Personality and Opinion

Why don't people get along? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Another question even more perplexing is this: Why don't Christian brethren get along? This is a difficult subject. It would seem obvious to us that there is no sense in brethren being at odds with one another. But it happens all the time. In fact, it is hard to find a time when there is not some conflict in the church.

The first reason why brethren are often on different pages has to do with variations in individual personality. Some folks just don't click with other folks. They value things differently. Some are talkative and some are quiet. Some are bold to get in your business while others are very private. There are probably some Christians to which we naturally gravitate. There are also probably some Christians with whom we might struggle to have a normal conversation.

The second reason why brethren don't get along has to do with an individual's regard for their own opinion. Some Christian did something they didn't like. Perhaps a brother or sister in Christ hurt their feelings. Or perhaps they are too prideful to admit that their attitude about a particular situation or person is wrong. A lack of Christian behavior over one issue may lead to lack of respect in another. We stop being genuinely friendly. We tend not to trust one another. We hear gossip about a situation that has been elevated to a place it should have never been in the first place. Before you know it, we are so far away from some brethren that we don't even want to see them or hear about them at all.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, "The only sin which we never forgive in each other is the difference of opinion." William Blake once said, "The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind."

It is tragic when even strong, faithful Christians don't get along. I have seen this in every congregation in which I have been a member. At the end of the day, this phenomenon still leaves me asking, "Why?"

Life is too short and eternity is too long for us not to make every effort we can to resolve our differences with others. The church is too precious and our relationships are too meaningful for us to continue to have too much pride to change our hearts and minds.

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. ~ Romans 12:16

Church Clothes

This week my son Daniel wanted to play in the yard when we got home from Sunday worship. We told him he had to change first. He wanted to know why. We told him it was because he had on his "church clothes." There are "church clothes" and there are "play clothes." We didn't want him to ruin his nicest clothes.

This idea is not foreign to any of us. Since you were little, you probably were taught that when it came time to worship, you were to wear your "Sunday best." This does not imply there is a dress code for worship. We know that visitors or non-Christians may come into our assembly dressed differently than most, and this would be fine. As Christians we know that we have the responsibility of giving God the firstfruits. This means God deserves our very best, our very first, and that we make sacrifices in response to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

But I wonder, do "church clothes" really exist? Maybe this is a bad way to describe it. After all, when are we not the church? When are we not to wear the clothes of respect for God, kindness, sacrifice, worship, and praise? In a spiritual sense, some people only wear Christian attitudes on Sunday. I have noticed that these attitudes tend to wear out, sometimes by Sunday dinner.

Our world view is very important. If we really want to please God, our world view and the Biblical view will be one in the same. When we start to become the church, rather than go to church, we will be on the same wavelength with our Creator. When we wear the clothes of righteousness all day long, every day, then we will begin to see that there are some clothes that are suitable for every occasion.

Christians look forward to a better type of clothing that God will supply. They have left the world's attire for better things. Eternally, the church will be clothed with garments that will never be stained or wear out. In that day, will not need to change, but we will all be changed, forever suited to live with and praise our marvelous God.

"For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life." ~ 2 Corinthians 5:4

Your Mark

Robert Orten once said, "A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that 'individuality' is the key to success." When you think about it, he is correct. All over our nation similar ceremonies with similar regalia will be happening this year. Many of the same thoughts like, "changing the world," or "here we come," or "nothing can stop us," or ""we've only just begun," will be heard all over the country. But before you scoff and say it is just the same old ceremony, many parents and grandparents will beg to differ. There may be millions of graduates from different centers of learning, but only one of those graduates is going to belong to them.

Those of us who are older can probably remember the assessment tests that were required by the state. While today everything seems to be computerized, in my day you needed a number two pencil. In honor of assessment tests and graduation, I would like to use some of the guidelines we once went by when we had to take those tests. I hope they will some provide some help for our graduates, as they try to make their mark in this world.

1. Read the entire question before you answer.
Our world is too fast paced. Many of life's questions will come at you quickly. But don't be in a rush to answer before you have considered all the facts. Who will you marry? Where will you live? What will be your occupation? These are going to take some time and prayer. Don't be in such a hurry. It may hurt your overall performance.

2. Choose the answer that best fits the question.
I always hated these questions! Why can't it just be a simple yes or no? And then there were those: neither A nor B, both A and C, none of the above, all of the above questions. I hated those even more! As life went on I discovered that many of the decisions I had to make turned out to be this way. There may not be an easy solution to your next challenge. Do the best you can to give an answer that suits the circumstance. Put your faith in God to help you through the difficult questions.

3. Make your mark dark.
We had number two pencils, and Scantron machines. We had to make sure we filled in the whole circle and that we filled it in dark enough for the scanner to read our test sheet correctly. If a person didn't make their mark dark, their answer wouldn't count. There is a very important analogy here. If you want to make a difference in the world, you need to make your mark with confidence. God only made one you. He has a purpose for you. He gave you a mark that is individual and unique. Make your life count. Jesus made marks that were dark. They went right through His hands and feet. They made an eternal difference. The greatest mark we can make will help others get to heaven. This is the mark of Christ.

The future lies before you
Like a field of driven snow,
Be careful how you tread it,
For every step will show.
~Author Unknown

"That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments." ~ Psalm 78.7

James 5:16

Someone recently asked the question - "I have heard more and more in the past few years that James 5:16 '...The effective , fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much' (NKJV) means that only the prayers of the righteous are heard by God. I personally do not feel that this verse says that. I would like someone to give me some other verses that either confirm or deny this thought. It is hard for me to beleive that God does not hear any prayers unless that person is a righteous Christian. How, then would a fallen Christian gain the faith to become right again? Through prayer? Not if what I am hearing is correct. How about the person that has never heard the gospel and prays something to the effect of 'Lord, please show me what I need to do to be saved' and in time is led the the church? I just want more to back up what I have heard from some and I hope that you can help."

It is important to note that the emphasis of this verse deals with God's inclination to act when a rigtheous person prays. This does not mean God is not listening to all who call on His name. Psalm 33:13-15 says, "The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works." God is looking down upon every soul, hoping that we will respond to His love for us. In this sense God is listening to all men, small or great, strong or weak, ignorant or learned. He takes into consideration all of these matters when a person seeks His face.

In the context of James 5, James is specifically considering the prayer of faith (5:15). In the first chapter James said that if we are to ask God, we should ask believing. If we don't believe, then we shouldn't expect to receive (1:5-7).Then in James 5:16-17, he mentions the faithful prophet Elijah. He points out that this righteous man prayed to God continually and earnestly (cf. 1 kg. 18:41-46). Elijah was just an ordinary man. But his faith was extraordinary. Therefore God, seeing his excellent faith and his fervent spirit, answered His prayer accordingly.

This is the true meaning of "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." It is understanding what God is looking for in us when we pray. God is listening to and considering the works of all men. But he is most inclined to bless those who humble themselves, obey His will, and truly believe in His power.

"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" ~ 1 Timothy 2:8

What You Need to Know About VBS (Part 1)

It is about time that time again. Churches all over the country will be preparing for their annual Vacation Bible School programs. Some congregations no longer take a full week for VBS. Instead, many have elected for a one day Family Bible Day event. Usually these are held on Saturdays. For those who like to attend week-long VBS programs, there will still be plenty of opportunities elsewhere. Some churches will have morning sessions, while others may have their VBS at night.

But, beware which VBS programs you let you children attend. I would think that most of us would know better. But their are some folks that turn VBS into a babysitter. There are parents who let their kids go to VBS's all summer long. This includes denominational VBS programs. While some might think there is no harm in letting their children attend these services, that it can only be good, there is a stark reality that is much different than they might expect.

Over the last few years, in my visits with young families, I have had some very disturbing reports about VBS programs. How would you like to find out after the fact that your 4 or 5 year-old was "saved" or "baptized" at VBS? Many denominational churches are using VBS to add to their number of adherents. They are telling innocent kids who do not yet understand and who cannot understand that they need to be saved during VBS. If you think this is far fetched, I know of couples with young children who found out later that their kids had been "saved" without their knowing of it or discussing it. I can tell you, that these parents realized that they made a big mistake. Their children will not be going back, and we can be thankful for that. But now they are going to have to de-program their kids. This leads to much confusion and discouragement for their children.

VBS has a primary purpose. It is to educate our children, to teach them the basic truths that the Bible supplies. We are building a foundation for our children, so that when they come of age they will know what they must to do be saved and to stay saved. VBS is not for indoctrinating children. It is for equipping them. I think we need to see that there is a big difference betwen these two things.

Parents, please be wise. Do not just send your kids off anywhere. Sending them to a place that is going to teach them false ideas about God and salvation can be even worse than allowing them to go where Satan is more visible. Satan is doing his best work when he appears as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14). Vacation Bible School can be a great experience for children. But parents need to get involved. The church is not your babysitter.

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." ~ Ephesians 6:4

More Teen Violence

Teen violence is a problem on the rise in America. Nearly 40 children are killed on school grounds in our nation every year. They are being gunned down, stabbed, and beaten to death. Sometimes one individual does all the damage, and sometimes, they move in packs.

This morning the Today Show ran the story about the teenage girls and boys responsible for a violent beating of one of their own. This link had been posted but the Today Show was forced to remove it from their website due to usage restrictions. What basically happens is the victim is lured in to a house by some girls who scream at her and beat her for 30 solid minutes. In the meantime, the whole beating was videotaped while two boys stand lookout outside the home. See Teenage Beating.

Consider some of the following statistics:

• 160,000 children skip school each day because of intimidation by their peers. (The National Education Association)
• Two-thirds of young people have been teased or gossiped about in a mean way at least once in the past month. (Study conducted by Families and Work Institute and funded by The Colorado Trust - study polled more than 1,000 youths in fifth through twelfth grades.) Additionally, almost one-third of 6th to 10th graders - 5.7 million children nationwide - have experienced some kind of bullying. (National Institute of Health study released in the Journal of the American Medical Association.)
• Homicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24 overall.
• A study done in 2004 reported that 17% of teens had carried a weapon of some kind to school in the last 30 days. 33% of teens had been in a physical fight with a schoolmate in the last 12 months. 9% were physically violent with their boyfriend/girlfriend in the past 12 months.

There are more statistics. But what is at the heart of the problem? The following factors seem to be a large part of why teen violence is on the rise:

1. Antisocial beliefs and attitudes.
2. Cliques in school.
3. Fame lust.
4. Culture and entertainment.
5. The breakdown of the family.

Number five on the list is the most critical. While every teen needs to learn responsibility, the bigger problem is with what is being allowed by the parents. In the case of the Florida cheerleader pack attack, a mother of one of the culprits tried to defend her daughter's actions on the Today Show. She basically implied that the beaten teenager got what was coming to her. What can we possibly say to that? Only that we hope the state of Florida will also see the need to try the offenders as adults, and allow the law to give them the punishment they deserve.

Parents, guard your children. Teach them respect for authority. Teach them respect for their fellow man. Teach them to love their neighbor. Teach them the vengeance of a perfectly just and holy God.

"The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth." ~ Genesis 6:11-13

A General Lack of Respect

March 30, 2008 marked opening day in Major League Baseball here in the states. As is customary, our president threw out the first pitch. This time it was a special inaugural pitch, the first pitch to be tossed from the mound of the Washington Nationals' new baseball stadium.

Unfortunately, the whole scene became a mockery. George W. Bush was booed by thousands of fans. What should have been a celebration of America's greatest pastime instead was a political statement. It was a general lack of respect for the highest office in our land. I don't want to mince any words here. The fact that the president was booed really bothers me.

I know we are in a very unpopular war right now. I know a lot of people blame George Bush. I don't want to be over there, either. I want all of our service men and women to come home just as much as you do. I know the economy is in straits. I know gas prices are at all-time highs. I would like to see some changes, too. But you don't boo the president. You don't disrespect the office of the president.

What is happening these days in the political realm is a microcosm of the moral slide and ignorance of our population as a whole. The apostle Peter once wrote, "...the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries" (2 Pet. 2:9-10).

I think it is interesting that Peter describes those who conduct themselves with a fleshly mind as those who "despise authority," who are "self-willed," and who "are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries." I believe the point is that there are a good number of people in our land who don't want to be governed at all. The only master they desire is the one in the mirror. They make no sacrifices for the country, but they want all the freedom. They are never satisfied, and they always cry for change.

Whether you agree with the president or not is not the thrust of this article. It is about allegiance to a cause, respect for authority, and couth. America is only going to stay great if Americans will demand that they themselves be great. The same is true for the church. Do you respect your elders, even when you don't agree with them? Do you honor the Bible, even when there are some things with which you struggle? Do you obey the elders, even when you know their faults?

If we cannot respect authority, we cannot be ruled. If we cannot be ruled, we cannot have Jesus Christ.

"Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work." ~ Titus 3:1