter tells us in I Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

This passage should lend a sense of urgency to our situation. It should tell us that we’re at war and there’s not time for civilian activities, only for constant vigilance and complete concentration as to the whereabouts and stratagem of the enemy.

Be sober. That means be serious about his possible invasion. He is.

Be vigilant. That means watch out. He lurks in the shadows, moves in the dark, skirts the periphery all the time, looking all the while for a chance to strike. Look out.

Your adversary. He is the enemy. We best not associate with him. When we fraternize with the enemy we are apt to become like him. Best be careful about that. It’s hard to recognize him when you look so much like him yourself. Be careful.

Walketh about. He is not passive. He doesn’t work a forty-hour week, nor does he take any time off. He’s always on the job, working to do us harm. Where is he? Right now.

As a roaring lion. A lion stalks his prey for days until such a time as he finds it in a vulnerable position. Then he lets out a gargantuan roar, thus freezing the prey in its tracks. It’s easy from there on.  There’s a place where you can no longer turn back, folks. Be careful how close you allow him to get.

Are there some things we can do to combat the devil? You better know it. God has provided an apt description of the enemy. He knows his plans, has intercepted his codes, and deduced his projects. He’ll help us if we’ll just pay close attention to what He says.

We are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11). God knows. We don’t–not yet anyhow. We must learn. We need to read the Bible, study the word, search the scriptures. They will inform us of his wiles, how he works.  We can know, but only if we want to. Do you want to? It sure helps to know.

God will provide a way of escape (I Cor. 10:13). But God’s faithfulness to provide does not equal our having the information automatically.  We must look for the way of escape. It’s in His word. Remember Jesus.  “It is written”  was his answer to the Devil’s temptations. It’s ours as well.

Resist him and he will flee (Jas. 4:7; I Pet. 5:9). Resistance is hard. It takes resolve. It takes steeling your nerve. It takes hurting sometimes. But resistance is the key to conquering the Devil. He can’t win if you resist.

Give no place to him (Eph. 4:27). You can’t keep the Devil from wandering through your mind now and then but you don’t have to give him a place to stay. Kick him out. Make him go someplace else. Tell him he’s not welcome. If you give him a room, before long he’ll own the house.

Don’t let him win the war, even if he wins a battle now an then (2 Pet. 2:26). Because he’s likely to win some doesn’t mean you have to just give up. Repent and start again. Repent and get up. Repent and pray God for help.

Repent and regroup. “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him  at his will” (2 Pet. 2:26). That ought to restore your broken spirit. You can still get out of there. You can still run. Just do it.

I hate the Devil. I mean I hate him! Don’t you? And I don’t know for the life of me how you could possibly have any trouble with him when he’s over at my house nearly all the time.

Dee Bowman

Social media is today’s reality, and for whatever it’s worth, it appears to be here to stay. It can be a blessing, but it can also be a “Pandora’s box” opening up new ethical questions about the way we conduct ourselves online. While it may be easy enough to separate this reality from who we think we really are in person, the fact is that how we approach and use social media can be quite revealing. Sadly, what it often reveals isn’t very pretty. Christians, then, as in all other areas of life, need to “watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life (Prov. 4:23). The devil still seeks whom he may devour, and we need to be sober and on the alert (1 Pet. 5:8). This is as true with our time online and in social media as much as anywhere else.

Unfortunately, the use of social media can signal many spiritual problems, even for the child of God who believes in holy conduct. The following areas, for example, can reveal much about our spiritual condition:

The language we use. Anything from innuendo, to OMG, to outright cussing reveals a use of language that is more in line with worldly thinking than with words professing godliness. Are we watching what we say? Do we know what we mean when we say it?

The pictures we show. Suddenly Christians appear, through their pictures online, in clothing (or lack thereof) that may not reflect a mind that first adorns the teaching of Christ and also reflects the “imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (cf. Titus 2:10; 1 Pet. 3:4). The need for modesty (not overdoing it) and avoiding nakedness (not underdoing it) still apply when posting pictures to social media.

The topics we discuss. Social media houses pretty much every topic that anyone can think about, and sometimes it may be best just to move along and avoid some discussions and topics. If we are tempted to post something that we know the Lord would cringe at, we need to pause, reflect, and make a wise choice about what we are about to say.

The attitudes we display when we discuss. This is not just what we discuss, but how we discuss it. It’s real easy to allow ourselves to slip into a mode of getting ugly in our responses toward others. This problem is heightened by the fact that we can’t hear how someone might say something, and we need to be aware of how others might take what we are saying. Still, kindness needs to be in mind as we discuss any topic that is suitable.

The causes we support. Do we show support for the kinds of causes that are in line with God’s word? Even if the cause is secular in nature, we need to make sure we aren’t throwing in with something that lends itself to ungodliness.

The links we share. First, are we sharing links that, again, promote what is right? Are we careful about where the links may take us? Second, and this is a major problem in social media, are we sharing what is true? I’m not talking about obvious humor, which itself needs to be evaluated properly (I’m not against humor). I’m talking about alleged news media sites or other sites that post false information. Then we just run with it and spread the slander. The child of God needs to think critically before sharing. Do your homework before clicking “share.”

The pages, photos, and statuses we like. What we like shows up for others to see, and it tells people (get ready), “I like this.” Now maybe you don’t mean it that way. But these “like” buttons can be problematic if we aren’t careful. If it shows up on others’ walls that you like something that is inappropriate, then you need to asking yourself what you really wish for others to see about who you are.
At this point, we might expect for some to say something to the effect that what they do on social media is nobody else’s business, and that we shouldn’t be judging anyone. Mirroring the “don’t judge me” mentality of the world, Christians can fall into the trap of thinking that what they do is not open for anyone else to make any judgments about. Unfortunately, that’s naive. When we engage in online public activities, we’ll be judged by the same. If we don’t want to judged by others online, then we shouldn’t be showing our hand (or more sensitive things) to the world.

We aren’t so much talking about those times here or there where we know we messed up, though these moments, too, can be an issue. Surely we’ve all had discussions we are embarrassed about or posts we should have never shared. I’m as guilty as the next guy. We are talking more about continuing patterns that begin to emerge as we post, like, comment, and share. We cannot afford to disconnect our online world from the reality of who we are supposed to be as Christians. This would be like the apostles disconnecting their writings from who they were in person. What they wrote was as much a part of their influence as what they said and did in person. Today, we are on a worldwide platform with social media where what we say and how we say it is out there for the world to see. What we show and how much we show matters. If we don’t like that, then we have the option of not using it.

We don’t have to post anything on social media sites, but if we do, know that it says something about who we are and what we think—just like anything else we do. It’s out there on display for others to see and judge. This is the reality before us, and we need to understand our need to glorify God here as much as anywhere. It is the Lord Christ whom we serve, and if we aren’t using social media to serve Christ—that is, it is merely a selfish outlet for a narcissistic world—then it’s time to repent and figure out where our loyalties lie.

Posting good content does not necessarily mean we are righteous, but posting bad or questionable content does certainly show a spiritual problem. Let’s recommit ourselves to using all of our opportunities, whether in person or in social media outlets, to glorify God and share Christ with a broken world

Doy Moyer