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Build Up!

What are the some of the ways to maintain a healthy relationship? To name a few:

Communication
Unselfishness/focus on the needs of others
Quality time together; enjoying each other’s company
Investment; acknowledging the relationship is an entity, and actively investing in the entity
Honesty

A friend recently made an observation regarding my relationship with my wife and he asked me what I believe are the contributing factors to the success our relationship. First, how great is it when someone we know asks such a question! I was instantly grateful for this friend to care enough to observe and ask. The question itself reminded me that people are always paying attention; analyzing the behaviors of others, and curious about relationships for many reasons.

My response to the question was similar to the list above, but when I shared this story with my wife, she immediately added “we compliment each other”. She was referring to giving compliments of encouraging words (as Merriam-Webster defines compliments):

a remark that says something good about someone or something
an action that expresses admiration or approval

Amy’s response was a reminder to me as to her own appreciation for compliments and certainly caused me to wonder the last time I complimented her on something. Compliments when given with pure intentions (or if you’re a Five Love Languages fan, “words of encouragement”) are outward acts reflecting our inward heart. They symbolize the focus on others and typically measure the depth of the relationship (for example, complimenting someone’s smile as opposed to identifying one of their personal strengths and sharing how you see them using that strength in an effective way).

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul focuses on the theme of using spiritual gifts for building up others instead of ourselves. What a gift this chapter was for me to read today having just had the conversation last night with Amy regarding building each other up. God moves in mysterious ways, we just need to pay attention!

2 Samuel 3; 1 Corinthians 14; Ezekiel 12; Psalm 51

³On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

⁵Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

²⁶What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. (1 Corinthians 14:3, 5, 26)

Father God, thank you for placing people in my life who have encouraged me in love and faith. Specifically in the last 36 hours, I’m completely humbled, honored, and in awe to reflect on so many names of people who have built me up! Amy, Robbie, Rick, Jared, Preston, Peyton, Pamela. May I continue to see these acts of love as gifts from you God. Show me where I am selfish in relationships and where my focus needs to turn toward others, that I love unconditionally so that you may be glorified. I cannot thank you enough for the love you have for us which is reflected in the death, burial, and resurrection of your son Jesus to save us from our sins. May this day glorify you. Amen.

The Way of Love

Happy loving family. Father and his daughter child girl playing and hugging outdoors. Cute little girl and daddy. Concept of Father's day. — 2 Samuel 2; 1 Corinthians 13; Ezekiel 11; Psalm 50

Living in America, we are presented with endless opportunities. From birth, we are taught that we can be anything we want to be and that we can do anything we set our minds on. I believe this. In fact, it fuels my desire, causing me to seek greater knowledge, wisdom, and skills so that I can attain them. It’s a good thing. In fact, I want my kids to recognize that they have the same opportunities. I, like you, tell them that they can be President. I encourage them to reach high, to develop knowledge, wisdom, and skills. As I teach them, I hope that they will do well. Today, however, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 forced me to evaluate how I am conditioning them.

I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging symbol. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)

Do you see it? When I read those three verses, I cannot help but look evaluate how I am developing my kids. My determination is that I am very good at teaching them about worldly things like acquiring knowledge and Godly things like having faith. They are on my short list. Unfortunately, according to Paul, these things alone are worthless and nothing. One thing is needed to make it all worthwhile; love. This begs the question, how am I teaching my kids to love? That question strikes terror in my heart. The truth is that my kids, like your kids, learn love the way that we love them. Additionally, they are learning how to love their future spouses by the way that we love ours. Why does it strike terror in my heart? I am very aware of my shortcomings both as a father and a husband. Seriously, both are far from God’s design. Thankfully, this is not the end of the story!

This is the beginning of the story. When I recognize that my love falls short of what God created it to be, I need to look no further than Jesus. His perfect love and his perfect sacrifice fill the gap. My acceptance of His perfection establishes and strengthens my bond of love with Jesus. His love, now in me, enables me to grow in love as both a husband and a father. The love of Jesus is not just for me. It is for you too.

Discerning Faith

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 1; 1 Corinthians 12; Ezekiel 10; Psalm 49

September 7th, 2016

1st Corinthians Chapter 12 is so rich with practical wisdom for living. Individualism and teamwork. Pride and humility. Comparison, jealousy and envy; beauty, goodness, and joy. It is all there. The one that stands out the most to me is the idea of ownership as it applies to pride and humility. I wrote about this back in April (You are [not] awesome). Instead of considering that again, I would like to draw on yesterday’s post, Examine Thyself, which I believe can help us not only learn from today’s scripture, and any truth, but put the truth to use.

Yesterday we read of the gravity of our call to examine ourselves when we eat and drink the LORD’s Supper (1Corinthians 11:26-29). Consider with me today this thought and if you find it true, let us venture examine our hearts. Here is the thought: knowing the truth and believing the truth are different.

Too often, in my past, I have confused knowing the right answer in truth with having a heart that is right in truth. For example, when posed with the question “should you be prideful or humble?”, most Christians would spring to the right answer understanding the truth is “humility is profitable and pride is not.” However, if the truth is not truly believed is it then impotent? Put another way, How does knowing the right answer differ from living the right answer? If indeed there is a difference, If one were to know the right answer but not live it, what is missing? Could it be a true belief?

If belief is a matter of heart and we know that hearts are not so easily discerned (Jeremiah 17:9) and more that our hearts are deceptive to the point where they can even deceive us (Proverbs 21:2), how then can we discern our heart? How can we examine ourselves?

I was shown an exercise I’ll share it with you here. It is a simple question, that, if seriously considered, may help us discern our faith and test our hearts. It can be adjusted to suit most any situation where discernment of faith in the truth is needed. Here is the question:

What would I be doing right now if ___________?

The blank can equal a prayer answered, worry eradicated, or truth applied. The idea is to imagine a reality where the blank was already filled in, in truth, and measure your actions, choices, demeanor, and/or attitude prior to asking this question against what those things would be like if ______ were so.

Stick with me here just a bit longer. Let us take in an example. One of the most fundamental in nature and possibly one of the most challenging to follow because it is so unusual to imagine not maintaining your own faculties. Let us attempt to discern our pride, a matter of ownership (1 corinthians 6:19-20). For this, the question then could be: What would I be doing right now if I did not own myself? If you were, say, on loan to yourself from Christ but for a season. Try applying this to a decision you might make in an upcoming meeting or what your first thought might be when you wake up in the morning.

One more example. Let us say there was a leper in a time when being a leper meant they were an outcast to society. In a place where, if for whatever reason they were healed, to rejoin society they would need to follow a protocol to let the proper authorities examine them and give them a clean bill of health that they could then carry back for admittance into the community. Let us say this leper begged mercy from someone they believed to be able to heal them. The question then becomes: What would the leper be doing right now if they were healed? (Reference: Luke 17:11-19)

This exercise is all to help each of us arrive at the answer to one simple and basic question that at the same time is most critical to everything we think, say and do: do we really believe? (James 1:6-8, Hebrews 3:12) May we examine ourselves and keep our hearts with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23). May we think on our ways and turn our feet to His testimonies (Psalms 119:59).

Extra Credit.

Examine yourself and test your heart with this question in two ways:

construct the question with a supplication you are making to our LORD as if it were already answered.
construct the question with a one of these basic truths you may be taking your heart’s position for granted on; God is perfect and holy, God demands holiness, Hell and Heaven are real, on our own we are hell-bound sinners incapable of holiness incapable of earning a right relationship with God, Jesus bought us and paid our way into Heaven and that right relationship with God, there is nothing we can do to repay Him, even our best performances are but filthy rags to Him, our greatest privilege is to serve Him.

Examine thyself

September 6, 2016

The last few weeks at church we have been reading in John and discussing the many many events that happened hours before the death of Jesus. Using figures of speech and talking plainly Jesus spoke so we can read today and have hope, faith, love for Him, ourselves, and others John 16:25. In these hours before a betrayal Jesus sat down with his disciples first showing how we should serve others John 13:16 , take heart in tribulations, be not of the world, and that God loves us with the same depth as His only son John 17:26.

Today’s Readings: 1 Samuel 31; 1 Corinthians 11; Ezekiel 9; Psalm 48

In the second half of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 we read about the Lord’s Supper. This is a part that Christians have read and listened to every time we take communion. Starting at 1 Corinthians 11:24, Paul writes how the bread and the cup represents the body and blood is taken in the remembrance of Jesus. Verse 1 Corinthians 11:26 is that reminder to us that we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

In 1 Corinthians 11:28 Paul talks about us examining ourselves. Yesterday, as Brandon Grant read and preached from John 17:20-26 he talked about The Oneness that Wins the World .This Oneness challenged me to be reflective in my desires and the oneness I have with others. I felt this examination run through my mind and in my heart. As I reflected on my prayers, engagement in others, and the sacrifices that I should make for God and His kingdom. These thoughts continued through the night as I read through this part of 1 Corinthians 11:28 into now. I asked myself how many times I have had the Lord’s Supper and not examined myself. Remembering that it is the Lord who truly knows our hearts and will judge us. In our time of communion, eating the bread and drinking the cup shows that we are remembering Christ’s death for us and renewing our commitment to serve Him. In this time of communion, instead of thinking of what plans I have that will follow that service I need to be thinking about what Jesus did and Why He did it! Taking the Lord’s Supper should be a time when I can examine myself for any unconfessed sin or resentful attitudes. What barriers am I hiding that affect my relationship with Him and with other believers.

Dear Lord, by Your grace do we get to be part of this special time where we can take this sacrament given by Christ to help strengthen our faith. Jesus, thank you for this time where we are at oneness with each other and completely focused on You. Thank you for the reminder that the Lord’s Supper is not to be taken lightly and this new covenant came at the cost of Your life. Amen

We Are One Body

Today’s Readings: 1 Samuel 29-30, 1 Corinthians 10, Ezekiel 8, Psalm 46-47

When I read through today’s scripture passages 1 Corinthians 10 really resonated with me. As soon as I read this passage:

“The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of one bread.” (1 Corinthians 16-17)

I always get really excited when I’m reading my Bible and I start to hear a song. As children we learn about Jesus first through those classic beloved Bible songs. Growing up in the church and singing on Sundays, those songs multiply and become sort of a personal passageway to Christ. When I read this scripture yesterday, I heard a really old tune I learned for a non-denominational prayer service in 1993 called “We are One Body.” The chorus goes like this:

We are one body, one body in Christ

And we do not stand alone

We are one body, one body in Christ

And he came that we might have life

These simple words came alive for me today when I read them on the printed page of my Bible. Paul is really calling our attention to the importance of corporate worship in 1 Corinthians 10. Yes, chapter 10 is really about idolatry and is more or less a cautionary tale for the Corinthian believer who thought himself strong enough to participate in pagan rituals without compromising his relationship with God. Paul is calling us to recognize our impending accountability on the last judgment day. As Christians we represent one unified body that is dependent upon the death of Christ.

“Because we are one bread, we who are many are one body.”

(1 Corinthians 10:17 HSCB)

As individual members we make up one corporate body. Together we are united through Christ’s death but individually we all have union with Christ. In other words we all belong. There are no exclusions. Although the message of idolatry or “other Gods” is so very important, today I’m really moved to share the message that He is with us. He wants us to take these individual risks to get to know Him better and therefore be a more active member of the corporate group. I’ll share with you, my Bible Journal friends that I took a big old leap of faith just this morning. For years God has nudged me, needled me and then literally pushed me into joining vocal team at ECC. I’ve always resisted. I have lots of music training and lots of experience singing in church. For some reason there was a roadblock for me when it came to auditioning at Eastview. I never felt that I was worthy of that kind of singing for Christ. I never felt like I belonged in that space. I told God that when all the stars were aligned; when all my little conditions were met I would audition for the team. I knew they never would…until they did. Then I told Him that I’d really show Him, that I’d audition and make of fool of myself and I’d prove to Him just how unworthy I am. I was so not going to do it. And then Matt Ludwig called. And I heard myself say, “yes.” Not so much, “yes Matt” but “yes Lord.” This morning, for the very first time I got to stand face to face with a crowd of Christians and see them raise their voices, their arms and their hearts to the Lord. I understood then that this opportunity isn’t about standing on a stage, it isn’t about being on stage. It’s a closeness I’ve never felt before. When we all stand, and we all sing together we are truly one body. Together, we can worship him more deeply. Together we can draw Him closer and see him more clearly.

The Chameleon Man

Have you ever told someone how you were going to tell so and so how upset you were about something that they did, only to find yourself in that moment of confrontation somehow not being able to convey your true feelings? Sometimes it’s probably better that way. This is a soft skill that allows us to avoid conflict and to work towards solutions and sometimes compromise. It is probably a better way to solve problems than anger, condemnation and retribution, better for everyone.

There is a concept in sales called mirroring. This is when we consciously mimic the body language of another, hoping to establish trust on a subconscious level. Another important skill in any situation where we want to be heard is to build rapport, to ask questions and to listen; taking a genuine interest in others. In a sense what we are trying to do is to conform, to blend in, to become familiar and be liked. We are mostly wired to want to be around people we like, to want to help them, to want to do business with them, to share not only time but opportunities.

Now I do realize these social skills and techniques (and a whole host of others) can be used selfishly to attempt to trick or otherwise manipulate people. And if our motives are in the end to serve ourselves, than no doubt this is how it will be. Of course things are not that simple, and we aren’t either, so how we interact with others will probably be some combination of sincerity and selfishness.

I love how Paul writes about “becoming all things to all people”:

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. -1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV

I used to think it was a bad thing to try to be all things to all people, though I admired people that had this ability. I even had a friend that we called “The Chameleon Man.” He blended in better than anyone we knew. Was this the epitome of hypocrisy and phoniness or some higher gift. I came to see it as both, depending on our motives. Paul is simply trying to be effective, connecting to people on their own terms, making friends so as to more effectively share the gospel. What’s wrong with that? God is willing to meet all of us where we are at at any point in our lives, if we are willing. It sure seems like good behavior to get along with those who we are trying to share our faith, but there is a boundary that we must consider.

If blending-in and making friends is to the glory of God then we are on the right track. If it is for our own purposes then we are at risk of being the only one who is changed, and not for the better. The problem we want to avoid, in all cases, is conforming to the world. Avoiding this worldly assimilation is the gold standard in spiritual formation. Ideally we find our identity in God, in God’s will for our lives, in the pursuit of God’s greater glory, not our own. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:2

Reading Link: 1 Samuel 28; 1 Corinthians 9; Ezekiel 7; Psalm 45

By listening for God’s will I have always found peace and purpose. This is a life changing pursuit that I’m already writing about for next week. See you then.

Love

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1 Samuel 27; 1 Corinthians 8; Ezekiel 6; Psalm 44

Last month B.J. and I left our kids with my parents in Minnesota for two extra days while we headed home and started back to work. It’s been a long time since we spent that much time, just the two of us, without kids. We drove 10 hours home, then spent most of Sunday together going to church and watching the Summer Olympics. It was a good day. By evening, I sat down next to him on the couch and grinned as I said, “Well, I think this is a glimpse of what an empty nest is going to feel like in a few years. Are you still with me for the long haul?” He smiled and nodded.

Three weeks later, B.J. had his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) replaced. He is doing well, but has spent the better part of this week on the couch because he can’t get around all that easily. While I’m anxious for him to feel good (and to stop making a mess of my house), I admit that I have secretly enjoyed taking care of him.

By now, you may be wondering how these stories are connected. Here it is – they are both about love. I love him. I love doing the mundane things like driving 10 hours in a car with him. I love helping him recover from surgery. Making sure he is comfortable, making sure he takes his medication, making sure everything he needs is within reach before I leave him alone – food, water, medication, T.V. remote, iPad, computer and phone. It has been 29 years since our first date and 22 years since we got married. A lot has changed during that time. We’ve had our ups and downs, but I love him as much today as I did when I married him in 1994.

Yesterday, Jon shared with us the beautiful message he spoke at his sister-in-law’s wedding a few years ago. It reflects the principles for marriage we read in Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians. Did you realize our scripture today, Chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians, is also about love? The heading – Concerning Food Sacrificed to Idols – sounds like it is about guidance on what food is permissible to eat or about freedom in Christ. While both are correct, 1 Corinthians 8 is really about love. Under Old Testament law, the Israelites were forbidden to eat food sacrificed to idols. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 8:1 is pretty clear that eating, or not eating, certain things will not bring us closer to God. Thus, we have freedom to choose what we eat. However…

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up (1 Corinthians 10:23).

As Christ followers, we are no longer bound by Old Testament law. We have the freedom to choose – all things are lawful. But our choices may cause someone else to stumble – not all things are helpful. The question is, do we love others enough to sacrifice our freedom to help someone else? Are we willing to sacrifice what we want in order to build another up? This is love.

…“knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1).

Wedding Invitation

Today’s post is taken from a wedding message that I gave in July of 2009. I laughed and cried a little when I read it, and I hope you do too.

Good evening everyone. Welcome to the marriage ceremony of Alison Andaloro and Adam Parla.

My name is Jon Harris, and for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Alison’s brother in law. For those of you who do know me, yes, I really got ordained online and yes, I’m really going to go through with marrying my sister in law.

When Alison and Adam first approached me to do this my initial reaction was a resounding “Yes!”… what fun to be a part of such an important day in Alison and Adam’s lives. After reality set in and I realized that I had agreed to take on a major responsibility. After all, this is a one-time deal for Alison and Adam, and me as well.

What value can I add here as someone who has known Alison for over ten years? I actually have some vested interest in this marriage.

Alison and Amy (the beautiful bridesmaid who happens to be my wife) are sisters and best friends. To my children, Alison and Adam are celebrities. Alison is like a sister to me and now I welcome Adam as a brother. What else? I’m a father of two amazing little boys. These boys mean the world to me, and should the worst happen to Amy and me, Alison and Adam would be on point to raise these boys to be respectful, mature, responsible, and loving adults. So do I care who Alison marries, and do I care about the success of this marriage? You bet I do.

When I watch Adam and Alison as a couple I love the way they interact and respond to each others’ needs. They’re loving, gentle, kind, thoughtful. What warms my heart even more is the way they treat our children. When I watch Alison and Adam interact with Peyton and Preston, I see a glimpse as to how they will be as parents and lifetime mates to each other. Selfless.

Look at these two individuals up here. So full of life and passion for each other. Alison’s “Andaloro smile” beaming. Adam, I loved watching you as Alison walked down the aisle.

Take today slowly. Enjoy each moment. Take a step back and observe. Family and friends, support this marriage in any way you can.

Take my words to heart. Many tears of joy went into what I’m saying to you today.

For those of you who are or ever were married, can I ask you to close your eyes think about when you stood before a crowd and professed your commitment. Think about the nervousness. Think about how little you knew (and maybe how much you thought you knew). Now smile knowing it isn’t you up here, but it is these two wonderful people we know and love.

As today is the beginning of Adam and Alison Parla, this is a good segue to the beginning… Genesis, the first book of the Bible… you know, the one that starts with “In the beginning…”

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Genesis 2:18)

Adam, man, first man, found his helper. The Bible uses the word “helper”…. And we all know she was more than his helper, right?
Genesis 2:24 says that man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife. Adam and Alison, you loyalty is to each other. Parents of the bride and groom, this verse is also for you. You’ve raised your children well, they’ve been out of your homes for a long time, but now you are encouraged to let these lovebirds fly. Let them make mistakes, let them learn, let them grow in their love for each other. Smile inside when they think they know it all.
Verse 24 continues…They were united and became one flesh. The first of many references to “oneness” of marriage…

Speaking of one flesh… yeah, I’m gonna go there…

Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1 Corinthians 7:5)

So take a break from physical intimacy only so you can pray then get back to it. I’m not making this up.

I pose the question to all: What do we as a culture know about marriage? If we looked at statistics, a good answer might be “not much”.

A few things we do know:

Anything worthwhile takes work. Let’s not sugar coat it. Marriage is hard. Being a husband or wife is one of the most difficult but also one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever have.
We know weddings are expensive.
We know divorce is even more expensive; so let’s all save some money today and think back to the direction you heard and also the benefits of the Bible verses we went through (yes, I’m referring to the intimacy parts).

What is the number one challenge in marriage? Most people say money but we need to dig deeper. What causes the problems related to money or the other big and small problems in marriage, or even in life? It is selfishness. Marriage was designed to be a partnership and when the intent is distorted, that’s when bad things happen.

Adam and Alison, I ask you to be partners in marriage, and yield to each other. Especially in the first year of marriage. Practice yielding. Die to your own needs and give to the other. Find the joy that comes with giving to your partner; the best gifts are those that are the hardest to give. I’m not instructing you to be something you are not, and I’m not asking you to be a pushover.

A letter to each:

Adam, lead this marriage as a man and husband. Love this beautiful woman and remember each day why you married her. Find new reasons to love her. Love her for her misgivings. Love her for who she is, who she wants to be, and who she will become. Love her because today you are making a promise to love her. You’re promising in front of all these people. Use your creativity and laid back attitude to the advantage of the marriage. Come up with new ways to have fun, to tell her you love her. Kiss her before you leave for work each day. She’ll remember if you don’t and she’ll always have something to brag about to her friends.

Alison, follow Adam as your husband and leader of your home. Love your best friends because they’re your girlfriends but love Adam because he’s your husband and the only person who is going to be with you through it all. The guy who got down on one knee to beg you to marry him. Well maybe he didn’t have to beg, but you know his heart belongs to you, you’re the woman of his dreams. Look at him right now, his smile is all for you. You’ve known for a long long time that Adam is your man. The man you want to be with for life, to grow old with, to share in your old favorites like Coast Guard, and in the new experiences you will have as Mr. and Mrs. Parla… treat today as the beginning. You have a lot of history together but start over today. Today and for the next year you’re newlyweds, embrace it.

1 Samuel 26; 1 Corinthians 7; Ezekiel 5; Psalms 42–43

Father God, I pray for your blessing on our marriages today. May we see our partners as gifts from you. Forgive us for our selfishness. Show us the way. Show us your will. Thank you for the joy that marriage brings. Let our marriages become a light that shines and points to you as the author of love, the author of marriage. I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Justice

Scales_of_justice 1 Samuel 25; 1 Corinthians 6; Ezekiel 4; Psalms 40–41

I recently had a real estate transaction fall apart. As best as I can tell, the buyer simply decided he didn’t want to buy the property anymore. This happened despite our legally binding contract. There are plenty more details to the story, but they are not important. What I really want to know is, what would you do? More importantly, what is the right thing to do? Most of the time, we consider things in terms of right and wrong relative to ourselves. For example, think for a second about how many inconveniences my seller endured. A willing and able buyer comes along to buy his house and, in good faith, he signed a contract stating the terms. Once signed, he got about the business of securing another residence, organizing and managing movers, utilities, insurance and the like. His whole life is in upheaval. This is the context from which we base our decisions. So, what would you do?

One option is to forgive the buyer and simply walk away. Sadly, I am confronted with an internal conflict. The voice in my head says, “hey, wait a minute! You cannot just let people walk away from a contract. If everyone did this, our whole world would collapse.” My position is even supported by the founders of this country. John Adams, for example, said that “we are a government of laws, not men.” So clearly, I should let the law dictate my next action.

So why, if the law supports my position should I turn aside and move on? In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul rightly directs the thoughts of Christians toward Jesus. He reminds us that we too were once deceived by the practices of this world. However, the cleansing blood of Jesus allows us to be washed clean, justified and sanctified. My reflection upon Jesus immediately reshaped my thoughts. His power, working inside me, allows me to evaluate my decisions differently. Instead of thinking in terms of right and wrong, the Holy Spirit gets me thinking in terms of glory. The new question I ask is, “what action will cause the other party to take notice of Jesus?”

When we finally get it right, our decisions will always point to Jesus. Then, He will be glorified and his kingdom will be established here on earth.

Deliver Him to Satan?

Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 24; 1 Corinthians 5; Ezekiel 3; Psalm 39

August 31st, 2016

When first read, 1Corinthians 5:5 can have a puzzling effect on the reader. At least it did for me. Still when I read this and other similar instructions it causes me to slow down and think deeper on what I’m reading. A command to hand someone inside the church over to Satan, to abandon them, seems like it could be at odds with love which never fails (1Corinthians 13:8). It gives a feeling that we are being told to give up on a person. A closer look shows that is not the case at all.

Abandoning the person to their owns ways will give them the best chance at learning the right way (1Corinthians 5:5). Perhaps condoning sin may have the opposite effect. God’s law is everywhere, convicting iniquity and reinforcing truth. It is there to help us understand that we are sinners in need of saving (Romans 7:7).
The more I study this I have come to believe it is a matter of humility. The prideful lie is that this person’s salvation rests on our shoulders. That God is relying on us and us alone. That we must save them. More, that if we were to somehow offend them, that we would be responsible for their lack of salvation. That removing them from the congregation would somehow be our choosing to condemn him. If this were to be believed think of the consequences. How the sinful behavior could corrupt the whole (1Corinthians 5:6-7). Instead I think the truth is to love them in peace and entrust them to God, exercising the perfect balance between love and justice. The scripture tells us to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). The conclusion here I believe is that Paul was not giving up on this person but rather that he was committing them to God’s sovereignty and trusting in God’s plan for showing people their need for Him.

God thank You for Your justice that makes everything right: Selah. Thank You for Your love, perfect with no conditions. Thank You for Your Grace and Your mercy LORD and for coming to save us. May we love others with the love of Christ that You have given us. May we be fishers of men. Amen.