Christian Tithing

This is a great question: Should Christians use tithing as a basis for giving?

Christian tithing refers to giving a minimum of 10% of one’s income to the Lord through one’s local church. The Church has debated the concept of tithing throughout its history, yet overall, has affirmed the Old Testament tithe as the basis of Christian giving. 

A Brief Biblical Argument in Favor

The Christian tithing discussion has focused upon the Lord’s tithe in the Old Testament, not festival giving, giving to the poor, or other tithing, or even freewill offerings above and beyond the Lord’s tithe. 

The concept of tithing itself permeated ancient near eastern cultures prior to the giving of the Law to Moses. Pagans would offer tithes from their property, produce, and currency to their gods. The first recorded example in the bible of a follower of Yahweh offering tithes is that of Abraham:

After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh, that is, the King’s Valley. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (Genesis 14:17–20 ESV)

Jacob, in Genesis 28:18-22, offered to give the Lord a full tenth out of all that the Lord would give him. Tithing actually pre-dates the Mosaic Law and both of the examples of Abraham and Jacob are examples of voluntary giving motivated by grace.

This reality served as the background for when God gave the Law to Moses. In the Law, God systematized tithing for his worship and maintenance of his new nation of Israel (Leviticus 27:30-32; Numbers 18:21-32; Deuteronomy 12:5-19; 14:22-27). Later, the prophets would frequently exhort the people of God regarding the practice of tithing, often due to their neglect of it (e.g., Amos 4:4-5; Malachi 3:7-12). The historical writings recorded the renewal of the practice of tithing after returning from exile (e.g., 2 Chronicles 31:4-12; Nehemiah 10:34-39).

In the New Testament, the Gospels have recorded a few discussions of tithing, for example in Matthew 23:23-24. But, overall there remains an absence of instruction on tithing in the rest of the New Testament because of the impact of the New Covenant. Instead, the Apostles put forward other reasons for giving (see 2 Corinthians 8-9; Hebrews 7-8): (a) personal motivations, such as giving sacrificially, voluntarily, joyfully, thankfully, generously, and the list goes on; and (b) New Covenant considerations, because of the greater covenant including the Holy Spirit and the need to support churches on mission.

We Still Have to Answer the Question

The question of whether or not Christians should use tithing as a basis for their giving will likely continue to be debated and discussed, which gratefully should advance our understanding together. However, Christians still need to answer the question, in practice, somehow. Giving remains an important issue in Christian discipleship and maturity in the faith. Under both the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, giving has been presented as a matter of grace, though administered differently.

                        

At what level of giving would you suggest starting? Would you dare suggest less than 10%? Shouldn’t believers under the full blessings of the New Covenant in Christ give more than those under the Old Covenant? And prior to the Law, even the pagans in Abraham’s day who worshipped false gods gave their gods 10%; but, Christians worship the One True God!

Our Personal Journey of Christian Tithing

When growing up, I observed people putting a token $20 in the offering plate each week. I thought that was a lot of money being a young child. When I became a true Christian in my high school years, I don’t recall receiving instructions or guidelines on tithing of giving (maybe I wasn’t listening). Anyway, I kept all the money I earned; actually, I foolishly spent it all on myself. During my college years, I didn’t earn much of an income at all, but I occasionally gave what I could afford and was learning about giving at the church I attended. After getting married and starting to earn a living, we started to tithe—it was a delight and served as a key to our Christian growth together at our new church.

            

However, when we entered full-time Christian ministry finances become challenging due to minimal income, babies, and student loan payments. We struggled to tithe, live, and not default on our loans. Tithing became something we felt we could only do every other month; as a result, it became an agonizing commitment, contributing to weekly sadness and daily tension. So, we decided not to tithe, but taking someone’s advice, we decided to give 2-3% and work hard to change our situation. This was a painful decision because we didn’t fully believe it was the right decision. At first, we kept track of what we owed God, but eventually gave up on this. Anyway, it wasn’t too much longer, and the Lord provided a little more income, so we sought good counsel, consolidated our loans, and began to increase our giving to 10% as fast as we could.

Soon after that decision, our church’s interim preacher at that time preached a three-week series on giving. He covered information we already knew, but the Lord used it to encourage us in our renewed commitment to giving 10%. He told the story of his own journey of not only tithing, but for a number of years increasing his giving by 1% a year until he felt the joy of sacrifice—wow! We continued to tithe, but tithing was still a real struggle for us, but was also a real joy for us. We understood in a new way, so many things about giving financially as an act of worship to the Lord and mature responsible commitment to his mission. Ever since that time, our favorite check to write is our check to our church!

Moving Forward

Christians, especially Christian leaders, should prioritize their lives in order to position themselves to honor the Lord in the matter of tithing. Don’t make excuses, such as, being in debt, going through hard times, giving elsewhere or in other ways, or hoping to get to that level of giving soon. Learn to tithe early in your Christian walk and make the commitment to tithe for the sake of your spiritual health. In addition, making and keeping a budget that includes tithing will provide even greater freedom and cash flow for further generosity.

                                    

Christian tithing shows that we really believe: (a) all that we have belongs to the Lord, (b) he is faithful to us in meeting our needs, and (c) our lifestyle should be different than the world because we prioritize worship and service to God.

What further questions do you need to explore to strengthen your understanding of a biblical view of giving? What stories of blessing do you have that you could tell to encourage others?

Suffering Stops Sinning

At the time of Apostle Peter’s writing the Roman society was filled with certain joys that needed to be stopped.

We might recall some of them from our history lessons.  There were the famous entertainments of risqué theatre productions, chariot racing culture, and gory gladiatorial combat.  There were the infamous immoralities from giving free reign to passions of all sorts:  temper, sex, drink, slander, lying, and theft to get ahead.  

Christians were seen as killjoys, antisocial non-participants, and cultural traitors who spoke out against such things. When one becomes a Christian many things change with internal desires, outward behavior, and purposeful living.  It is a life lived with much higher joys and meaning and satisfaction. 

In 1 Peter 4:1-5, our Apostle Peter describes how suffering stops sinning.

The New Resolve for the Present and the Future

1 Peter 4:1–2 ESV “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.”

Jesus Christ “suffered in the flesh,” meaning in this temporary earthly life and realm of sinfulness.  Of course, Jesus Christ suffered once to deal with sin by His Cross on behalf of His People.  He did this with Holy Spirit empowered resolve to obey God the Father and accomplish His will.

We then are to have, and being His own can have, the same attitude inspired by the Holy Spirit living our lives.  We are called to a new way of life, new devotion to Christ, new resolve against the sinfulness of the world.  When suffering in this world, we should consider how this works to bring an end to sin in our lives.

How is it that unjust suffering works to eliminate sin in a Christian’s life?  Does it inherently work purification?  Maybe, but some would say it just as easily pushes us in the opposite direction.  Does it lessen opportunities for sin?  Maybe, but some would say it provides more.  Above all it works to focus our mind—is this what you have found?

Suffering is not something that works automatically, but only insofar as our mind is set to face it head on and gain something from it, and then it morally strengthens us.  We are to be like Jesus in this commitment upfront to obey God and embrace suffering because of this commitment.  Even though he was the perfect Son of God, God become Man, He in His humanity grew in this strength and resolve.

This mindset going into suffering shows that we are willing to be done with sin; and then it works ever deepening resolve in us, increasing freedom from sin, and establishing a whole new outlook on life.  Suffering then works as a reinforcement; and as a help to us; and as a fence of security.

And so one of the greatest results is that we can live out the rest of our life on earth under the control of new motivations for growth.  We don’t have to follow common human passions, but seek out doing the will of God in this life.

A Sarcastic View of the Past Can be Helpful Too

1 Peter 4:3–5 ESV “For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”

We were just like all the rest of the “Gentiles,” that is unbelievers without God and without hope, and enslaved to our passions and the ways of the world around us.  We praise God for His rescue of us and making us now part of the People of God.  

How helpful it can be at times to be sarcastic with ourselves about our past life without God in this world!  This is the Apostle’s approach in verse 3.  There was more than enough time to “enjoy” the sins of the morally corrupt and rebellious world.  Of course, this is not how we really see it, rather we are glad to have escaped what we are now ashamed of.

Certainly, not all people live such unrestrained lives in this extreme picture; however we also know that people do not live as clean as they claim either.  The natural inclination to such things is like a seed ready to germinate within each one of us naturally.  We are all infected with the corruption of sin and no one is free from the contagion, nor pure.

As one scholar pointed out, perhaps the activities being described were directly related to cultural celebrations most everyone participated in to some degree, such as, family religious festivals, trade guild celebrations, and civic holiday celebrations.  If so, then the matter of having Christ’s resolve to resist cultural and social expectations makes a lot of sense.

Prepared to Honor God

Christians just don’t do certain things and that is the way it is.  What changes have you noticed in your life and desires?  What parts of you are becoming ever more refined in your pursuit of holiness?  What breaks from sin have proven good and propelled you forward in your walk with Christ?

Where now, today, do you need to put forth the resolve of Christ in the same power of the Holy Spirit?  Remember that suffering is appointed as a help for you in this.  Maybe it is in some of the same areas as Roman society:  entertainment, lifestyle, friendships, or personal control?  What about the passions and impulses that are given free range in our society?

By living resolved to suffer in order to avoid sinning we are further strengthened to live for the will of God.  Be confident and content, for you will succeed and eventually be perfected in the image of Christ.  What might change for you?  What good things might you be hoping for in your life?

So, “arm yourself” with this mindset of Christ for your life from this point forward.  Pray that your resolve will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, and so made successful before God the Father.

10 Missing Christian Themes

Reflecting on my conversations with Christians, my observations from social media, and my impressions from sermons this past year, I have complied a list of 10 missing Christian themes that need more attention in our churches and Christian living these days.

Certainly, there are other themes to be identified and more verses to be studied. However, from my perspective, Christians in America need to honestly and privately assess their faithfulness on these ten missing themes that scripture presents as vitally important for our Christian discipleship.

I have simply listed the theme and supplied one passage. This way it is simple, and it allows for reflection. Again, many other biblical passages could be provided. May God bless His Word to our souls.

1. Obedience to Civil Authorities


Romans 13:1–7 ESV “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.”


2. Unrighteousness of Anger




James 1:19–20 ESV “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”


3. Slander is Evil

James 3:5–18 ESV “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

4. Sexual Ethics Matter

1 Corinthians 6:18–20 ESV “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

5. Rage is False Spirituality


2 Timothy 3:1–5 ESV “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”


6. Christ Truly is the Only Way


1 John 2:22–23 ESV “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.”


7. Submission to Authority of Scripture

2 Peter 3:16–18 ESV “. . . the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

8. Courage to be Clear (not Vague) about Commitment to Christ


Matthew 10:32–33 ESV “So everyone who acknowledges me [Jesus Christ] before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.”


9. Righteousness is Required


Matthew 5:17–20 ESV ““Do not think that I [Jesus Christ] have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”


10. Focus, Focus on the Gospel

Ephesians 2:1–10 ESV “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

A Pathway For Others To Follow

As Christians, one of our greatest desires is to lead others to God, to a real salvation experience through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The book of Proverbs is likewise concerned with the very same goal, and so will help us greatly in doing this. 

Proverbs 10:17 ESV “Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.”

A Better Translation

“Whoever heeds instruction.” This is the person who meditates upon the Word of God and deliberately puts it into practice. “Whoever rejects reproof [i.e. correction].” This is the person who abandons the teaching he or she is given.

In this verse the phrase “is on the path to life” is more accurately and better translated from the Hebrew as “is a path to life.” This person who heeds instruction becomes a pathway to life for others to follow there. 

The point of this Proverb is the effect of our obedience on others, not just ourselves. As the apostate actively leads others astray (and gleefully quite often), so also, the faithful follower of God will show others the way to life. This is life both in terms of a quality and spiritually fulfilling life, but also in terms of eternal life with God.

Obedience Affects Everyone

In our culture, we tend to think that our obedience or disobedience only affects ourselves. Many social scientists strongly disagree and write, speak, and teach otherwise. However, it appears few of us listen, because we are so committed to our out of control individualism. Yes, even Christians.

Maybe some people would agree that on occasion our obedience or disobedience to God can have an effect others. Yet, this is usually acknowledged only if there is a direct and immediately observable effect. For example, we bless someone with kind words of spiritual counsel, or we hurt them with our angry words; we might meet some tangible need, or on the contrary commit some abusive act.

Instead, we should consider that obedience has indirect effects that can accumulate weightiness over time. Things like years of faithful time in the Word and prayer and letting the Holy Spirit change our lives. Things like faithful church attendance and simple, even behind the scenes, works of compassion and service. These will change lives and direct people to life often more than we realize.

Furthermore, there are ripple effects from our attitudes and behaviors that spread throughout the fabric of society, and especially within our Christian communities and our local churches. Our character is revealed by our attitudes and behaviors, again positively or negatively. It is especially grievous when we “reject correction” from the Word, the Spirit and fellow Christians, repeatedly refusing to be spiritually transformed and grow in wisdom. This is what “leads others astray.”

A Better Pathway

Perhaps, you have seen the truth and principle of Proverbs 10:17 at work, both positively and negatively? How a person’s, or one’s own, obedience or disobedience affects other people, even groups of people? The examples are limitless.

May we become a better pathway for others to follow and find life with God.

Not Just Any Verse For Every Situation

Pastors deal with complex situations in leading their churches, complex situations in counseling their congregations and complex situations in speaking to their broader communities.

Few troubles are as frustrating for pastors as church members who might be somewhat familiar with a situation, or outsiders with little knowledge of a matter, approaching them with urgent Biblical counsel they have discovered that will help him.

Where Do the Bible Verses Come From?

When Christians read their Bibles, sometimes verses strike them like never before, and they are eager to share them and apply them. Maybe it applies to this situation with which our pastor is dealing, they wonder.

Many Christians have favorite Bible verses they have memorized and find useful in their lives on many occasions. Somehow they made a connection from one of their favorite verses to the pastor’s situation. Maybe it will help, they reason.

Other Christians stay current with cultural trends and Christian trends. They know the Biblical passages under discussion these days. And so, they hope to inform their pastor and help him see how the situation with which he is dealing is addressed by this current discussion.

Yet other Christians believe that all of Christian theology and practice can be encapsulated in key verses. Often these key verses have to do with broad themes such as love, grace and mercy, or authority and submission, or divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and the list goes on.

In each of these examples, people wrongly think they have the secret answer verses providing simple solutions to complex problems. Sincerely motivated as they may be, not just any verse applies in every situation.

3 Unrecognized Problems

When we are excited by our new discoveries in the Bible we see perhaps more connections than are warranted. When we see the world primarily through our favorite verses we can miss a lot of other things in the Bible and in other people’s lives. When we vigilantly stay current, the foundations and the history too quickly fade from view. When we live by broad themes we might feel especially skilled, however, we might fail more often than we realize in specifics of life’s realities.

First, people often miss the point of the text they are referencing. It certainly holds great and godly instruction. It is inspired by God and intended by Him for proper use according to His intention. But such a misuse of the text will not really advance God’s purposes.

Second, people often miss the point of the situation into which they are trying to speak. Likely, they don’t really understand the life situation and the spiritual dynamics of it. As a result, they mismatch it to their selection of Scripture.

Third, people often miss the best and proper texts that could provide the counsel that is needed. Because of a cursory search of Bible passages and only a surface analysis of the situation, they draw hasty and inaccurate conclusions on both fronts.

3 Constructive Solutions

First, as a pastor and leader, make sure to pushback against off-base counsel. Often people are simply too eager to share their point of view without understanding other points of view. They are mistaken about the Bible, the situation and their relationship.

Second, teach people about how to use the Bible, and how to use it well and appropriately in conjunction with its purpose. Assume those who would counsel you are well meaning, even if you suspect they are not.

Third, explain with patience both the situation about which they are concerned and the Bible verse they about which they are excited. We do not have to share all details, and obviously most often we can’t do this. But, we can share what we are doing, our approach to the situation and the Bible, and our seeking of counsel.

Finally, simply thank those who visit you in this manner. Thank them for their concern. Thank them for their love of the Word of God, and eagerness to live by it and please the Lord. Thank them for praying for you and others involve. Then, close by asking for their prayers and praying together with them.

Personal Holiness Has Fallen On Hard Times

Maybe it is just me, but it seems like the topic of personal holiness is overlooked these days.

Even though Christian discipleship is a hot topic today, the part about “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” by Jesus Christ is missing from many discussions and from many lives. Do Christians actively pursue personal holiness still, I wonder?

Possible Reasons

There might be a number of reasons for this lack of pursuit.

1. Christians don’t see it as that important, beyond the basics of acceptable morality.
2. Christians have adopted the best of current cultural standards as their own standards.
3. Christians don’t really know the biblical standards, and there is significant self-doubt about the ones they think they might know.
4. Christians are living outside of God’s moral will, they know it and they feel it.
5. Christians are fearful that they will become self-righteous, or will be viewed that way.

Of course, the biggest category these days has to do with all views, practices and proprieties in the area of human sexuality. It is astounding how difficult it is to have a biblically honest conversation around matters that have historically been clear for millennia even up to about 10-15 years ago.

Preferred Conversations

Instead, Christians prefer to talk about transformation. This is a large theological term, a good term, but it has been co-opted for speaking in general terms about many things. It sounds much more comprehensive; though it provides an excellent opportunity to hide. By focusing on others and on matters of community and social justice it is easy to avoid our own shortcomings whether minor blemishes or even serious sins.

Supposedly getting into morality specifics could be offensive, so we leave it up to the individual brother or sister and their personal relationship with God. This only seems more noble because we are either ignorant of God’s Scriptural commands, or we are afraid of them, or both. But we miss that true transformation, both at the personal level and for the greater good, is rooted in personal character.

1 John 2:15–17 ESV “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

Push the Envelope

It is possible to go beyond current acceptable norms in Christianity. How odd it is to use the phrase--but we can “push the envelope” on Christian personal holiness. We need to speak honestly and spiritually with our closest friends.

Ephesians 5:3–17 ESV “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

The goal is to please the Lord, at least it ought to be! Three books that have been helpful to me:  The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul and Holiness by J. C. Ryle.

So then, my friends, “Since we have these promises [in the Gospel], beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

Can I Help You Find Another Church?

Many people have had to go through the difficult experience of switching churches within the same town. This can be very unsettling and stressful, leading to great unhappiness in the process. People generally have a hard time seeing that their discontent might be God’s method of moving them on. How can a pastor be most helpful?

3 Poor Approaches

1. Anger. Pastors should not get angry or defensive. Although it feels highly personal, and might be some of the times, most often it is not. Even when it is, if we gain strength from Christ and put our hope in His glory and vindication, we can address the situation as needed. Dealing harshly with people displeases the Lord, and will result in leadership failure.

2. Ignore. We should not ignore people who are struggling, either. Avoidance, hoping the problem will resolve itself is poor leadership. It hurts everyone, the whole congregation, you as the pastor and those who are disgruntled. If they leave it will remain unresolved. If they keep on complaining they need to be confronted.

3. Sell. Nor should we attempt to appease their complaints. Often our initial reaction is to explain why we do ministry the way we do it, and why they should be excited about it and embrace it. We point out the many successes and obvious blessings from the Lord. We try to sell them, or re-sell them, on our vision.

Instead of these approaches, we should engage people more deeply and truly help them. In doing so, we ourselves will grow in Christ and in spiritual skill in leading His People. In a few cases, such people might start to see things differently and make a dramatic change and become a team player. But, more likely at this stage this will not be true for the large majority. So, how might we part ways in a more spiritual manner?

3 Better Approaches

1. Explain. Explain that maybe they are entering a different stage in life. A lot of people don’t even realize this about themselves and their families. Our needs and hopes change throughout life. Likewise, our spiritual journeys and desires for growth change. This reality needs to be understood much better by all of us and embraced as God’s design in our path to being fully transformed into the image of Christ.

2. Explore. Explore with them the possibility that God may be moving then on to help another church and its ministry. We are one large worldwide team in Christ’s Church. There are numerous places to serve, among many different peoples, and many with far greater needs than our present congregation. Ask questions about their passions for Gospel ministry. Take time to enter their stories and find out what God is doing in them.

3. Exhort. Some simply need to be exhorted, told maybe for the first time that they are just ornery and obstinate people who need to leave if they do not change. Be prepared that unhappy people are just that--unhappy. Some have serious spiritual problems with trusting the Lord and submitting to His authorities and established leaders. Don’t let people despise you and your position. Challenge them as you tell them to leave.

Doing The Parting

People don’t know what to do with discontent or where to go. Often they need to be given the gifts of freedom and understanding, rather then being told they are bad Christians. They are already struggling with this before the Lord. Don’t over-spiritualize church membership and abuse the concept of loyalty. (See related blog Three Problems With The Marriage Analogy.)

At the proper time, ask directly, “Can I help you find another church?”

Asking such a question will be surprising to most people. The fear and expectation going into this kind of meeting with the pastor overwhelms people. The idea of parting on good terms, and even to bless one another as friends, probably has not occurred to them.

The reason the pastor should ask this question, is not only because he is the leader, but because often people don’t know other churches in the area like the pastor does. We have the opportunity to match them up for the next stage in their journey and to maximize their usefulness for the Kingdom!

This is by far a better conclusion to what is often the inevitable outcome after people become considerably dissatisfied. Why not take advantage of the situation, preserve the relationships, help them find another church, and bring further glory to God?

5 Images Of Love’s Devotion and Strength

Love songs are the best songs to sing.

This is because love is one our basic human desires.  And this is why the biblical book the Song of Songs is so entitled, because it is about the best of songs; it is about love. It is a love poem about the proprieties and experiences of human love. The central message of the poem is that marital love is to be enjoyed to its fullest.

Marital Love

In 8:6-7, the bride in the poem speaks to her groom, expressing the incomparable strength and devotion of marital love.

Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm.
For as strong as death is love,
as severe as the grave is jealousy.
Its flashes are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame.
Many waters are not able to quench love,
nor are rivers able to wash it away.
If a man were to give all the wealth of his house for love,
it would be utterly despised.

Many images of love’s devotion and strength have just been placed in our minds. Love is compared to the absolute security of a seal, the unyielding grip of death, and the heat of the hottest fire. It is also pictured as containing enough fortitude to withstand all the forces of nature, typified by water. And it is priceless; it cannot be bought with all the money in the world.

During a wedding ceremony we celebrate the union of a man and a woman in their marital love for one another. They are pledging their lives together in undying love. How can they do this? How can any of us do so for that matter? It seems today that love is an emotion that comes and goes and we float along with it. What is the unique kind of love that forms a marital structure strong enough to last for a lifetime in devotion?

It is the love portrayed in the Song of Songs. It is human love that has properly progressed to the point of being given over to one another in the covenant of marriage. This is according to God’s design from Creation; and it remains His plan until the end of the world. Let’s look at the five images of love’s devotion and strength from Song of Songs 8:6-7.

A Seal

The first image is that of a seal. Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. A seal marks ownership, or possession. This is a love that is given over to absolute devotion. The seal upon the heart and arm is symbolized today in the wedding ring. It is a pledge of lifelong devotion. It symbolizes a mutual ownership of one another.  This love commits up front to an unending devotion, sustained and constrained by covenant for life before God Almighty.

This image is the most important one, for it parallels that of Jesus Christ’s love for His Church. He enters into covenant and communion with those who place their faith in His cross for forgiveness of their sin and for gaining the righteousness of Christ so as to be justified before God. And further, He grants the Holy Spirit as a seal to Christians, pledging His eternal covenant faithfulness and marking them out as His own possession.

The human marriage relationship is to mirror the relationship between Christ and His Church. May we strive in all the grace of God to attain this ideal of love, and enjoy it and model it for all!

Death

Second is the image of death. For as strong as death is love, as severe as the grave is jealousy. This sure seems strange and unromantic, wouldn’t you say? How odd that we would talk about death at a wedding! But, the comparison is not between love and death per se, but between their irresistible power. In this they are similar.

How many people have been able to hold off death from overtaking them? None. Death and love are personified here. Death never gives up in its pursuit of whomever it desires. Finally, it succeeds and once it obtains its object, never lets it go. The grave is fiercely inflexible in never allowing the release of anyone from its possession.

This is what marital love is like. It is a love that pursued its beloved until the marriage day and then keeps on holding its lover close through the unyielding power of love. This is quite the image!

Lightning

Third, its flashes are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame. Do we love each other with burning passion? This is part of the true love of marriage! In fact, all of us who are married must burn like the searing and evaporating heat of lightning. Marital love is a jealousy for one another such that your pre-occupying desire is for total enjoyment of one another.

Marriage is not to be endured as an estate of tolerance, growing apart from one another. This is the sad state of affairs for many. But, we should not be discouraged by this. We can choose otherwise. Marriage is to be blissful and full of joy. Marital love is to be enjoyed with great fervor and this is why the focal message of the book of the Song of Songs in 5:1 is expressed as, “Eat, O friends; drink your fill O lovers!” This injunction describes marital love as satisfaction. It is feasting on your love for one another.

Floods

Fourth, love is shown in its overwhelming effect upon the heart. It is a love so powerfully overwhelming that it is described as withstanding all the forces of nature. Many waters are not able to quench love, nor are rivers able to wash it away.

True love withstands all the onslaughts with which it is confronted. We will encounter them as we all do. Conflict has been built into the structure of our world and woven into the fabric of our being since the Fall of Adam and Eve. Marital pleasure is as pure and delightful as already stated. But, that was only part of the story.

Surely we all know about the pressures, challenges, and conflicts involved in the marital relationship. And so, we need humility, patience, conflict resolution skills, forgiveness, honest communication, joy in the truth and in righteousness, desiring the benefit of the other, hoping the best about one another, a willingness to bear one another’s burdens, and remembering your marriage covenant. In the end, we all must rely upon God’s grace to make our marriages work because we are all so naturally selfish. It involves love, in other words—the love portrayed in Song of Songs.

Wealth

Finally, love is priceless. Were a man to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly despised. What is marital love worth?

This image in the Song is that of buying love even if it cost all the possessions of one’s household. Historically, this is the bride-price being mentioned. If love is not present, the purchase price and the would-be purchaser together are despised. Marital love is worth more than all that could be given in a dowry.

We don’t have dowries today, but we do have marriage licenses. And marital love and commitment doesn’t automatically come with them. Generally speaking, marriage isn’t worth much in our contemporary culture.

Don’t let your love be bought by anyone, or anything else. Temptations of all sorts will vie for our affections, and it won’t just be other lovers. It could be career, money, possessions, friends, entertainments, hobbies, or whatever. Despise them all! Yes, despise whatever it might be that would weaken your marital bond. Keep you love and commitment solely upon one another.

This of course is not all there is to marriage. It is not even close. Yet, from this biblical passage it is clear that the purpose of marital love is the full enjoyment of one another under the blessing of God. There is still so much more that we discover together throughout your lives. May we keep growing together and make our marriages an experience of the blessings recounted in the Song of Songs. This is the kind of love that will make for a marriage that will last a lifetime.

Confessing Christ In A Hostile World

It is not likely that any of us will end up in a courtroom having to defend our practice of Christianity. 

It is even less likely that we would be wrongly convicted of something and have our property confiscated, or be confined in prison, or put to death, at least in America. Yet, we do know it is a reality for many in history, many around the world today, and perhaps we have even known a few Christians personally who have suffered greatly.

Nonetheless, we do experience many types and levels of challenges to our Christian way of life. Our society can be quite subtle and sinister in its challenges at times. Sometimes it is veiled and sometimes it is not so veiled in its hostilities toward us who profess Christ.

This can become quite personal at times, too; and when it does, we can see the benefits of giving in to daily pressures in order to keep or enhance our finances, or keep or enhance our reputations.

Never Easy, Always Necessary

Confessing Christ in a hostile world has never been easy, but it is always necessary. Luke gives us confidence for this by supplying us with words that Jesus spoke to His disciples on this matter on one occasion.

Luke 12:11–12 ESV “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.””

Since persecution is inevitable and very personal situations of testing will keep coming, we constantly need to be preparing ourselves. Yet, we need to prepare our heart and our mindset more than the words we might say.

Since the power of the Holy Spirit is so substantial and so palpable, we should be greatly encouraged to speak up for Christ. As disciples we take the promise of the Holy Spirit above as a source of great courage. Christians need not worry about the Day of Great Persecution, or even little days of persecution, for the all powerful Holy Spirit will witness through them!

Jesus told His disciples that when they would be charged in synagogue tribunals by the elders, and even by Gentile authorities, they had no need to be anxious about their words of defense or jurisprudence. This is because the Holy Spirit would give them the perfect words at that time. Besides, it is not really possible to prepare adequately for these types of trumped-up situations anyway.

We will be aided in our testimony by the Holy Spirit as our “defense attorney;” and He is very good. God Himself will supply with the words and the courage necessary when we need it.

Trials as Opportunities

Later on, Jesus will teach about such trials as opportunities.

Luke 21:13–15 ESV “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Luke would have us remember that Jesus would be our perfect example in this. Jesus was tried by the Jewish religious authorities (i.e., Annas and Caiaphas) and by the Roman political authorities (i.e., Herod and Pilate). And He gave answers displaying great wisdom and power. Luke goes on to show us the same pattern repeated by Peter, John and the Church in Acts 3-4, and then by Stephen in Acts 7, and then again by Paul in Acts 21-28.

These examples should fill us with courage to speak out regarding Christ Jesus. The Church in history past, and the Church today, reveals the power of the Holy Spirit in action. Some of the most eloquent, bold, and inspiring words of faith have come from ordinary Christians who have suffered, even been martyred.

Besides, has not God amazed you in your times under scrutiny for the Gospel with powerful and wise words that you know could not have come from yourself, but must have come from the Holy Spirit?!

Faithfulness when under interrogation or examination is extremely important; and when the time comes we will trust God and fear God, confessing Jesus Christ, assisted by the Holy Spirit.

Our Lord Jesus Christ comforts us in John 16:33 ESV “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Five Themes Of Consolation

While recently reading Martin Luther’s letters of spiritual counsel to the sick, dying and bereaved I was struck by the helpfulness of his simple and spiritual method.

Luther was comforting and guiding those with severe illnesses, chronic conditions, and sudden tragedies. The recipients were relatives, colleagues, friends and politicians even. He wrote to those who had lost husband or wife, and many whose children had died. 

Five themes from Luther’s letters stood out to me that can help us better help one another through difficult times.

The Sovereignty of God and the Reality of His Goodness

God orchestrates both good events and evil events in our lives, Luther said. He is wise and inscrutable in His purposes, and trustworthy and good as our Father. We must humbly submit to His sovereign rule and will, while at the same time rest in His goodness and faithfulness. We can worship at all times.

Today, we tend to think God only sends us good and that bad just sort of happens. Bad things may come from ourselves or others, or even the devil, but not from God. This faulty reasoning causes much unnecessary pain and confusion. Instead, we should learn to trust Him who rules over all and ultimately will bring good to His children.


The Activity of Satan and the Reality of His Evil

Satan is very active in our world and in our lives to destroy our faith in Christ, to bring doubt and despair and to stir up many other forms of evil. Not only does he use our circumstances against us, but also works through other people and his army of demons. Spiritual warfare is a major part of the story of our lives.

Today, we rarely admit his influence or dare to talk about it. We chose instead to offer secular and naturalistic explanations almost exclusively. This avoidance of the truth weakens our spiritual resolve. Instead, we should learn to make full use of biblical terms, categories and reasonings to fight the good fight of faith. 

The Frailty of Humanity and Our Mutual Compassion

We live as weak people in a broken world. We should extend compassion to others when they are suffering, even if that is all we can do. Tragedy is a part of life and our lives will only be free from it later in heaven and the coming Kingdom. We need to help one another see the larger picture of life and death, and Christ and eternal life.

Today, we are mistaken in thinking that we can change or prevent most troubles in our lives. Consequently, we tolerate too much grief or we allow too little of it. Our grief should be moderated by the hope of the Gospel; and yet, we should give people space and time to grieve appropriately to our common human condition. Instead, we should accept the hard realities of life, and in the midst of them grant people dignity and offer them compassion that directs them to Christ.

The Power of Christ, the Gospel and Faith

Christ is alive! And He meets the needs of His people in their pain, suffering and heartache. The Gospel message brings truth, peace and hope into our life stories. Our faith will be strengthened by meditating upon the Word of Christ and pouring out our affirmation of faith in the Gospel in prayer to God. We will make it through safely and powerfully to the end.

Today, we look too quickly to man-made solutions to solve our physical condition and even our spiritual condition. We explain too much, when what we need to do is recognize that in reality it is Christ who heals both body and soul through His gifts. Instead, we should encourage one another to go to Christ as the healer and find His Gospel and our faith powerful in our circumstances.

Joy and Glory in the Larger History of Redemption

Joy and excitement overtake us when we spend time reviewing the larger history of God’s work in the world and for our redemption. Believe it or not, some of the most comforting passages of Scripture are historical narratives precisely because they lift our heads and hearts to what God is doing.

Today, we look for isolated Bible passages that might apply in a deeply personal way. We are way too introspective and focused on personal meaning in our personal pain. Our story is not the only story, nor is it the most important story in the universe. Instead, we need to find our proper place in His story and rejoice in Him and His glory.

One final observation from Luther’s letters that stands out and one that will help us help others is this. He uses one, two or three Bible verses in each letter, or he refers to a Bible story. He finds examples that are stronger than a person’s current crisis to encourage him or her. He will sometimes share his own experience to identify with another’s pain. Most importantly, in the majority of the letters he reminds the sufferer of the greater sufferings of Christ and His greater victory in the end. 

This is how Luther models for us pastoral care that will help us help others better.

Self-Willed Leaders Are Unfit To Lead

An often overlooked character requirement for Christian leaders comes from Titus 1:7, “he must not be self-willed.” 

It gets overlooked because being self-willed is not always obvious to everyone, and we don’t like calling people “self-willed” or “arrogant.” So, when it appears as a possibility in a potential leader, it is often not seen as that damaging, but dismissed as a strong personality. 

However being self-willed is more than having a strong personality. It describes a person who finds ways to get one’s own way; he who serves himself above others and the mission of the church or organization he is supposed to be serving. 

Examine Behavior Closely

What does a “self-willed” individual look like?

There are many examples that could be given from the evangelical world these days of self-willed individuals who are in positions of leadership or who have fallen out of leadership. We tend to think of well-known public figures, but even more examples will be found in thousands upon thousands of local churches around the world.

In addition to the more common observations, here are a few ways we might identify a self-willed leader or would-be leader.  

• He will not stop pushing his pet issues and projects. 
• She frequently takes passive aggressive actions, subverting and sabotaging.
• He plays the self-assigned role of gatekeeper, controlling other people’s ministries. 
• She just doesn’t care about the negative organizational culture she is creating. 
• He creates his own separate loyal following within the larger group. 
• She is noticeably excessive or extreme in her enjoyments. 
• He is too familiar or inappropriate with those of the opposite sex. 

There are many more examples of selfishness and controlling behavior that could be given. These two qualities of selfishness and controlling behavior define being self-willed.

Confronting the Arrogant Ones

Self-willed and arrogant people are drawn to positions of power. We need to prevent them from leading, remove them from leading and even help them self-correct when possible. How might we do this?

It begins with paying attention, and then bravely calling out those who are self-willed and naming “self-will” for the arrogance that it is. This might start with a personal conversation of confrontation, or it might involve organizational authorities. Either way, this will take courage and may be very costly because we are dealing with powerful people and influential leaders quite often who do not want to hear the truth about themselves.

We need to keep reminding ourselves and others why it is so important not to have self-willed people in leadership—because they will destroy many aspects of many people’s lives. They are dangerous to the organizations they lead and they will lead them to eventual ruin and oblivion if left unchecked. We need to speak up.

There is a good example in 2 Timothy 3 which is given after listing many sins of selfishness in verse 1-4.

2 Timothy 3:5–9 ESV “. . . [Such people have] the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. . . . But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all.”

Another example is found in 3 John.

3 John 1:9–10 ESV “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.”

Trusting God Enough to Say ‘No’

Being self-willed describes a person who finds ways to get one’s own way and serve oneself above others and above the mission. Self-will is a deeply damaging character trait both to oneself and to those around that person.

God promises in the passages of 2 Timothy and 3 John above that He will make sure that the self-willed will not get very far, that they will be exposed and that His authority will eventually be recognized.

Self-willed people are not fit to lead. Saying “no” to them will bring God’s blessing, grace and peace to the larger group. It is of vital importance to trust God by following His clear will for leadership in His churches, and organizations that serve His Mission.

DO NOT FEED (Dogs & Pigs)

How do we know when to stop evangelizing someone?  Is there such a point?

Most of us have great love for an unsaved friend or relative, who does not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We eagerly desire their salvation, and so we share the Gospel with them. We do this over and over, using a variety of approaches.

Yet, the person only seems to get more and more annoyed and even grows in hostility. We wonder: is this my fault or is it simply the result of the Gospel itself? We ask ourselves, “should I stop evangelizing?” Is this even a Christian question?

Jesus Gave a Stopping Point 

Matthew 7:6 ESV ““Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”

The teaching of the metaphor feeding swine and wild dogs is quite straightforward: holy things are not to be given to the unholy. Why not?  Because the holy things, which are the details of the Gospel of the Kingdom, will be trampled and the giver of them will be torn to pieces.

“Dogs” and “pigs” are derogatory terms, since they are unclean animals according to the Law. Here they stand for people who have a proven track record of hostility toward the Gospel of the Kingdom.

These people are relatively easy to identify because of their characteristic way of treating the Gospel. Pigs trample down pearls, (they criticize and ridicule the precious treasure of the Gospel), because it is not the food they want. Dogs eventually spurn the sacred truths they have been chewing on and turn on the one who gave it to them.  

The teaching of Jesus here is that members of the Kingdom are not to let these people have continued opportunity to disgrace the Gospel. The dignity of the Gospel must be preserved at some point in the process of evangelism.

These people have shown themselves to be unworthy of the Gospel by their response of contempt and hardness toward the Gospel. When this level of resistance is reached in the hearers of the Gospel, we are to no longer offer them the Gospel, so that we may go on to reach those who will receive the Gospel with great eagerness and joy.  

Jesus would later instruct His disciples according to this principle:

Matthew 10:11–14 ESV “And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.”

And the Apostle Paul ministered according to this principle in his missionary journeys. Take a look at Acts 13:44-51 when he proclaimed people unworthy; 18:5-6 when he shook out his garments; and 28:17-28 when he indicted people with the words of Isaiah.

A (Spiritual) Wisdom Call

How do we know when the point of stopping is reached? It is a wisdom call. Not human wisdom however, but a spiritual wisdom that comes through the Word and prayer.

We have to proclaim the Gospel first to know into which category people fall. We need feedback from the message. We cannot and should not pre-judge peoples’ response to the Gospel. Once we have their responses we are not to continue to preach the Gospel to those that have proven themselves hard toward the Gospel and contemptuous of it. 

These are not those who are indifferent or mildly unreceptive; we should keep annoying them with the Gospel! These are those who ridicule it without really even listening. They are hostile, even violent, toward the Gospel. 

We do not want the glorious Gospel to be besmirched and ridiculed before the world. We don’t want to bring disrespect to the Gospel by letting people ridicule it. We will not save people by our own efforts no matter how hard we try. We will not honor God’s name among men if we give opportunity to blasphemers.

We also want to be strategic with the Gospel and our efforts in evangelism. We don’t want to fail to proclaim salvation in every situation that we should. We will not be those bringing Good News of salvation, if we stop too soon; and we will not see the power of the Gospel. We want the saving power of the Gospel to be what the world observes!

Prayer is the Answer

Matthew 7:7 ESV ““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

What is the answer? It is prayer. Do not take this too lightly.  Many of us do, and that is why we are often so bewildered. Instead of asking too many questions we should pray!  At least, let us pray first!

It is better to pray too many prayers (if there is such a thing) than to ask too many questions and try to answer them in our own wisdom. Prayer will bring the answer of wisdom in evangelism.

In evangelizing difficult people with the Gospel, we should pray first to know how to approach such a person. Then we should proclaim the Gospel boldly and compassionately, praying all the while in our spirit. Finally, we should consider the response we receive. Consider it in prayer that is, not in human wisdom. 

Repeat these three steps prayerfully, asking each time, “Lord, how much longer? . . .  Will you be pleased to save? . . . Should I continue or move on? . . .  Am I honoring the dignity of the Gospel? . . . etc.” 

When it is time to stop proclaiming the Gospel to certain people for a while, keep praying. Keep praying for his or her salvation, yet remain content in God’s ways of working and His timing. Go find new people with whom to share the Gospel of the Kingdom!

Lampooning The Ludicrous Life Of The Lazy

Have you ever been frustrated by having to give counsel to lazy people? Lazy people give endless excuses for their irresponsible choices in life, as this poem from Proverbs illustrates.

Proverbs 26:13–16 ESV “The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.”

This is the third poem on the sluggard from Proverbs. The other two poems are just as amusing and are found in 6:6-11 and 24:30-34. In fact the book of Proverbs has even more references to this type of fool—he is the favorite fool to mock.

A Ridiculous Fear

This first line revisits 22:13, “The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!”” He stays away from work, or finding a job, or life itself because of irrational fear of dangers out there.

What sarcasm—this is an absurd and extreme excuse to avoid work!  “Lions in the street,” really! What a fool! Sluggards are of full of such outrageous claims to avoid working and responsibility. Notice also that he is accusing the righteous of killing an innocent man by making him work!

Ever heard stories of lions in the streets?  Ever heard preposterous excuses for avoiding life’s responsibilities? Ever heard fantastic reasons why every idea just won’t work in their situation, how their situation is unique to mankind?

Ever heard upside down explanations why others really owe them, and their hard life is because of others? It is other people’s fault, other’s should take care of them and their lifestyle.

Don’t listen to the stories; there is no place for sympathy for a lazy person. And if you really want to help them, you won’t listen to them, even though they will keep on talking.

A Ridiculous Life

The two basics of sleeping and eating illustrate that he is enslaved to thoughts of comfort, “As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.”

The lazy man can’t get himself out of bed, or off the couch. He does as much work as a door on a hinge -- limited range and limited usefulness. He looks like one too, as turns over repeatedly to keep on resting and sleeping.

It is not that lazy people sleep all day necessarily, but that they are given to self-indulgence, ease, frivolity.  They don’t take up challenges; they live life aimlessly and like it that way.

He can’t get food into his mouth because its too painful to finish the task. In 19:24, “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.” You might have witnessed people falling asleep at the dinner table such as tired toddlers, which is often cute.

Our example here is not cute, because the sluggard is awake. He got his whole arm into the bowl of food or dipping sauce up to his elbow in fact, which is a good start. But, he can’t motivate himself to lift his hand to his mouth!  He doesn’t care!

This story is about being surrounded by God’s plentiful provisions, but not enjoying them, not caring about them, not using them as He intended for His glory and one’s good. Our society is one of plenty, and has plenty of ungrateful people, and often so many who are unmotivated.

A Ridiculous Pride

Lazy people really are like this, convinced of their own wisdom about life. They think they have life all figured out, and will often pontificate on the subject.

The poem concludes, “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.” Lazy people think they are wiser than seven wise men, meaning wiser than all the rest of the world!

There is little to no hope for the lazy person. They always have something to say about their situation, a different perspective to provide, and a rationale to meet any objection to be offered.

The lazy give endless excuses and will suck you into their irresponsible lifestyle. If you listen to them, they will work on you and you too will end up with a ridiculous life. Stay away from them.

Lampooning the lazy man is an enjoyable pastime of Proverbs, but also for wisdom instruction.  Most basically, we should learn to identify and handle those who would divert us from wisdom such as the lazy person.

Spending too much time trying to help the lazy person is a foolish waste of time itself.  This is especially the case when the lazy one claims to be a Christian, but won’t do what is right in God’s eyes to honor Christ.

Actually, mocking is probably the best medicine for the fool, though there isn’t much hope for such a person. I have adopted this technique and I think I might have helped a handful of people. Proverbs actually encourages this approach back in verse 5, “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.”

Jesus Gives Rest, The Church Gives Work

Following Jesus Christ is supposed to be restful.

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

So, why does church life seem so busy and burdensome at times?

Who Made You Heavy Laden?

Sometimes it is our churches themselves that pile it on.  Programs are overdone and still find ways to get bigger every time around.  Structures are in out-of-control growth mode.  Relationships come with heavy ongoing expectations and can’t seem to be just normal.  Event after event requires commitment after commitment.  New emphases or themes arrive with each new year requiring refocus or retooling.

Sometimes it is the church’s fault, and we want to escape, or run and hide for a while.  But sometimes our heavy load is our own fault.  We sign up for too many things.  We find our significance in excessive spiritual activity.  We expect too much from ourselves, and then often we are the ones who end up overburdening others with our expectations of what makes for spiritual spirituality.

Shift the Burden, Regardless

If the burden is imposed on us, how might we rest in the midst of the burden?  First of all, we must trust in the Lord’s sovereignty in our situation and not panic.  Next, we need to remind ourselves that the “why” of what we are doing is Jesus.  Then, in repeated times of prayer we must let Him carry the burden for us.  Finally, we should seek to help our church leaders see what is going on and make adjustments for the sake of our church body.

If the burden is self-imposed, how might we rest by lightening our burden?  We should begin by recognizing that it is our doing and not seek to blame others for our over commitment.  Then, we should rethink our personal commitments and what we can give that will most effectively advance the Gospel mission.  Once we have settled in prayer where we need to go, we can responsibly exit some of our commitments.  Finally, we should think and pray through who else we might have drawn into our pseudo-spiritual frenzy, and help them through the same process.

Our Lord Jesus Christ will save us from ourselves and from our religious busyness.  This is yet one more application of Hebrews 4, especially verse 10,  “for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”

We Don’t Always Have To Pray About It

How often do we hear people say “I will need to pray about it” and we wonder why this is really necessary?

Certainly, praying about a decision is spiritually wise and biblically correct.  But, some prayers should be relatively brief and a decision made quickly.

Here are three common mistakes in thinking we need to pray over every decision, with three suggested adjustments.

Avoiding a Decision or a Person

Sometimes people already know their answer.  And often it is the right answer.  But they say they will pray about it to avoid being honest and direct.  Perhaps they are afraid to say “no,” especially if pressured to pray about it, or to say “yes” too suddenly. 

In such cases it is not likely that serious prayer will be performed.  Instead, we should be clear with people from the beginning with a “yes” or “no” and a simple reason why.  This may lead to a deeper conversation and even possibly truly thoughtful prayer about the decision.

Mistaking it for Humility

How can anyone disagree with prayer?!  It is the Christian thing to do to submit to God in prayer.  But I wonder if this type of humble prayer is taking place as often as it is reported.  There are many things in life that we just decide without conscious prayer for direction; and this is fine.

Humble reliance upon the indwelling Spirit of God should allow Christians to make many decisions with confidence, and not use prayer as a means of delay.  There is no need to feign humility and spirituality if it is not needed, or you already know the answer God wants you give.

Denying the Obvious Will of God

Many times, in fact very many times, when people say they need to pray about it they already know God’s will in the matter.  This is tragic.  Because, if God has been clear in His Word, clear in our mind and heart, clear in godly counsel and clear by life’s circumstances, then we should get on with it!  

It is an insult to God and foolish to pray against His will, like Gideon in Judges 6.  Instead, we should pray with great thanksgiving that He has equipped us for the task at hand, and led us so faithfully!

Different Decisions and Degrees of Prayers

Certainly, there are many decisions that require significant amounts of prayer and intense searching before the Lord.  If this is required we should definitely give ourselves to the Lord in prayer.   It takes spiritual wisdom to know the outcomes of an upcoming decision and how to match it to the degree of prayer necessary.

We should challenge others and ourselves when we say “I need to pray about it.”  Do we really need to do so, and for how long?  If we are abiding in Christ, walking in the Spirit, and enjoying our relationship with our Father, then we will find that many decisions can be made without delay and with spiritual confidence and humility.

Good Guys Always Win

In American folklore the good guys always win.  Although this makes for great books and movies, we know that it doesn’t always work out this way in real life.

Maybe Not Today

However, often times it does!  As the book of Proverbs teaches, God very frequently demonstrates His moral order in our lives and our lifetime.  And yet, we also learn from the Bible that the story is not over.  There are many scenes still to be played out in history.

God has fixed a day for His final justice to be perfectly established and His full blessings to be distributed with honor and glory.  Ultimately, the bad guys will get what they deserve, and the good guys will win.

Romans 2:6–8 ESV “He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.”

Ready for Tomorrow

We must also understand that “seeking for glory and honor and immortality” in the above passage from the book of Romans is not built upon a trust in one’s own “well-doing” and power behind it.  Much of Romans is dedicated to debunking this false sense of security and self-righteousness, especially when people trust in their religion to save them.

The seeking for glory, honor and immortality is later revealed in the book of Romans to begin with seeking it by faith in Christ, His Cross and Resurrection.  Then, our continuing seeking for them is by this same faith in Christ, persevering by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation and the life transformation that accompanies it come from God Himself through the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8–10 ESV “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

John 3:20–21 ESV “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.””

The Tremendous Win

Eventually, the degrees of recompense are justly measured out for good and bad deeds.  But also, those who are rewarded have nothing of which to boast except the power of Christ working righteousness through them.

Revelation 2:26–27 ESV “The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.”

In the end, and for all eternity, the good guys do win and win big.

Proverbs 4:18 ESV “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”