Gregory E. Lang's Blog, page 9

Work

Everyone is to work so that he might provide for himself and not be a burden to others, but also, and perhaps more importantly, to be able to help others in their time of need. In all that you do, you are a representative of Christ; therefore, in whatever work you apply yourself, do it with all your heart as though you are working for the Lord. To this end, spare no time, self-denial, or effort, for it pleases the Lord when you do your work well. Work is not only an opportunity to serve God and others, but it also allows you to fulfill your purpose on Earth. By using your talents and abilities to work, you fulfill the purpose that God created you for. Your work is a way to serve and make a positive impact in the world for the increase of glory to God.

Do as much as you can in line with your blessings and abilities, no matter how high or low the task may be, with joy in your heart, knowing you are a model of Christ’s great love and mercy. You cannot do everything, but you can do something. Do something and do it well, even if the task seems small. The good deeds demonstrated in the course of your work may well be a pivotal moment of inspiration to someone else.

Friend, you are also called to be a responsible steward of the gifts and talents that God has given you. This includes using your abilities and resources to work for the betterment of yourself, your family, and your community. Through your commitment to work, you have the opportunity to serve and glorify God. You are blessed with gifts as you are best able to use them, just as others are blessed with different gifts for different uses. God’s gifts to us vary in manner and form, but all should be committed to the service of the Lord. Use your gifts in your work, and you will find delight in your labor. This pleases the Lord.

Consider this — to occupy yourself in honest labor is the best remedy for a dishonest life. I do not think you are dishonest, but I do think the avoidance of work leads to scheming thoughts and worse, manipulation of others for selfish benefit. Both are harmful to your growth as a Christian. Instead, work hard so that you might become better able to help others. To do something for someone in need is pleasing to Christ. When you do for others, your good deeds motivated by faith will be witnessed by many. This, too, pleases the Lord. Lend your helping hands as often as you are able, doing whatever is needed. If you render good service anywhere to anyone, the Lord will see that you are rewarded.

Friend, there is no doubt that, at times, work may seem fruitless and exhausting. I tell you, that may be the time that you should lean into it more. Work teaches discipline, responsibility, and perseverance. These are important qualities for leading an exemplary Christian life. Laziness is not a virtue, and neither is taking advantage of others so that you might work less. I encourage you to work and work hard. I pray you find joy in your toil, so much joy that your work hardly seems like toil at all. May it be so!

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Patience

Friend, the Lord is full of compassion and mercy but works in his own time. Resist impatience, stand firm in your conviction, and remain confident as you wait. The faith that endures earns the crown. Remember God’s promise: he will not burden you with more than you can bear. Under God’s plan, all things, even your sorrow, trials, and persecutions, work together for your blessing.

Do nothing that would discourage others from turning to Christ, but instead, let the Holy Spirit use you to inspire others to follow Christ. If your heart is filled with love, patience will be one of your defining qualities and the reason why others draw nearer to you. Your abundant patience with others leaves time for anger and impulse to fade away. Pray that your patience will increase, for you will certainly need much more than you might think.

Patience is a virtue that is often easier described than lived out, but it is a virtue that is so necessary for your spiritual growth. Patience allows you to wait on the Lord and to place your trust in him. In this fast-paced world, it can be difficult to slow down and wait for things to unfold in their own time. But as a Christian, you are called to have patience and trust in God’s timing and plan for your life. It is important to remember that God’s timing is not your own. You must be patient and trust that he will bring about the best result in his perfect timing. In praying for increased patience and faith, your relationship with God will deepen, and you will find peace in knowing that he is in control of all your circumstances.

Patience will help you to control your emotions and reactions, rather than leaving you to act impulsively. Patience allows you to take a step back and consider a challenging situation from a broader perspective, rather than getting caught up in the narrow focus of an emotional moment. Patience can help you to understand and empathize with others, rather than to judge or criticize them quickly and harshly. Patience helps you to persevere and bounce back from difficult situations, rather than giving up easily. Patience will help you to trust in God’s plan and timing, rather than trying to control everything with your own means and plans. Have patience, and you will have peace. Have I convinced you yet of the importance of patience?

Remarkably, when your faith is tested, your patience has an opportunity to grow. Friend, this means that patience and faith go hand-in-hand. Through trials and difficulties, your patience and faith will be tested, but if you trust in God and have patience, you will become stronger in your faith. Be faithful and patient and submit to his timing, and he will not forget you nor lead you astray. Amen.

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Service

Friend, Christ demonstrated his love by serving others. Everywhere he went, he took care of the immediate needs of all whom he encountered. He did not first require their acknowledgment of his deity or expect something in return for his deeds. He simply took care of people as he saw the need to do so. You should do likewise. Do good deeds simply because good deeds need to be done, not to gain recognition from men or rewards in Heaven. It is the deed motivated by grace and humility that shines and pleases God. Be careful not to do righteous and generous things only because you seek applause and praise. Take an honest look at your motives and choose to humble yourself before others, for God lifts up the humble servant. Remember that it is one thing to serve others motivated only by the goal of being a good person, and quite another to serve because you are moved by deep Christian love. The latter is much more noble than the former. The call to all Christians is to do good deeds, with those deeds wrapped in love, not for any personal gain whatsoever, including self-satisfaction (even praising yourself in your private thoughts is to seek your own glory). Recall your purpose and do good deeds to bring glory to God.

Let me point out that there are many burdens: financial, spiritual, emotional, and physical. To the extent you are able, help lighten others’ burdens, whatever they may be. Serve not because you must but because you are willing and eager to be of help to your fellow man, your neighbor, in honor of Christ. Again, Christ demonstrated his love by serving others, and he offered his life to save yours. Therefore, with a heart grateful for your salvation, care for others, serving them as often as you can, all the while urging them on to their own good deeds. When you are serving others, not only can you put your faith into action and help others see the ways in which God is working in the world, you will find opportunities to explain why you do what you may be doing. Blessed be the day that you explain to someone that it is not your goodness, but Christ alive in you — that is the reason for your service.

I should remind you that you, just as I am, even though saved in Christ and committed to Christian ideals, are a broken person as long as you are alive in this world. That means that you will continue to wrestle with things that are not holy, including anger and resentment when someone appears ungrateful for what you have done for them. Be careful here, for that reaction is fueled by selfish judgment that all too quickly may lead to wrath. It is best to be merciful in your thoughts. Perhaps your beneficiary does not know how to express gratitude or is slow to trust your motive. Be patient and forgiving, and continue on in willing service knowing that God in Heaven is pleased with you. Remember always that he is who you serve, and your deeds are never unnoticed. May all the angels rejoice as they witness your acts of service! May the Lord be pleased to greet you with these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Amen.

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Generosity and Sacrifice

Child of God, the Lord gave himself for you, what shall you give for him? All that you have is not your own but was provided to you by God. He created everything; nothing is the handiwork of man outside the influence of God. Yes, he even invented money. And money, as well as anything else you have, is provided to you not only to assure your comfort and entertainment but also to prosper you so that you may be a help to others. Make the needs of others your own and help them, giving freely and cheerfully. Share what he has given you, and, in the process, please and honor him who has made you rich in Heaven.

Jesus told us to use our earthly resources to gain friends by making a real difference in their lives, and then lead them to him. Therefore, do not hold on tightly to what you have been blessed with, but share it for the greater good. The resources that God has entrusted to you should be used honorably and in a manner that is glorifying to him. To share is more than being nice; it is a form of thanksgiving and praise. Make the needs of others your concern and share as needed to provide relief from an immediate crisis. Let me emphasize share as needed, which may be more than you think you can let go of. Friend, letting go is the very point. Do not hoard for yourself for that brings no glory to God. Give, and then give some more. Such sacrifices please the Lord and bring glory to his name. Share more than just your treasure and possessions, but your heart, counsel, talent, and time, too. Your free and cheerful sharing of God’s gifts to you will indeed be a blessing to others, and to you as well.

Be careful to avoid using charity to heap praise upon yourself or to manipulate others for your devious uses. Generosity without God in it may be your way of seeking praise, to prove to yourself and others what a good person you are, or to gain an advantage. If these are your motives, your reward will be fleeting. Greed and ambition are worldly strivings that will only bring discontent to your heart. Your inner peace will be destroyed by a heart of discontent if you are spurred on in the pursuit of your own glory.

Every day, you will be tempted to think of and take care of yourself first. Does your mind busy itself with obsessions about how others may benefit you? Are you willing to sacrifice someone for your gain, or yourself for the sake of someone else? When you are faced with these questions, ask yourself, “Who is able to fill you with significance, man, or God?” Why would you be willing to be poured out and left with less in the evening than you had in the morning? Because it pleases the Lord. Why does it please the Lord? Your willing sacrifice of any of your resources shows that you have freed yourself of selfish motives and chosen to live a life aiming only to please God. When you are motivated only by your love of God, no sacrifice is too great, and no humiliation too painful. Sacrifice for the benefit of others out of reverence for Christ and give freely and unselfishly as he gave himself freely and unselfishly for you. Friend, set aside today any thoughts of worldly rewards and remember that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Do not hesitate to give yourself away, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. May he always be well pleased with you! Amen.

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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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