‘Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well; however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. ‘ Philippians 3:12-16
I’m not sure where this message meets you and what group you may be reading it in, either on this blog or in a Facebook group, but it is written for one reason and one reason only: to encourage and edify (to build up) the reader.
This is a mini testimonial. I am writing because about eight years ago, during my morning workouts, I would do my daily Bible reading. During that time, the Spirit would bring into my mind other verses that connected to what I was reading. And it would connect to things that were going on in my life and the lives of those around me.
I started writing during that period. It began with a sentence or two and, over about two months, expanded into the messages you read on this blog or Facebook post. As I started posting, people would respond and be encouraged.
When COVID-19 hit, I started posting more frequently due to the discouragement that was occurring at the time, and I have continued ever since.
‘ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.’ Matthew 5:13-16
This world is full of messages that go against what we are called to believe, and I feel compelled to post more frequently. I started by posting on my personal page and expanded to several Facebook groups. Along with that comes people who jump up with all sorts of responses; not all are flattering.
I don’t mind pushback or anyone who doesn’t see it like I do, but recently, there seems to be a level of arrogance associated with it that doesn’t seem to line up with how we are to respond as Christians. And if you discuss it with them, it is their way or the highway.
If we look at how Paul, who I would consider the most learned man on the subject next to Jesus, looked at it, he said, “Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect.”
Paul was humble enough to know that there are mysteries in this that are beyond our comprehension. For us to have the capability to understand everything completely is beyond our ability. The Holy Spirit will reveal to us the things we need to move forward in faith.
Sometimes, He won’t reveal what’s next until we do with something that He has already given us to do.
As I post everyday, I will run into those who feel that they know more than even the Apostle Paul would have known. And they are not short of showing you how smart or wise they are, blasting you with scripture that supports their view, while ignoring verses that speak other wise.
This bothers me.
The reality is that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord is saved.
‘For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved .” ‘ Romans 10:12-13
Here’s a hard truth, there is not a human being in the world who can tell you if you are saved or not. We can observe what people do, but we can not see where a person’s heart is before God.
So we go about comparing our righteousness against the righteousness of another and in doing so, we short circuit the work the Holy Spirit would like to do in our lives.
If we feel that we are more righteous than another, we become prideful and our efforts are hampered.
If we feel that someone else is more righteous than us, and we don’t feel that we could ever attain that level, we throw our hands in the air and don’t even start to work out our salvation.
Here is what the Bible says about our righteousness:
‘For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; And all of us wither like a leaf, And our wrongdoings, like the wind, take us away. ‘ Isaiah 64:6
This verse is from the NASB translation, other translations reference, “filthy rags,” referring to what woman use during their menstral cycle.
The only thing that matter for us is Jesus Christ living inside of us, and that can only happen when God gives us the faith and ability to know where we stand in terms of a Holy God. When this wonderful miraculous event happens, we are consider to be “in Jesus.”
From that point forward when God looks down on us, He sees His Son.
Being that we can not know the heart of another, when we start to treat someone as less than, we could actually be treating someone who is “in Jesus” wrong, in essence treating God wrong.
‘But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the One whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” But when they heard this, they became infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. For, some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or movement is men, it will be overthrown; but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.” ‘ Acts 5:29-39
When Peter and the Apostles were before the High Council, Peter had another opportunity to deliver the Gospel, and this infuriated the them. But one of the wiser members of the council, Gamaliel, stood up and suggested that they let this takes its course because if it were not from God it would not last, but if they were to stand against it and it was from God, they would be opposing God.
This could also be the case with those we run into that we don’t understand where they are coming from.
With the internet being what it is, there are videos of folks constantly brow beating others about what they preach. They will validate what they do by saying that they are to “mark false teachers” etc. etc. but knowing a little bit about human nature, division and controversy garner more views and clicks, which is the real reason for what they do.
And this is what happens when we don’t participate with a local church. And for most the reason they are not involved is because that is where the real work is, that is where it is messy.
‘Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. ‘ Hebrews 10:23-25
Being around others requires the fruit of the Spirit. It requires “long suffering,” the ability to watch others make the same mistake over and over again, until the Lord makes it clear to them. When that miracle happens, their lives will be changed forever, but in this day and age, we want things to happen quick, we want to give fast answers and move on.
All I can tell you is that I am thankful that the Lord never gave up on me. And He asks me to do the same for others.
Another reason we neglect the assembly is that we don’t want others to watch us too closely. We have a facade that we want to protect.
‘Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ‘ Hebrews 12:1-3
Part of being a Christian is working out our faith, and dealing with the sin in our lives. Most have this backwards, they would rather deal with the sin of others while harboring theirs. You can tell them by how quickly they are to point out the sins of those around them. They are also the ones who are quick to point out the errors of another pastors message, picking apart and posting the videos online.
Here’s the truth, we live in a fallen world, sin is running rampid all around us, with every minute that passes, we could point our fingers at another who is sinning. It will never stop until Jesus comes to make things right. This should also reveal to us the immense, unfathomable work that Jesus did on the cross, because He died for all of it.
Our faith should be that God’s plan is working as He set it forth before the foundation of this world. His plan is marching forward in spite of us.
‘Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible. ‘ Hebrews 11:1-3
When our focus goes to His coming, it should change how we act and how we see others. Our hearts should be that everyone come to know His saving grace. Our job is not to be a stumbling block. And this will all come by how we engage with this sinful world.
‘The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.’ 2 Timothy 2:24-26
People will read a message like this and ask where is our spot to call out the wrong things we see? When we become part of the tight knit group that Jesus wanted His church to be, we are to call out the sinful things that we see in another, and they are to do the same for us. This keeps us accountable. But this can only be developed through a closeness that is not found in most churches today.
There are people who move in and out of these bigger churches and are not even noticed. This is sad to me. But it is up to the individual to get involved. God doesn’t force this. He is looking for our willing participation in His church.
Wrapping this up, if you don’t agree with what someone else is saying, take on the attitude that Paul calls us to have. Let’s keep the faith we currently have, and if we find ourselves in conflict with another, let God’s Spirit reveal to the one in error, what needs to be changed about their thinking.
Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well; however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy, forgiveness, and mostly, Your patience with us.
I pray that You give us softer eyes when dealing with those around us. That You give us the patience You gave Jesus who was willing to lay His life down for us.
Your Word says, “There is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for a friend.” And with Your parable of the Good Samaritan, You reveal to us that anyone who needs help is our neighbor and that includes both those who believe as well as those who don’t yet.
I pray that You give me the strength and courage to see it through to the end.
In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen!!
