Defining key elements of life

I am surprised to see that even the body of Christ sometimes hold to elements such as success, prosperity, popularity as the key essentials of life. A lot of seminars on these themes come out to encourage people both within the body as well in the outside world.

Success, prosperity, popularity and growth are not something out of biblical context, but they don't become the central part of Christian life. For we define these terminologies as per what scripture teaches and place them in our lives.

The destiny of every child of God is "Home". The pilgrim's progress book beautifully describes this truth in a more realistic way. As God's children, we should know our life priorities and goals, only then we will move our life in the right direction through our choices.

2 Peter 1:10 (New International Version)

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,

Our daily cross

Luke 9:23 (New International Version)

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

Taking the cross daily is not an easy task, for it requires denial of one's own will, thought process and ego. All these three - our will, thought process and ego are constantly striving to take control of life, decisions and situations. When these are not subject to Christ, then we find ourselves emotionally struggling to handle life and issues our own way.

If we have to take up the cross daily, then we have to crucify our self-centered will, thought process and ego and make it obedient to Christ. When they become subjective to Christ, then we no longer are in control, for they become Christ-controlled. When they are Christ-controlled we find ourselves more balanced rather feel set free as these will be placed in the right realm.

Lessons from trials

Sometimes what we see as an unnecessary trial, may actually be allowed for a purpose from God. God is determined to teach some lessons to us, and some of them we may be learning them the hard way...Especially those things which are not easy to inculcate.

We at times may want our way in many things. And we get frustrated when things don't happen the way we expect. God may have to teach the way of self-denial which may not easily come to us. We may have to face trials for us to understand that our way is not the right one, but His way is...

Learning to trust God and His way of dealing in our lives may come to us as life lessons. So let us not grow weary of trials which may not be lifted in spite of strong prayers. Let us acknowledge that it is allowed to help us learn something important, which otherwise will not be learnt...

Psalm 66:10 (Amplified Bible)

For You, O God, have proved us; You have tried us as silver is tried, refined, and purified.

Having a Sober Spirit

How do you react when you are judged or accused by someone wrongly? In anger, in defense or calmly? All these three aspects are different ways to react when suddenly attacked verbally. But the way we react will show the level of maturity we have.

Being Christ's followers and having His image (in the process of) being built in us, we need to be careful of how we respond, communicate and behave with others. This is important for we are called by His name. And what we proclaim and profess stands by the way we exhibit ourselves in our day to day living.

The Word of God exhorts us to have a kind of spirit which is essential for a child of God,

1 Peter 5:8 (New American Standard Bible)

Be of sober spirit...

The Amplified Bible says it more explicitly,

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind)...

Only when we have a sober spirit, will we be able to handle any kind of offense or disagreeable situation with calm and composed temperament.

We are an example

It is very challenging for us to live like our Lord Jesus Christ by setting an example like the way He lived and the way He was. But the Word of God exhorts us to follow the Master. Each one of us are aware of our shortcomings and our faults. And we know that in life we have constant lessons to learn. The purpose of our life here on earth is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ and that we do by living as a proper witness.

Many assume that being a witness is confessing Christ or preaching Christ. That may be possible and even easy for some. But being the right witness for God is by reflecting Him. Though this may be challenging, it is not impossible.

That is why Paul exhorted Timothy in his first letter to Timothy

1 Timothy 4:12 (New International Version)

...set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

If we can exhibit the above traits then we cannot be helped from being noticed. Though people may not appreciate it (and we don't follow these traits for people's praise but to glorify God), it will be deeply impressed in their hearts and for sure we will prove to be His witness that He lives...

Before faith becomes sight

When the underlying theory or factor of our faith is the fact that 'God is good', then even when there seems to be delay for our prayers to be answered, we will not be dismayed. We will still hope in the Lord, rejoice in Him and know for sure that we have a God who never leaves us or forsake us.

We will know that our faith is not in vain. For we know whom we have believed. We will not feel great about our faith for we know that we are feeble at times. But deep down in our hearts we know that our God is good and that He is faithful. And when this forms the basis of our faith then our attitude will be like that of Abraham's servant who prayed thus...

Genesis 24:27 (New International Version)

... "Praise be to the LORD...who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness..."

Abraham's servant got an answer to his prayer before he finished praying and thus exclaimed the above statement. But may we hold on to same attitude though our faith is yet to become sight...

The basis of our faith

Rev. Selwyn Hughes asks, "What is the underlying theory of your heart about God's nature?". Is is that God is Holy, God is all powerful or sovereign or God is love or is it that God is good? Though all these attributes are true about God, the basic attribute which we hold deep down in our heart constitutes the basis of our faith.

People of God who believe that God is good, are the ones who face even the adverse conditions of their life without bitterness. Otherwise adverse or unfavorable life circumstances are handled with frustration, bitterness, hatred, resentments, self pity and even despair. Only when we believe deep down in our hearts that our God is good and He knows how to deal with our lives, will the basis of our faith be set right. And whatever be the situation, we will be able to sing...

'God is good, we sing and shout it

God is good, we celebrate it

God is good, no more we doubt it,

God is good, we know its true"

1 Chronicles 16:34 (New International Version)

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

One step at a time

Psalm 143:10 (New International Version)

Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God;

may your good Spirit

lead me on level ground.

Many times we may think or presume what we are doing is right. We may think that we are doing exactly as God's wants us to do. But only when we face the negative outcomes or consequences of our decisions or actions, will we know that we have mistaken God's will. Every step of our life, be it decisions or actions, we need ask the Lord if what we presume is under His will. If we are still clueless, it is better we pause before we do anything out of impulsions. Impulsive decisions and actions show lack of trust or patience. Deep down we may be assuming that God is silent, He won't do anything on our behalf and so we have to decide or act to make things work. But that is a wrong conclusion.

God never fails to guide His children. Whether it is a pause, proceed or not to proceed, God does lead His children. But we need to be careful to follow the divine order, otherwise we may be doing the wrong things and face its consequences.

Believer's true character

Once I heard a unbeliever remark, "if you say he/she is a Christian, why is that I don't see tolerance in them which is the virtue of a Christian?". When I heard this statement I was shocked. I know that we are not perfect people, but definitely not rude. As said by the unbeliever friend, 'the greatest virtue of a believer is tolerance'. Tolerance towards those different, tolerant when wrongly accused, tolerant when ill-treated, tolerant when unaccepted. Showing tolerance in adverse situations by maintaining calmness and serenity is the highest form of virtue.

The Lord reflected this nature very perfectly.

Isaiah 53:7 (New American Standard Bible)

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

Yet He did not open His mouth;

Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,

And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,

So He did not open His mouth.

We have an fitting example to say that we are His followers. Now the choice is ours how we choose to behave and respond...

The speaking Gospel

It is so easy to call oneself as born-again Christian, but is challenging to live a life reflecting Christ's image. Outward expression of faith is easy such as praying, reading the Bible, going to Church, baptism, preaching, ministering, witnessing and helping others. But reflecting the character and nature of Christ is pretty unnatural. The World does not need the gospel to be preached through the words of mouth, but it really need to see true man and woman of God reflecting the nature of Christ. Only then the world will be convinced of the gospel believing that the gospel brings transformation from a sinner to a saint.

Many of the virtues that the Word of God exhorts believers to have is rarely seen in born-again Christians. The reasons for such lapse is the non-renewing of the mind as per God and His Word. The Word of God says in

Rom 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Only when the mind of the believers are transformed as per God's Word will the character and nature of Christ be built in us. And only when the world sees Christ- likeness in us will the people of the world be convinced of the transformational power of the gospel. That is why St. Augustine said, "Preach the gospel and if necessary use words".

The Lord's Order

Numbers 9:23 (New International Version)

At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.

Following the Lord's command is the first order (of obedience) in our covenant relationship with the Lord. Whenever the cloud of the Lord hovered over the tent of the Israelites, the people of Israel people remained within the tent, no matter the length of days. Only when the cloud was lifted up did they set out of the camp. That was the order of obedience they followed. As long as the people of Israel obeyed the Lord, it went well with them and the promise of Canaan applied to them. But those who disobeyed failed to see the promised land of milk and honey, many perishing in the dessert.

This applies for us too in the same way. For us to see the promises of God come true in our life, we need to come under the divine order. Only then we will have divine guidance from the Lord and will come to experience promises of God fulfilled.

Giving the Lord His place

Matthew 6:21 (New International Version)

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Usually when we read the above scripture, we may say in our hearts that our heart is surely set on Christ. But if we look deeply and honestly in our hearts we will realize it is not so. If we our heart is truly set on Christ, then we will not get upset when things do not turn the way we think or expect. For a heart which is set on Christ believes in God's dealing with our life issues.

Sometimes without our realization our heart may be set on something else. It may be a job, relationship, success, marriage, career, money, material possession, etc. It is no wrong to desire these things but these come after the Lord. When they take the place of God, then they become the object of our affection and focus. We may start loving them more than Christ and when things don't happen the way we expect, we become frustrated, disappointed or even angry with God.

When we give the Lord His right place in our lives, then we will learn to handle the issues of life with serenity and calmness and trust Him to deal with our lives. Then we will come to see all the essential things and needs of our life fall in place.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (New International Version)

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

God's call and time

Many children of God assume that promises of God are received immediately without the waiting period. The Lord allows the waiting period purposefully to shape certain characters in us. This goes the same for doing God's work too. Moses had to wait 40 years and do the work of the shepherd (Exodus 3:1) before becoming the channel of deliverance for Egypt. Apostle Paul had to wait 3 yrs in Damascus before he went to get acquainted with the other apostles.

Likewise men and women of God who are in full ministry today testify that they had to wait, years before they really started doing God's work. And those who wait for God's will and time are never disappointed. Once the Lord builds the qualities He desires to see in His children, He reveals His plans and purposes to them.

The Word of God says,

Amos 3:7 (New Living Translation)

Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything

until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.

Let us no grow weary waiting on the Lord. Let us be sure of this, that He is working in us to prepare for His great work through us...

Receiving the actual promise

Hebrews 6:15 (New International Version)

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

Waiting is not easy. There are lot of temptations to work our own way to make the promise of God come true in our life. God had promised Abraham that he will have son through whom Abraham's descendants will be like the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:4, 5). Sarah waited; but after some years when she did not conceive, she thought that she should help God by doing her part. Sarah suggested that Abraham should have a son through her servant Hagar. Abraham heeded to her advice and Ishmael was born. But Ishmael was not God's promise of the covenant, but Isaac (Gen 17: 17-22). Abraham knew that God is capable of doing what He had promised. Instead of standing by faith, he gave in to his wife's direction and the result was Ishmael and his descendants. Yet God was so kind that he forgave Abraham and gave him Isaac as per His promise.

Genesis 21:2 (New International Version)

Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.

Sometimes instead of we waiting to receive from God what He had promised, we work our own ways and bring Ishmael into the picture. We need to take decisions not based on our perceptions and understanding (that it is God's will) during the time of waiting, but based on God's leading. We need to ask God whether what appears to be from Him, is truly His will and plan for our life. We should ask the Lord to lead us and open doors only if it is His will. Depending on the Lord for every step and decision in our life is crucial. Only then we will receive from God what He actually planned for us as per His promise...

Promises and Sanctification

Hearing a sermon about claiming God's promises, I felt the preacher stressed a lot about ways on receiving God's promises rather than the ways we should be and live to receive God's promises.

There are lot of aspects that goes into claiming the promises of God. Unwavering faith, persevering prayer, confessing faith and promises and like. But there are also other aspects like living a life good before God with a clear conscience, not walking in sin for the grace to flow without disruption, living in reverential fear of God, directing our ways and decisions based on God's Word, etc. Though it is true that we receive God's promises by grace (and not because of our goodness) , grace is not so cheap that it would continuously be there for us even if we choose paths displeasing God.

Grace is free but is not cheap...

The Word of God exhorts us very clearly about this truth...

2 Corinthians 7:1 (New Living Translation)

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

Only when we can live clean lives before God where sanctification is a continuous process, will we see the promises of God be fulfilled in our lives.

Praying like Elijah

James 5:17 (New International Version)

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

When we read the above scripture, it gives us so much comfort to see that Elijah was a man just like us. We all know that Elijah was a great prophet who brought down fire. We may assume that since he was a prophet ( a special person because of his identity) amazing things happened when he prayed. But the Word of God says that Elijah was a man just like us, meaning to refer that he had the same weakness, fear, disappointments and even despair similar to us. When we read the whole passage in 1 kings 18:41-44 we get a picture of how Elijah prayed.

Elijah prays for rain on top of Mount Carmel, while he asks his servant to go and see for signs of rain. But the servant comes back six times saying that there is no sign of rain. But Elijah doesn't quit praying. He continues to pray until he sees his prayer answered. Only the seventh time the servant comes with the news that a small cloud is seen... a sign of rain.

Even we are to pray like Elijah until we see our prayers answered. We should not grow weary to pray, just because we don't see signs or results. We are to pray like Elijah till the answer comes...