Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted among the earth."
This morning I awoke to a quiet house. Due to my love of sleep, this rarely happens, as it is one of my children who normally serves as my alarm clock. As I began to pray over the day, Psalm 46 came to mind.
This is a psalm that illustrates God's sovereign protection over all times of misfortune. The first verse declares the nature of God. He is our strong refuge and helper in trouble. The psalmist describes both destruction caused by natural catastrophes as well as by human wars, the two leading causes for mass casualties. Throughout the psalm, he then describes God's involvement of protection within these different environments. The focus of the psalm is that even though the earth and kingdoms may pass away, the kingdom of God will not fall. Therefore, in light of this knowledge, we should be still and recognize God for who He is. God is present with us and is our Fortress.
Being still is the last thing people want to do in times of chaos. Our survival instincts kick in and unfortunately, we often do not surrender our trust to God. We do not recognize that while He is in ultimate control over this earth, there also awaits for us an unshakable kingdom. As believers, we have nothing to fear. Instead, we rally behind fear and react accordingly. However, our focus should be resolute on the Creator and Sustainer.
Being still does not mean having a laissez-faire attitude and passively giving up the battles that come to life. Rather, it is taking time out in the midst of those battles to gain perspective and as a result maintaining a sense of peace throughout the course, no matter the result. Therefore, we can exalt God, in every circumstance.
The greatest illustration I can give of our tendency to respond verses how we ought to respond comes from the movie "Titanic." After the ship began to sink and everyone knew there were not enough lifeboats, chaos erupted. People were filled with fear, despair, anger, hopelessness, etc. Yet, there is a touching scene of stillness. When most all have either refused to recognize or resigned to their fate, a single violinist begins to play, "Nearer My God to Thee," thus illustrating his resolve. His colleagues join him. Amidst the disorder, rage, and seeming injustice, there is recognition that God is still in control. You can sense the stillness in the recognition of God's sovereignty. Though there are images of death, destruction, and despair, in the background is the sweet music, acknowledging that in that moment, a believer is choosing to draw nearer to God. He is not playing out of resignation, but rather out of comfort and peace.
It does not have to be catastrophic events in which we exercise this practice of stillness. We experience "minor catastrophes" everyday and have the choice how we are going to respond.The children begin to misbehave and we turn to anger rather than grace. Traffic is terrible on the way home and we react in road rage. The car breaks down, the phone rings one too many times, the basement floods, you have one too many deadlines, a storm takes out the car, a person asks one too many favors. The list goes on and on. There are constantly misgivings that tempt us to react to chaos rather than to respond to God.
The Challenge today is to look at what areas are you tempted react to the chaos instead of responding to God by being still and recognizing, in each moment, that He is God. This requires us being intentional about taking the time to be still and using that time to recognize and exalt God for who He is.
To see a video clip of the Titanic scene mentioned above, click here.
You Are Becoming... So Who Are You Becoming?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Daily Challenge: Learning to Be Content Part 4
2 Corinthians 12:10 - For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
So far on our journey to contentment, we have discovered several things. First, contentment is learned. Contentment is a commitment of the mind. It is demonstrated through actions and it requires preparation. I was tempted to not write on the topic today in fear that it was getting monotonous, but then I realized, no one has to read this and I am still learning. :)
This particular verse I write on stuck out to me today during my personal Bible study. It struck me, not because Paul states that he is content in such wretched situations. No, what caught my attention was the verb Paul uses in order to state his contentment. He does not declare that he is simply self-sufficient. Rather, he uses the verb that indicates that he is well-pleased that these circumstances are happening. This is the same verb that God uses to refer to Jesus at his baptism when he says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased." (Matt. 3:17)
The reason why I find this so remarkable is because Paul takes contentment to the next level. It is not simply enduring or acting in light of circumstances, but rather it is taking DELIGHT in those circumstances. The reason for this is for the sake of Christ. Never once in Paul's discussion of calamity or contentment does his focus waver from Jesus. That is the reason why Paul has the hope that he has. It is the reason why he has the attitude he has. He realizes that it is through his own weakness that God's power is able to shine through and therefore he triumphs under pressure.
The challenge now is to turn our attitudes and our actions from merely treading water to triumphing where God has placed us. We do this by realizing that God's grace is sufficient and His power is perfect (2 Cor. 12:9). The reason why we do this is for the sake of Christ.
For more information on this passage, please see my post "The Gift of the Thorn and the Gift of Grace."
So far on our journey to contentment, we have discovered several things. First, contentment is learned. Contentment is a commitment of the mind. It is demonstrated through actions and it requires preparation. I was tempted to not write on the topic today in fear that it was getting monotonous, but then I realized, no one has to read this and I am still learning. :)
This particular verse I write on stuck out to me today during my personal Bible study. It struck me, not because Paul states that he is content in such wretched situations. No, what caught my attention was the verb Paul uses in order to state his contentment. He does not declare that he is simply self-sufficient. Rather, he uses the verb that indicates that he is well-pleased that these circumstances are happening. This is the same verb that God uses to refer to Jesus at his baptism when he says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased." (Matt. 3:17)
The reason why I find this so remarkable is because Paul takes contentment to the next level. It is not simply enduring or acting in light of circumstances, but rather it is taking DELIGHT in those circumstances. The reason for this is for the sake of Christ. Never once in Paul's discussion of calamity or contentment does his focus waver from Jesus. That is the reason why Paul has the hope that he has. It is the reason why he has the attitude he has. He realizes that it is through his own weakness that God's power is able to shine through and therefore he triumphs under pressure.
The challenge now is to turn our attitudes and our actions from merely treading water to triumphing where God has placed us. We do this by realizing that God's grace is sufficient and His power is perfect (2 Cor. 12:9). The reason why we do this is for the sake of Christ.
For more information on this passage, please see my post "The Gift of the Thorn and the Gift of Grace."
Monday, June 27, 2011
Daily Post - June 28 - Learning to be Content Part 3
Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
In my last post, we discussed that in order to find contentment, we must first make a commitment to change our attitudes from the old ones we had as unbelievers, which were focused on the things of the world, to a new one which is focused on the plan God has for our life. This is much easier said than done.
Committing to contentment means more than simply proclaiming that we are content. It is more than resigning ourselves to the fact that God has placed us wherever we are at so we might as well make the most of us. Rather, contentment is embracing that God is sovereign and authoritative over our lives and has ultimately placed us where we are for a purpose.
The best biblical illustration of someone who learned contentment was Queen Esther. Esther was the Jewish girl who became queen to the Persian King Xerxes, all while hiding her identity. Due to a plan by the King's right-hand man, Haman, Esther's cousin Mordecai requests that she reveal her identity in hopes to save the Jews. Many regard Esther 4:16 as Esther's declaration of commitment. Mordecai had declared the potential purpose of her placement in verse 14. However, after looking at the text and context, I believe that her reply to him is the desperate plea of an insecure young woman who had been virtually ignored by her royal king rather than a declaration of confidence. She, in essence, has declared her resignation to her fate. I'm sure Esther would have been just fine living in the royal palace, being pampered for the rest of her life, if plans could have gone her way. The realization of her purpose does not comes until AFTER the three days of preparation, where she acts with resolution, by bodly approaching the king, ultimately saving her people.
We can learn several lessons from this young queen. First, we learn that contentment does not consist of merely declaring ourselves to God's initiative, while ultimately feeling the pangs of resignation. It instead involves embracing where God has us and recognizing his purpose for that setting. Second, we can learn that preparation is involved in learning contentment. Esther gathered up her maidens and prepared for her encounter with the king. This consisted of spiritual, emotional, and physical preparations. In the same way, we can prepare for the plans God has for us. We can do this in many ways, including gathering others for support, prayer, etc. Finally, we learn that resolved contentment is shown through action. Queen Esther went boldly before the king and made her request not once, but twice. God honored her obedience.
The Challenge today is to look at where God has placed you (home, job, family, church, etc.). In what ways have you been discontent? What are some of your plans that might be causing discontentment? What are some possible plans God could have for you in those situations? What are some ways in which you can begin to act out your resolved contentment?
In my last post, we discussed that in order to find contentment, we must first make a commitment to change our attitudes from the old ones we had as unbelievers, which were focused on the things of the world, to a new one which is focused on the plan God has for our life. This is much easier said than done.
Committing to contentment means more than simply proclaiming that we are content. It is more than resigning ourselves to the fact that God has placed us wherever we are at so we might as well make the most of us. Rather, contentment is embracing that God is sovereign and authoritative over our lives and has ultimately placed us where we are for a purpose.
The best biblical illustration of someone who learned contentment was Queen Esther. Esther was the Jewish girl who became queen to the Persian King Xerxes, all while hiding her identity. Due to a plan by the King's right-hand man, Haman, Esther's cousin Mordecai requests that she reveal her identity in hopes to save the Jews. Many regard Esther 4:16 as Esther's declaration of commitment. Mordecai had declared the potential purpose of her placement in verse 14. However, after looking at the text and context, I believe that her reply to him is the desperate plea of an insecure young woman who had been virtually ignored by her royal king rather than a declaration of confidence. She, in essence, has declared her resignation to her fate. I'm sure Esther would have been just fine living in the royal palace, being pampered for the rest of her life, if plans could have gone her way. The realization of her purpose does not comes until AFTER the three days of preparation, where she acts with resolution, by bodly approaching the king, ultimately saving her people.
We can learn several lessons from this young queen. First, we learn that contentment does not consist of merely declaring ourselves to God's initiative, while ultimately feeling the pangs of resignation. It instead involves embracing where God has us and recognizing his purpose for that setting. Second, we can learn that preparation is involved in learning contentment. Esther gathered up her maidens and prepared for her encounter with the king. This consisted of spiritual, emotional, and physical preparations. In the same way, we can prepare for the plans God has for us. We can do this in many ways, including gathering others for support, prayer, etc. Finally, we learn that resolved contentment is shown through action. Queen Esther went boldly before the king and made her request not once, but twice. God honored her obedience.
The Challenge today is to look at where God has placed you (home, job, family, church, etc.). In what ways have you been discontent? What are some of your plans that might be causing discontentment? What are some possible plans God could have for you in those situations? What are some ways in which you can begin to act out your resolved contentment?
Daily Challenge - June 27 - Learning to Be Content Part Two
Ephesians 4:22-24 - You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
It would be so great to have a boat, or a bigger house, or a better car, or a higher paying job, or a more luxurious vacation, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, ...... Why can't my life be more like so and so's?
The quest for contentment can seem laborious, but the first step starts with the mind and the heart.
Since we have been raised with Christ, we are changed. We are a new creation and therefore our thoughts should be transformed as well. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." I have written on this passage before in my post, "A Matter of Affection and Perspective". This passage also applies to contentment. When we set our minds on the plan of God rather than the things of earth, we begin to see things differently. So how do we do this?
I believe that the first step is to realize that contentment is a learning process and make the decision to begin the process. When we realize this, we are able to recognize each step of our progress. However, as this Ephesians passage states, there is an element of commitment involved. As believers, we are taught to put off our old selves. The Greek word gives the image of laying aside and ridding oneself of something (BDAG). Paul recognizes that the old way in which we used to live is being corrupted by the earthy desires that we have. These desires eat away at us and consume our thoughts, attitudes, and lives. That is why Paul reminds the Ephesians not just to stop thinking about those things, but to throw them aside and make them no longer a part of their lives. We are then to replace our old selves with our newly created selves, redeemed by Christ. The Greek for "to put on" literally has the meaning to put on clothes. Therefore, like putting on a brand new outfit, we are to clothe ourselves with the newness of life that God has created for us, displaying righteousness and holiness. This is a change of attitude and heart. No longer is our affection on what the world has to offer, but rather on displaying the characteristics of God.
The picture I get in my mind is one of an event that occurred while working as a counselor at a Christian camp. It had rained and several of the counselors released some pent up energy through a huge mud fight. By the time it was over, I was covered from head to toe in mud and everything I touched left evidence of my escapade. However, once I got rid of the filthy clothes and put on a new outfit, it was as if I had never been tainted by the mud and was able to continue ministering to students. In the same way, when we have our minds set on the old way of life, which is clouded by earthly desires, discontentment will often stay festered within us. That discontentment leaves a trail of bitterness that affects everyone we encounter. We as believers must make the decision to take off that old way of life, with its accompanying desires and clothe ourselves with our new Christ-centered approach to life.
The Challenge today is to ask yourself if you have taken off your old self, meaning you have let go of the desires of the world and have instead taken on an attitude that is focused on Christ.
The first step to contentment is a change of attitude and heart. As a believer, Christ has already done a work in you to make you a new creation. Now it is time to make the commitment to make the change of heart needed to be a disciple, useful for displaying his righteousness and holiness. In doing this, you will find the first step to contentment.
It would be so great to have a boat, or a bigger house, or a better car, or a higher paying job, or a more luxurious vacation, or, or, or, or, or, or, or, ...... Why can't my life be more like so and so's?
The quest for contentment can seem laborious, but the first step starts with the mind and the heart.
Since we have been raised with Christ, we are changed. We are a new creation and therefore our thoughts should be transformed as well. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." I have written on this passage before in my post, "A Matter of Affection and Perspective". This passage also applies to contentment. When we set our minds on the plan of God rather than the things of earth, we begin to see things differently. So how do we do this?
I believe that the first step is to realize that contentment is a learning process and make the decision to begin the process. When we realize this, we are able to recognize each step of our progress. However, as this Ephesians passage states, there is an element of commitment involved. As believers, we are taught to put off our old selves. The Greek word gives the image of laying aside and ridding oneself of something (BDAG). Paul recognizes that the old way in which we used to live is being corrupted by the earthy desires that we have. These desires eat away at us and consume our thoughts, attitudes, and lives. That is why Paul reminds the Ephesians not just to stop thinking about those things, but to throw them aside and make them no longer a part of their lives. We are then to replace our old selves with our newly created selves, redeemed by Christ. The Greek for "to put on" literally has the meaning to put on clothes. Therefore, like putting on a brand new outfit, we are to clothe ourselves with the newness of life that God has created for us, displaying righteousness and holiness. This is a change of attitude and heart. No longer is our affection on what the world has to offer, but rather on displaying the characteristics of God.
The picture I get in my mind is one of an event that occurred while working as a counselor at a Christian camp. It had rained and several of the counselors released some pent up energy through a huge mud fight. By the time it was over, I was covered from head to toe in mud and everything I touched left evidence of my escapade. However, once I got rid of the filthy clothes and put on a new outfit, it was as if I had never been tainted by the mud and was able to continue ministering to students. In the same way, when we have our minds set on the old way of life, which is clouded by earthly desires, discontentment will often stay festered within us. That discontentment leaves a trail of bitterness that affects everyone we encounter. We as believers must make the decision to take off that old way of life, with its accompanying desires and clothe ourselves with our new Christ-centered approach to life.
The Challenge today is to ask yourself if you have taken off your old self, meaning you have let go of the desires of the world and have instead taken on an attitude that is focused on Christ.
The first step to contentment is a change of attitude and heart. As a believer, Christ has already done a work in you to make you a new creation. Now it is time to make the commitment to make the change of heart needed to be a disciple, useful for displaying his righteousness and holiness. In doing this, you will find the first step to contentment.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Daily Challenge - June 25 - Learning to Be Content
Philippians 4:10b-13 - For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to be in plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Contentment is not something to which we naturally excel. The Best Buy "Buy Back" commercial brilliantly illustrates the point. We cannot be happy with one piece of technology before something else becomes available and then we simply MUST HAVE IT! For those of us who are not technologically savvy, it applies in many other cases: clothes, purses, shoes, houses, jobs, etc. The "dream job" that you once had now seems like a prison. The "prince charming" you married has turned into the repulsive frog. And you wonder, who is doing all of this transforming?!? A lot of the responsibility might belong to you.
The Apostle Paul knew a lot about living in the not most welcome situations. 2 Corinthians 11:23b-28 gives a list of his perils:
1. Has Been in prison
2. Has Been flogged
3. Has Been exposed to death again and again
4. Five times he received the forty lashes minus one (what Christ received before the crucifixion)
5. Three times beaten with rods
6. Once stoned
7. Three times shipwreck, spending one night in the open sea
8. Constantly on the move
9. Danger from rivers
10. Danger from bandits
11. Danger from fellow Jews
12. Danger from Gentiles
13. Danger in the city
14. Danger in the country
15. Danger at sea
16. Danger from false believers
17. Has Labored and Toiled
18. Has Often Gone without Sleep
19. Has known Hunger and Thirst
20. Has Gone without Food
21. Has Been Cold and Naked
22. Pressure of His Concern for the Churches
While these calamities would crush most people, Paul remained steadfast. He recognized that it was through his human weakness that Christ was able to be seen. The word used for "content" was a word used to describe someone who, through personal discipline, did not rely on circumstances for their comfort, but used personal resources in order to survive whatever situations they encountered (Hawthorne, Philippians, 266). However, Paul declares that it is not self-sufficiency that brings him contentment. Verse 13 gives the sources of his resolve. He states, "I am able to accomplish all things through the one who empowers me." (Cortney Standard Version). The means in which Paul is able to endure the bad and stay humble in the good is Christ. Therefore Christ is the source of ability and ultimately the source of contentment.
Throughout the next several posts, we are going to look at contentment. The Challenge today is to look at where you are at as far as being content. Are you relying on your circumstances to feed how comfortable you feel about life, or does your satisfaction depend on your relationship with Christ? Paul stated that he learned to be content, recognizing that it was a process. We will take some time to examine what that process might look like. Begin to pray that God will continue to stretch you as you trust him more.
Contentment is not something to which we naturally excel. The Best Buy "Buy Back" commercial brilliantly illustrates the point. We cannot be happy with one piece of technology before something else becomes available and then we simply MUST HAVE IT! For those of us who are not technologically savvy, it applies in many other cases: clothes, purses, shoes, houses, jobs, etc. The "dream job" that you once had now seems like a prison. The "prince charming" you married has turned into the repulsive frog. And you wonder, who is doing all of this transforming?!? A lot of the responsibility might belong to you.
The Apostle Paul knew a lot about living in the not most welcome situations. 2 Corinthians 11:23b-28 gives a list of his perils:
1. Has Been in prison
2. Has Been flogged
3. Has Been exposed to death again and again
4. Five times he received the forty lashes minus one (what Christ received before the crucifixion)
5. Three times beaten with rods
6. Once stoned
7. Three times shipwreck, spending one night in the open sea
8. Constantly on the move
9. Danger from rivers
10. Danger from bandits
11. Danger from fellow Jews
12. Danger from Gentiles
13. Danger in the city
14. Danger in the country
15. Danger at sea
16. Danger from false believers
17. Has Labored and Toiled
18. Has Often Gone without Sleep
19. Has known Hunger and Thirst
20. Has Gone without Food
21. Has Been Cold and Naked
22. Pressure of His Concern for the Churches
While these calamities would crush most people, Paul remained steadfast. He recognized that it was through his human weakness that Christ was able to be seen. The word used for "content" was a word used to describe someone who, through personal discipline, did not rely on circumstances for their comfort, but used personal resources in order to survive whatever situations they encountered (Hawthorne, Philippians, 266). However, Paul declares that it is not self-sufficiency that brings him contentment. Verse 13 gives the sources of his resolve. He states, "I am able to accomplish all things through the one who empowers me." (Cortney Standard Version). The means in which Paul is able to endure the bad and stay humble in the good is Christ. Therefore Christ is the source of ability and ultimately the source of contentment.
Throughout the next several posts, we are going to look at contentment. The Challenge today is to look at where you are at as far as being content. Are you relying on your circumstances to feed how comfortable you feel about life, or does your satisfaction depend on your relationship with Christ? Paul stated that he learned to be content, recognizing that it was a process. We will take some time to examine what that process might look like. Begin to pray that God will continue to stretch you as you trust him more.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Daily Challenge June 22 - The Charge of Forgiveness
Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
In my last post, I discussed the picture of forgiveness, which was Christ requesting forgiveness of his enemies up on the cross. Today, we will discuss the charge of forgiveness.
Colossians 3:12 gives us our status in Christ. We are chosen by God, holy and dearly loved. As a result, we ourselves should take on the characteristics of: compassionate hearts, mercy, humility, kindness, gentleness, and patience. The actions of verse 13 are actually results of what happens in verse 12. Because of our status in Christ, once we have put on His characteristics, the result that follows is that we bear with one another and forgive one another. When looking at the Greek definition of the word "to bear", some the English equivalents are, "to regard with tolerance", "to endure", and "to put up with" (BDAG). The word picture that comes to mind is of a horse that has a fly buzzing all around him and all the horse does is wiggle his ears a little, never swashing the fly with its tail!
I think that sometimes, we as Christians, think that every moment together is to be a campfire "kumbaya" moment. However, the Apostle Paul knew better and warned us for those other times. As the Body of Christ, we are still imperfect people, redeemed by the blood of Christ. We still possess qualities of our sinful nature and we sometimes allow them to get the better of us. However, when others mistreat us, we are first to bear with one another.
The second thing we are to do as a result of the characteristics of Christ we have taken on in our lives is we are to forgive one another freely. The Greek word used here gives the picture of graciously forgiving a wrongdoing (BDAG). In other words, it is not a half-hearted spoken, "I forgive you," but a full extension of grace and love made by the person who had been wronged. This is hard for many because our nature desires to sulk, gossip, and stay wounded. For, in that state, there is attention. However, the attention should not be on us, but on Christ. Therefore, the longer we wallow in unforgiveness, the longer we misrepresent Jesus. Verse 13 ends with the picture of Christ. Just as Jesus willingly and freely forgave you, so you also willingly and freely forgive.
The Challenge today is to examine the characteristics listed in Colossians 3:12-13. What characteristics do you need to "put on?" Ask God to help you in these areas. Also, list the people in your life that you need to bear with and freely forgive. Think about how Jesus forgave you and use that as a stepping stone in your journey.
In my last post, I discussed the picture of forgiveness, which was Christ requesting forgiveness of his enemies up on the cross. Today, we will discuss the charge of forgiveness.
Colossians 3:12 gives us our status in Christ. We are chosen by God, holy and dearly loved. As a result, we ourselves should take on the characteristics of: compassionate hearts, mercy, humility, kindness, gentleness, and patience. The actions of verse 13 are actually results of what happens in verse 12. Because of our status in Christ, once we have put on His characteristics, the result that follows is that we bear with one another and forgive one another. When looking at the Greek definition of the word "to bear", some the English equivalents are, "to regard with tolerance", "to endure", and "to put up with" (BDAG). The word picture that comes to mind is of a horse that has a fly buzzing all around him and all the horse does is wiggle his ears a little, never swashing the fly with its tail!
I think that sometimes, we as Christians, think that every moment together is to be a campfire "kumbaya" moment. However, the Apostle Paul knew better and warned us for those other times. As the Body of Christ, we are still imperfect people, redeemed by the blood of Christ. We still possess qualities of our sinful nature and we sometimes allow them to get the better of us. However, when others mistreat us, we are first to bear with one another.
The second thing we are to do as a result of the characteristics of Christ we have taken on in our lives is we are to forgive one another freely. The Greek word used here gives the picture of graciously forgiving a wrongdoing (BDAG). In other words, it is not a half-hearted spoken, "I forgive you," but a full extension of grace and love made by the person who had been wronged. This is hard for many because our nature desires to sulk, gossip, and stay wounded. For, in that state, there is attention. However, the attention should not be on us, but on Christ. Therefore, the longer we wallow in unforgiveness, the longer we misrepresent Jesus. Verse 13 ends with the picture of Christ. Just as Jesus willingly and freely forgave you, so you also willingly and freely forgive.
The Challenge today is to examine the characteristics listed in Colossians 3:12-13. What characteristics do you need to "put on?" Ask God to help you in these areas. Also, list the people in your life that you need to bear with and freely forgive. Think about how Jesus forgave you and use that as a stepping stone in your journey.
Daily Challenge- June 23 - The Cycle of Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14-15 - "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
In my last post, I discussed the charge of forgiveness. Today, we will discuss the cycle of forgiveness. These words of Jesus seem a bit harsh, yet show the serious nature of his command. Forgiveness happens as a result of what has been done for you by the Father. Since you have been forgiven, so you have the responsibility to forgive.
The parable of the Unforgiving Servant gives the perfect illustration of how we often respond to God's grace. This story can be found in Matthew 18. The story begins with a king who asks his servant to pay back a debt, which was equal to about 10,000 bags of gold. When the servant declared that he did not have the money, the king ordered that his wife and children be sold in order to repay the debt. The servant begs for mercy and the king had pity on him and thus cancelled the debt in its entirety. As the servant leaves, he sees a fellow servant who owes him 100 silver coins. When he sees his colleague, he grabs him by the neck and threatens, "Give me back what you owe me!" The fellow servant falls on his knees and asks for more time, promising to pay it all back. Instead of showing mercy, the first servant refuses. Instead he goes off and has his colleague thrown in jail for not paying back the little money owed to him. When the other servants saw what happened, they told the king. The king called the servant in and told him he was wicked because he had not shown mercy after he had been given mercy. The servant was then handed over to be tortured until he could pay back his great debt.
Our tendency is to be like the wicked servant. We beg for God's mercy and forgiveness. Then, once we have it, we immediately forget about the great act of love which had been shown to us. Instead of being humbled by His mercy, we think of ourselves as superior. Then, when someone asks forgiveness from us, we, like the wicked servant, we cannot simply cancel the debt, but make them work and strive towards our forgiveness. This is not what Christ asks us to do. He asks us to simply cancel the debt. In essence, we are to make the offense disappear. We are to let it go and to never bring it up again, not to that person nor to anyone else. If we do not do that, we can expect severe consequences from God because we are not living out the forgiveness that He has given us and we are therefore not being genuine disciples of Christ.
The challenge today is to examine yourself. Who have you said to yourself that you have forgiven, but you know in your heart you haven't? Who are you keeping tethered to unforgiveness? Let go and by God's mercy give them the forgiveness they deserve. When we forgive others, we are truly able to enjoy God's forgiveness in our own lives.
In my last post, I discussed the charge of forgiveness. Today, we will discuss the cycle of forgiveness. These words of Jesus seem a bit harsh, yet show the serious nature of his command. Forgiveness happens as a result of what has been done for you by the Father. Since you have been forgiven, so you have the responsibility to forgive.
The parable of the Unforgiving Servant gives the perfect illustration of how we often respond to God's grace. This story can be found in Matthew 18. The story begins with a king who asks his servant to pay back a debt, which was equal to about 10,000 bags of gold. When the servant declared that he did not have the money, the king ordered that his wife and children be sold in order to repay the debt. The servant begs for mercy and the king had pity on him and thus cancelled the debt in its entirety. As the servant leaves, he sees a fellow servant who owes him 100 silver coins. When he sees his colleague, he grabs him by the neck and threatens, "Give me back what you owe me!" The fellow servant falls on his knees and asks for more time, promising to pay it all back. Instead of showing mercy, the first servant refuses. Instead he goes off and has his colleague thrown in jail for not paying back the little money owed to him. When the other servants saw what happened, they told the king. The king called the servant in and told him he was wicked because he had not shown mercy after he had been given mercy. The servant was then handed over to be tortured until he could pay back his great debt.
Our tendency is to be like the wicked servant. We beg for God's mercy and forgiveness. Then, once we have it, we immediately forget about the great act of love which had been shown to us. Instead of being humbled by His mercy, we think of ourselves as superior. Then, when someone asks forgiveness from us, we, like the wicked servant, we cannot simply cancel the debt, but make them work and strive towards our forgiveness. This is not what Christ asks us to do. He asks us to simply cancel the debt. In essence, we are to make the offense disappear. We are to let it go and to never bring it up again, not to that person nor to anyone else. If we do not do that, we can expect severe consequences from God because we are not living out the forgiveness that He has given us and we are therefore not being genuine disciples of Christ.
The challenge today is to examine yourself. Who have you said to yourself that you have forgiven, but you know in your heart you haven't? Who are you keeping tethered to unforgiveness? Let go and by God's mercy give them the forgiveness they deserve. When we forgive others, we are truly able to enjoy God's forgiveness in our own lives.
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