Gregory E. Lang's Blog, page 12

Peace and Harmony

When living in harmony with one another, we share the love of Christ and become examples of the goodness that is accomplished in his name. But if living in conflict with one another, we work against his purpose and distract everyone from the message of reconciliation as told in the Gospel. You are called to not just live in peace and harmony in as much as you can control yourself with those nearest you, but you are a messenger, an ambassador, and a peacemaker meant to spread goodwill among all people so that everyone might live together in peace and harmony. I pray that you excel in this endeavor!

Friend, live and encourage a peaceful life. Christ understood that for the Gospel to be made known, believers must be peace-loving rather than quarrelsome so that those who have not yet heard the Word would listen rather than turn away. Don’t participate in or encourage foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they lead to conflict rather than peace. Opposers of the Word must be corrected, but not rudely; rather, gently, kindly, and humbly. Jesus drew people to himself, and in his gentle company, they stopped and listened to his message. Be like-minded, be a purveyor of peace and harmony, and make yourself welcome and heard.

Though it may seem not your place, be willing to step into discord and conflict, especially within your own circle of family, friends, and neighbors, and from a position of neutrality, seek to resolve matters and restore peace and harmony so that division does not get a foothold. Let peace thwart the work of the enemy!

Keep in mind that you yourself are not infallible and without fault, so judge others’ circumstances gently. Show no sign of favoritism, deceit, or exploitation, for such conduct only divides and destroys. Child of God, take a spirit of harmony wherever you go. If you are filled with the love of Christ, peace will reign in your heart and be evident in your words and deeds. There must not be disagreement, separation, or rebellion between you and others, for without peace no one will see and understand the healing reconciliation of the Lord. Let your conduct be thoughtful and wise, and you will stir many neighbors to live in the same way. Do not provoke criticism, annoyance, or rejection, yet say what is honest and best for every occasion and always in a spirit of love sprinkled with grace.

Beloved, you and yours, strive daily to live in harmony with one another. Be sympathetic, love each other as family, and be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to bless is why you were called into the service of the Lord. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

I pray that you always be prepared to answer anyone who asks you to explain the reason for the hope and peace that you have – that you are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ – and that conversation gives glory to God. Amen!

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Honesty

Honesty is a necessary component of relationships because it is the foundation of trust. Mutual trust is essential for any relationship to grow, thrive, and remain healthy. When individuals are honest with each other, they establish mutual trust that they can rely on and believe each other in all situations.

Therefore, my dear friend, simply let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No. Be aware of how simple it is for the tongue to commit a wrong! You are a member of the Christian household, and every member deserves the truth. Do not lie, not even a little. Have faith and trust the results of honoring and defending the truth, the whole truth, especially the truth that salvation is found only through a wholehearted belief in Jesus Christ. If you have uttered any dishonesty, confess it, then turn away from that wrongful practice and conduct yourself as a new and better person, one who values and practices honesty in all your dealings. You glorify God when your honesty uplifts and encourages others, and you dishonor him when you spread falsehoods designed to misrepresent and lead others astray.

I remind you that the tongue can be a soothing comfort or a deadly weapon. Words are either lasting solace or lethal poison, depending on your control of your tongue. Your words should always reflect the good things stored up in you and be pleasing to the Lord. Do not utter both blessing and cursing, good and evil, about those you know and encounter. Such contradictions only insult God, for he made all people, and contradictions discourage your listeners. Your job is one of being an encouragement to others, so think before speaking and use carefully measured yet truthful words.

The challenge with honesty is that sometimes telling the truth can be uncomfortable to both you and your listener. Be not deterred by such discomfort. Rather, pray that God be with you, helping you to choose kind words. You may become tempted to condemn someone you believe to be preoccupied with evil. Be cautious in these times. You may well be right in your assessment of evil, but will your condemnation, even though truthful, result in an opportunity to help another better their circumstances? Will it help you to share the good news of the Gospel? Your Christian walk will always be in the midst of evil and brokenness, yet you are to occupy yourself with all that is good and peaceful. Do this, and the love and grace of God will pervade your heart and be revealed in the words you speak. Do this, and your words will achieve mutual understanding instead of mutual resentment.

You can be your authentic Christian self in all relationships while you practice honesty with a gentle tongue. May the God of peace be with you always, finding pleasure in your honest and careful words. Amen.

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Friendship and Fellowship

Friendship is a gift from God and an important opportunity for sharing the experience of Christian living. Friendship is a way to connect with others, to support each other, to learn from each other, and to grow together in faith. Friends are a reminder that you are not alone in your journey and that through friendship, you will enjoy love, support, and encouragement. True friends are there for one another in good times and bad, offering comfort and help. Make many of these kinds of friends by being one yourself for others.

Making friends begins with remembering that Jesus said, “Love your neighbor.” Wake up every day and ask yourself, “What can I do for my family and friends today?” If, instead, your thoughts are about you, your goals, your dreams, and your ambitions, you are inwardly focused, thinking selfishly rather than selflessly. Yes, I know, it is such a challenge to be selfless, but it is a worthy goal, nonetheless. Encourage your friends and stir them to do good deeds so that your fellowship in Jesus might increase. It is through relationships with others that you will grow in your faith and support others as they navigate their own unique journey. Christ, the perfect one without sin, laid down his life for us, sinners, and in return asked that we give comfort to those in trouble, sharing the comfort that we first received from him. If you love as he loved, you cannot refuse to comfort your suffering brother. Let your love for others be deep and enduring, not shallow and brief, and you will be a good friend indeed.

Remember, to be a good friend may mean speaking an unwelcome truth. Do not hesitate to speak boldly but kindly to your friends and turn them away from false hope and worldly concerns. Do this carefully, with concern and compassion, never with self-righteous scolding. Do this bravely, not fearfully, for speaking up at all on heavenly matters is a confession of how much you care. If you care about them in this life, how much more you should care about them in the next! Be zealous, enthusiastic, and accepting, making the needs of your friends your own and helping them, caring for one another in the same loving fellowship as Christ cares for you. Make yourself welcome with your encouraging and uplifting words. Encourage your friends and stir them to do good deeds so that the cause of Christ may be made stronger in number. You will be richly rewarded when you grow together in Jesus.

It is important to seek and nurture friendships, especially those that help you grow in your faith. On the other hand, bad company corrupts good character, period. Unfortunately, everyone will not want to be your friend. Do not be led astray by the unbelievers who may mock your faith. Turn to the body of believers for your spiritual companionship and fortification, and bask in the fellowship of that safe refuge, for the church and its members are a safe harbor from the pains of darkness. It is better to have a few righteous friends than many friends who would lead you down a path of corruption and deceit. 

Beloved, do not let yourself be upset by what others might say about you. Let them talk. People, especially those who do not share in our faith, are so often vain, hurtful, arrogant, and hypocritical. The world will always be the world, so let the water flow beneath the bridge. All you need to be concerned with is seeking the will of God. Remember, you can’t please everyone, and it isn’t worth the effort. But you can please the Lord. He is your best friend. One moment of his pleasure will heal any wound inflected on you by mere people. Your detractors will come and go, but God is always with you. Amen!

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Listening

My friend, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. It sounds simple enough, but it is a way of relating to others that is nearly impossible to master. It is so difficult because you have a natural tendency to want to be right in all things, and listening seems counterproductive when you already have the answers that satisfy you. Consequently, in your youth, you will surely be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger. Such behavior will only push people away from you, and I doubt that is what you want. I urge you to remember these sayings: Poor listening rejects, but good listening understands, and poor listening diminishes, but good listening lifts up. Thankfully, if it is your goal, you will get better at listening with time.

Good listening requires discipline, concentration, patience, and intentionality, qualities that will come to you slowly but surely if you seek them. I urge you to become a patient and attentive listener. Listening is an important aspect of the Christian walk. You cannot attend to others if you do not hear their needs. It is not just about hearing the words that are spoken to you, but truly listening with an open heart and mind. You should be more interested in listening to others with the goal of understanding than in planning your response. Listening is not about making yourself heard; rather, it is about gaining a profound understanding. When listening with an open heart and mind, you can deepen your relationships with others and gain a better understanding of their needs, hurts, and perspectives — insight you should have if you are to be helpful. Remember, you cannot share good news with anyone who avoids you if you are known to dominate conversations or listen carelessly.

Listening is also an essential component of your relationship with God. By taking the time to listen to God in prayer and meditation, you will gain a deeper understanding of his will and guidance for your life. It is a discipline that requires much practice, but once developed it can bring great benefits to your daily interactions and your spiritual growth. Will God speak directly to you? I do not know. But I strongly believe he speaks to us through his Word. If the Bible is God-breathed, and I believe that it is, then it may as well be him speaking to you as you read it.

The purpose of the Scriptures is to inspire hope in you through the promises and comfort they offer to those who live for God. Everything that was written was written to teach you so that through the encouragement of the Scriptures, you might become fully equipped, able to teach the Gospel to others and to discourage its opposers. When reading your Bible, listen to what it says!

I pray that you listen well, both to God and man, and glorify God in all other things that you hear and answer to. Amen.

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Judgment

Child of God, do not judge others. It is a tempting thing to find fault and error in others, but judgment does not build others up. It is easy to assume that you know better or have all the answers, or worse, that you may be a better person than another. Such thoughts are not beneficial. You must remember that you yourself are not perfect, so take care not to offend others with harsh judgment lest you be judged as well.

Rather than judge, be gentle with others, lifting them up with your kind words and deeds. Do this, and you will be blessed with many friends. It is said a house divided against itself cannot stand; neither can the body of believers. Put aside differences and unite as believers, strengthening each other and the church for the sake of Christ. Avoid rash judgments and a desire to find fault in others. God respects moral character, not appearances, wealth, or earthly rank. Put aside all temptation to judge others and rid yourself of this unrighteous behavior. And guard your mind, or it will wander in the direction of thinking more highly of yourself than others.

As a Christian, you are called to love and accept all people, regardless of their actions or beliefs. Instead of judging, strive to show everyone compassion and understanding. In everything you do, help those who are weak in strength, self-control, and faith. Bear with their shortcomings; do not exploit them. And remember Jesus’ compassion for those unable to help themselves except by their dependence on him. Do this always, not just when it serves you well. To judge is not only unjust but also decidedly unfair. Look to the interests of all others and earn respect for your impartial, equitable character rather than contempt for your unfair and biased ways. Your lack of judgment will be seen as an increase in your grace.

I know you want to ask me if it is realistic to never judge anyone. Let me remind you that God gave you the power of discernment, and Christ said to be sly while living in the broken world. There are times when judgment is necessary, but only when necessary to reach an honest evaluation about a person or situation so that you might do or say the right thing, and never to belittle someone else so that you might puff yourself up. Jesus asked you to stop searching for the shortcomings of others and to look inwardly to examine your heart and motives. He knew that if you focus on your own faults and weaknesses instead of those of someone else, you would become more empathetic with your neighbors, perhaps even your enemies.

Do not forget that justice belongs only to the sovereign Lord. Rid yourself of a wrathful mind. If it is possible, as far as you have any say or influence in the matter, live at peace with everyone. Do not forget that your own actions and thoughts will be judged just as harshly as those you may judge. By refraining from judgment, you will show love and forgiveness to all, just as God shows love and forgiveness to you.

Finally, while it is right to hate sin, it is not right to hate the sinner. It is God’s job to deal with the sinner, and your job to love and accept all, even those who may not believe or act as you think they should. Again, refrain from judgment, offer grace, and you will become an example for others to follow. May you always be known for your unbiased and benevolent behavior, and your increasing effort to think generously of others. Amen.

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Envy

Friend, do not fall in with the customs of those who walk in the lusts of the flesh and give the best share of their attention and effort to earthly things. You have a treasure that will never rust or decay, a treasure stored up for you in Heaven, one that lasts in eternity. What treasure is better than what you already have? The children of God live not to please the cravings of the flesh but according to the incorrupt nature of the Spirit. Therefore, worldly treasures should not captivate and rule over you. Neither should any of the blessings that others may enjoy, be they beauty, creativity, influence, or acclaim, result in your envy. Those blessings may seem attractive or valuable, but they are fleeting because they are of the world and cannot last forever.

To envy or covet is to not be content with what the Lord has given you. To envy is to indulge a desire for more, to have a longing for worldly things, accompanied by dissatisfaction with your present circumstances. You will discover envy within yourself if you realize you prefer worldly excess to righteous moderation. If you keep all your earnings for your own profit instead of making generous or sacrificial offerings for the benefit of others, you are motivated by envy. If you spend all your time and talent seeking the praise and rewards of men rather than pursuing the glory of God and the interests of the church, you are motivated by envy.  When you covet, you assign a higher priority to your own interests and pleasures than to God. When your own satisfaction becomes your primary goal, you have taken on an idol, and it is you.

Envy is a destructive emotion that can lead you away from God and your purpose in life. It relentlessly increases the feeling of not being content with what you have been given. Be cautious, because envy often comes from a desire for things that you do not truly need. As a Christian, you are called to practice gratitude and contentment in all circumstances. Your Christian duties cannot be performed out of unselfish love and unambitious intentions when you suffer with envy. Envy can be a difficult emotion to overcome, but by focusing on gratitude and thanking God for his present blessings, you can resist the urge to envy.

Dear friend, be content with present things, with present riches or present poverty, with present benefits or burdens, with present affirmations or reproaches. Your contentment with these things shows itself in your thankfulness for every tender mercy, and by your eager submission to the will of God in every state and circumstance of your life.

I remind you, we have treasures in Heaven that cannot be measured; it is promised to us and awaits you now. Knowing what lies ahead, an immeasurable treasure that cannot be taken from you by any man, you can and should be content with what you now have in this temporary world. But more than that, you have the gracious presence of God with you, now in life, later at death, and then forever after in Heaven. What can be better? Amen!

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Falling Away

There is no experience more painful than grief over the loss of a dearly loved one. That pain is so penetrating it cuts not only through the heart but into your faith, too. Sadly, grief will not be the only challenger of your faith. You will experience bitter disappointment or may suffer an unjust consequence or violence. You might even lose your health or abilities to injury or disease. When suffering like this after having given yourself to Jesus and trying so hard to walk the good walk, it would be understandable that you find it difficult to hold onto your faith.

There may be other reasons your faith is attacked, for the enemy is an insidious beast. You may think you are doing all the right things as a believer but do not see the promised blessings coming to you. You may pray passionately and often and think that God does not hear you or care to answer you. Perhaps there is no joy in your acts of service because no one seems to be grateful for your efforts. Maybe a friend demeans your faith and worship and belittles you in such a way that you wonder if Christian living is a worthy endeavor. At some point, one or more of these circumstances will become yours. Your spiritual strength will become weak, and you will wonder what to do or where to turn. You might even tell yourself you no longer believe.

Friend, we all have seasons of doubt, and when you are in that season, know that you are not alone. Many people begin to lose faith in God following cruel or unbearable life experiences. Feeling frustrated when your life takes an unexpected turn is understandable and okay. It is okay to be angry at God when you think he is not listening to you. But when you feel this distance from God, remember that he is not at all distant from you. His presence is constant, and he is closer to your situation than you may think. This is the time when you should call out to him. Bring to him your pain, frustration, and unmet expectations, knowing that he is a good Father and he cares about your concerns. He won’t shame or condemn you. Be honest with him because he already knows what you think and feel. He is not angry with you for having doubts or struggling with unbelief; he understands your weaknesses and has compassion and empathy for you in these moments.

This may seem counterintuitive, but when you feel as though you are falling away from God, kneel and pray. Confess your unbelief and ask that it be restored. Continue to worship him. God wants you to reach out to him in faith, even when your faith seems to be slipping away. He wants you to trust him even when it seems there is very little reason to do so. Summon up the resolve to continue your relationship with God. He will not refuse you but will welcome you back, for he promised that all who seek him will indeed find him.

My friend, do not keep your failing faith a secret and attempt to restore it by yourself. God wants you in fellowship with other Christians so that you can be helped when you are burdened. The more you hide and pretend, the worse the challenge will become. I am, as are your other friends in Christ, ready to pray with you and encourage you through the time. Share your doubts with someone strong in the faith who would have the wisdom and discernment, as well as the compassion, to guide you back to belief. Not only will you experience the blessing of working out your faith with someone who desires your success in that endeavor, but you might also be surprised and helped at the same time to learn that even the most passionate evangelists have experienced falling away from God. 

I pray that you never begin to fall away, but should you, let a brother or sister help you, my friend. You will be reminded that grace is unmerited, and Christ’s love is unconditional; and because of that, you have not, nor cannot lose your salvation. May knowing that people are interceding on your behalf give you the determination to be restored to the initial joy you had when you were sure of God and trusted his ways. May the Holy Spirit bring you peace and solace and fill your thoughts with the goodness of God. And may all the angels sing when the lost sheep is found! Amen.

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Loss and Grief

Friend, life is full of contrasts and juxtapositions. We will travel over mountains and go through valleys. We will enjoy pleasures and will suffer toils. We will have both victories and losses. One of the most challenging contrasts a man will wrestle with is this: how can a loving and compassionate God permit a loved one to die and break our hearts in such a devastating way? It is permissible to ask this question, and I have done so myself. I remember well my first heartbreak after losing to the grave someone dear to me. Grief is a powerful, even tormenting, emotion, one that Christ himself experienced at the loss of a friend. Yet, Jesus did not weep over the death itself because he knew his friend, Lazarus, would soon be raised from the dead, and ultimately, they would enjoy each other’s company again in eternity in Heaven. The tears of Jesus were actually tears of joy.

We have this same hope for each other and all those we love who also believe in Christ. You must hold onto this truth to help you bear with your suffering in grief, and you must teach it to everyone, especially those you love so dearly. You now live in a broken world, one that is beneath Heaven and less in every way than our glorious future home. Unfortunately, our broken world includes all the painful consequences of sin, even death, and you must endure them for a time. Your sins deserve all manner of griefs and sorrows, even the most severe. You are saved from ruin, however, by the grace you have in Christ, who took your sins and just punishment upon himself. If you believe in him, you, too, have victory over death and will rise to live and love again. Joy in everlasting life is the great reward for the Christian. The joy you will have in all that awaits you in Heaven more than outweighs all the causes for your sorrows today.

I must warn you that my words here are easy to accept when you are not in the depths of sorrow, but it will be quite a different matter when your heart is broken with grief. You will be tempted to pray that God will not take your beloved child or companion. In that time, you must remember that making your requests with confidence does not mean that God will grant everything you might ask of him. If your request is not consistent with his will, when one of the most passionate and legitimate prayers of your life seems to go unanswered, you may feel abandoned and think God has let you down. Your faith may be shaken so badly that you doubt all the wonderful things I have been teaching you. This is an understandable reaction, and I assure you, a temporary one. Your pain will never be completely gone because you will always be aware of a beloved one’s absence. But just as you might be filled with eager anticipation about the arrival of a cherished guest here on Earth, you can have that same anticipation about a reunion in Heaven. It may take your heart a bit to mend and begin to feel this anticipation, but it will come, and what a relief it will be for you.

Child of God, you will not be spared grief, but thanks be to Christ, neither will you be denied reunion. Believe this, and you will be uplifted by hope. May the unbelievers marvel at your composure as you suffer loss and grief and come to you begging to understand the reason for the hope that you have. Godspeed in that moment!

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Worry and Doubt

Beloved friend, take heart and do not worry. I know that is easier said than done, but worrisome thoughts distract you from that which you should dwell on, your Father in Heaven. So do your best to conquer your worry. There is much in life you cannot control, and there will be mysteries for which you may never find answers. So if you give in to worry, it will be your shadow, always following you. God cares for all of his creation from the birds in the sky, to the lilies of the field, to you. It is true that all things are not good, but God is working all things out for your good. Have faith that his plan for you is a good plan and believe that he does not want you to be made ineffective with worry and doubt.

Like worry, doubt is the handiwork of your enemy. Doubt about the truth of God will lead you to doubt that he was able to part the Red Sea, there once was a day longer than twenty-four hours because the sun did not set, Jonah survived in the belly of a whale, Jesus turned water into wine, and more than that, he rose from the dead. When you dismiss these and other miracles on the basis of their challenge to your powers of reason, you put aside the very evidence given to you that God is greater than anything you can comprehend. So, set aside worldly reason and just believe in God. Believe that God is God and, therefore, not limited to what you or I can understand. Praise him that he is grand on a scale far beyond our comprehension!

God gave you life, and he will see that it is nourished, if you would just trust in him. Turn away from worldly concerns, call on the Lord, and all things needed will be given to you. Do your duty with a full trust in God that he will see that you do not go without necessary things. Instead of worrying, lay your case before God, not as a complaint but with thanks for his mercy, and you will find the peace that comes after putting all in the hands of the one who is able and willing to help you prosper in righteousness.

Remember, worry and doubt are common struggles that stem from a lack of faith in God and his provision for you and can negatively affect your spiritual growth and relationship with him. Worry and doubt can be difficult to overcome, but by focusing on your faith in God and bringing your worries and doubts to him in prayer, you will find peace in him. It is equally important to remember that God is in control and that he has had from the beginning of time a most thorough and appropriate plan for your life. Put your faith in and seek peace of mind in him. On that foundation, you can overcome your worry and doubt. There is no need for anxiety when you place your trust in God’s good plan for you.

However, I urge you to be patient about this matter. God hears your prayers and pleas but answers in his own time. As with any trial, you must have patient endurance as you work through the strengthening of your confidence in God. Do not in impatient haste throw away your confidence but hold yourself up in unrelenting prayer. In time, when you have resisted doubt and believed God, you will be richly rewarded for your righteousness. May it always be so!

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Trials and Suffering

I must tell you, there will be trials and suffering throughout your life, but take courage, for God is with you! Life includes pain and disappointment, so we must learn to bear with and endure suffering with expectancy and patience. Much suffering will come through no fault of your own, and it must be endured, not fought off as if it were unjust in its consequences. You can bear it with peace. To bear it bitterly and unwillingly only increases its weight. To think yourself undeserving during suffering is to resist the purpose of the trial. If you recognize the opportunity to submit to the will of God, the trial mercifully lightens as its purpose and profit are revealed to you.

Living a good life does not depend on continuous health and happiness but on understanding that what God has in store for you in time to come far exceeds any suffering you might endure today. Trials will remind you of your dependence on God. They are not designed to confound and discourage you, but to reveal your faith and will to you. God will make use of trials for your own good, to teach or show you something he knows will be to your ultimate benefit. We cannot see the extent of our future trials but be assured God supplies you with the strength and grace necessary to endure all trials. Even though your body or mind may waste away or be threatened with death, your spiritual strength will be constantly renewed if you depend on God and trust in what is unseen and yet to come.

You will also experience suffering simply because you are a believer in Christ. You will experience unpopularity, persecution, ridicule, sacrifice, and the toil of the Christian life. You could understandably think God’s plan for you is always going to be a “good” plan, one with the intent of making your life overflow with joy and abundance. Yet, that is not true, for the Lord disciplines those he loves. Please understand his plans are not just to benefit you alone. He very likely intends to use you to teach or bless those around you. 

God has a hopeful end in mind for you, if only you would wholeheartedly submit to him and wait patiently for it. In all conditions of life, it is our duty to live peaceful lives, patiently leaving it to God to work deliverance for us in due time. He will give us not the expectations of our fears but the expectations of our faith. What we receive, he has promised, will be what is best for us.

Always be prepared to give an answer when asked to explain the hope that you have during trials and suffering. Even if you should suffer for doing or saying what is right, you are blessed. If it is God’s will, a harvest of righteousness and peace is your reward for not becoming weary of doing what is right. Evil will try to undo good works, but boldly facing evil strengthens what is good. Give in to your trials, and you begin to turn away from God. But remain faithful and pray to the Lord, and your appeals will be heard. You and your faith will be strengthened as a result of your trials and suffering. Remember, the Christian life has a certain blessedness that runs through it, ultimately concluding in your immeasurable joy. May you hold on to see this day! Amen.

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