Colin S. Smith's Blog, page 96

Seven Habits to Help You Fight Comparison

“If only” are two of the deadliest words in a Christian’s vocabulary. If only I looked like her. If only I had as much money as him. If only my kids were as well-behaved as theirs. If only I could speak, work, cook, travel, think, do, be like someone else.

We are plagued by comparison.

We compare our bodies, our jobs, our families, our skills, our stuff, our intellects, in an ever-increasing desire for complete satisfaction. We want to be attractive, successful, and happy. So we measure ourselves against the people around us. But instead of resulting in contentment, our comparison delivers compulsive jealousy, pride, and shame.

We envy those who are “better” than us, and we look down on those who are “worse” than us. And once we’ve started comparing ourselves, we slide into a bitterly insatiable cycle. The more we compare ourselves, the more we need to compare ourselves. It’s an addiction. We’re on a quest for acceptance and joy, but are paralyzed by the pressure to look, do, and be better than the people around us.

Because of this, we are distracted from our purpose, mission, and need to pursue holiness. This is why comparison is so deadly.

Comparison Is Anti-Gospel

But comparison isn’t just unhealthy for Christians; it’s downright antithetical to the faith we profess. The gospel is a message of radical acceptance—but it starts with recognizing we are not okay. We’re not beautiful, worthy, successful, perfect, or better than anyone else. We’re all sinners, every one of us. But in Christ, God has accepted us. He cleansed us, clothed us, saved us, changed us, loved us, adopted us—and he fulfills us.

As Tim Keller famously said,

The gospel is the good news of gracious acceptance…Christians who trust in Christ for their acceptance with God, rather than in their own moral character, commitment, or performance, are simul iustus et peccator – simultaneously sinful yet accepted. We are more flawed and sinful than we ever dared believe, yet we are more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope at the same time.

The God of the universe has accepted us! Why would we try to find our value in being better than another human? I believe the search for acceptance is ultimately at the root of our comparison. We want to be better than others so we can be loved more. We think, “If I was prettier, smarter, wealthier, a better parent, spouse, employee, I would be loved.”

But we have been accepted, and nothing we do can change that. Yet comparison rejects the humble glory of the gospel and says, “No, that’s untrue. I need to work harder.”

Seven Habits to Help You Fight Comparison

So how do we get out of this self-destructive trap? How do we break the cycle? Ultimately, we embrace our identity as children of God, wholly accepted and loved. But how do we get to that place?

First, we have to recognize that it’s not an overnight cure or a magical mental shift. Instead, change comes from intentionally cultivating holy habits that fight the lure of comparison.

Here are seven of these holy habits to pursue:

1. Feast on gospel-truth.

Get in God’s Word and marinate your mind in gospel-truth. Read and reflect on and apply what you read. Get your strength and sustenance for each day from this living, active book.

2. Look for your comparison, and confess it.

Start intentionally looking for what triggers your comparison. Are there regular rhythms or moments when you struggle with it? Identify them, notice them, and repent of them. Recognize comparison for the sin it is, and run from it.

3. Surround yourself with humble teachers.

Listen to the people who are not marked by insecurity, comparison, and envy. Take counsel from the humble. Surround yourself with those who are generous and big-hearted and who love others deeply.

4. Read books that challenge your self-focus.

As I’ve struggled with my tendency to compare myself to others, two books (after the Word of God) have hugely helped me. The first is New Morning Mercies, a daily gospel devotional by Paul Tripp, and the second is The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller. Both of these books recognize that we humans have a self-focus problem and seek to re-orient our perspectives by giving us practical (and kind) help in pursuing humility.

5. Train yourself to love better.

Instead of using people as measuring sticks against yourself, take steps to treat them as image-bearing individuals. Serve them. Pray for them. Do good to them. Encourage them. Give to them. Sacrifice for them. And see your attitude toward them change.

6. Cultivate gratitude.

We compare ourselves because we are discontent. Fight comparison by nurturing daily thankfulness. Start noticing small mercies. Include specific times of gratitude in your prayer time. Pay attention to all the ways God is showing his grace to you.

7. Remind yourself of your identity in Christ.

In other words, preach the gospel of acceptance in Christ to yourself. You are fully known and fully loved by your Creator God, and nothing can change that. As you seek to combat comparison, rejoice in the gospel. This is the only thing that has the power to break the chains of jealousy, pride, shame, and self-focus, and free us to live satisfied, content, and happy in Jesus.

[Photo Credit: Lightstock]

RELATED POSTS:

Break Free from the Comparison Trap
The Three Sins Behind Your Discontent
Don’t Listen to Yourself – Talk to Yourself

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In Your Trials, Trust God

A cancer diagnosis took me completely by surprise 12 years ago. I was perfectly healthy and had no risk factors. I was processing my questions with a mature Christian friend when she said, “It’s almost a complement, don’t you think?” She was saying that God had allowed this trial and that he knew I would be faithful.

I wasn’t so sure.

Have you ever wondered what God is doing or where he is in a difficult situation? We are not the only ones who have struggled with God’s apparent absence. In fact, we are in good company. Mary, Martha, Lazarus and Jesus were good friends, but Jesus wasn’t there when they needed him most.

When Jesus Didn’t Heal

Most of us remember the story of task-oriented Martha getting frustrated with Mary, who couldn’t tear herself away from Jesus’s teaching (Luke 10:38-42). Later they were at dinner with Jesus, and we see a similar portrayal of their personalities:

Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:2-3)

In between those two episodes, their brother Lazarus died.

Lazarus was desperately sick, and his sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick” (John 11:3). They knew that Jesus had healed countless people; surely they thought Jesus would heal their much loved brother. But Jesus was a surprising no-show.

Jesus didn’t heal him.

When Jesus didn’t arrive the first day, they might have been thinking he got held up somehow. The second day, they were probably puzzled—maybe even angry.

Martha’s first words upon seeing Jesus, after Lazarus had been dead four days, were “Lord…if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21). Mary said the same thing when she greeted Jesus.

Trust God’s Plan

We know what Mary and Martha didn’t know. Jesus knew exactly what he was going to do, and that “this sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory…” (John 11:4). He waited on purpose.

No doubt, Martha and Mary would’ve appreciated some communication to ease their minds, explain the delay, and reassure them Lazarus would be all right. But Jesus didn’t do that. Jesus rarely does that.

God’s plan is perfect, and he has no obligation to give us the details. But we trust him.
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When I had cancer, it would’ve been nice if God had let me know what to expect—but he didn’t. Like everyone else I waited for test results and doctor’s appointments, endured treatment, prayed, and trusted. I knew God was with me—of that he had assured me—but that’s all I knew.

God’s plan is perfect, and he has no obligation to update us with the details. Therefore we trust him.

Focus on What You Know

When Martha said Lazarus would be alive if Jesus had been there, Jesus gave her no explanation but said, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha, knowing her theology, said she knew Lazarus would rise again at the last day. When Jesus responded with the familiar verse, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies…,” Martha proclaimed that Jesus was the “Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” She was sure of that.

Mary also greeted Jesus with the fact that he could have prevented Lazarus’ death, and then she wept at Jesus’ feet. Mary’s emotional response was just as stirring as Martha’s excellent theology, and Jesus was “deeply moved.” He wept (John 11:35).

These two women knew Jesus, loved him, and knew what he had taught them. Yet, God used their brother’s illness and death, knowing it would bring them devastating grief, to demonstrate Jesus’ power over death.

I don’t know if my cancer was in any way a compliment, but I believe that God allowed it for his purpose. I knew he was in it, that he had a plan, and that I was to trust him. I know he was enough.

For the Glory of God

“Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!'” (John 11:43). And he did. The buzz would have been deafening around Bethany: “Did you hear about Lazarus? He had been dead for four days and Jesus raised him!” God was glorified through this miracle.

Lazarus’ resurrection brought glory to God, but it was a shadow of what would soon happen. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus had been in the works since the before the beginning of time, and the day was coming when Jesus would glorify God on the cross.

God chose Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to play difficult parts in Lazarus’ God-glorifying resurrection. They grieved, they wondered, they might’ve even been angry, but they remained faithful. I’m sure this trial strengthened their faith for what was coming.

Similarly, God used my cancer for my growth and his glory. I trusted that he had a plan, focused on what I knew was true about him, and prayed. He did everything else.

Will You Trust Him?

Yes, the outcome could have been different. I’m very grateful I am cancer free to this day. This miracle gives me confidence that even when God doesn’t answer our prayers like we desire, Jesus will eventually raise us to glorious eternal life with him. Lazarus eventually died (again!) on this earth, as did Mary and Martha. Someday we will too. But Jesus raised Lazarus as a sign that he will one day raise us all.

This story teaches me that Jesus knows exactly what he is doing, even when we don’t know the details, and that our trials are meant to bring God glory. What about you? Will you trust him in your trials?

[Photo Credit: Lightstock]

RELATED POSTS:

The Gospel for Mary and Martha
Why Doesn’t God Answer My Prayer?
Learning to Kiss the Wave, Trusting the Rock of Ages

The post In Your Trials, Trust God appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Key Connections (July 20, 2017)

Selfless or Self-Centered? What Kind of Servant Are You? (Kale Uzzle, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship)

If you scan through the Bible’s vast array of stories, proverbs, and instructions regarding servanthood, there are three questions that distinguish the real thing from a false co-opting of servanthood.

Praying Together as Mentoring and Discipleship (Megan Hill, Coalition of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood)

Just two Christian women, taking turns praying aloud for the concerns of Christ and his kingdom, will disciple one another in important aspects of the life of faith.

7 Ways to Love Your Pastor (Elisha Galotti, True Woman)

We’re sheep who need leadership….Pastor Paul shared seven ways that a congregation can love their shepherd, and his words of encouragement are applicable to every local church context.

It Is Impossible to Read the Bible (John Piper, Desiring God)

Without God’s supernatural aid, we are merely natural and cannot see the glory of God in the Bible for what it really is — supremely beautiful and all-satisfying.

The Gospel is More Powerful Than You Think (Dillon Mack, Unlocking the Bible)

As we pray for Christians to be bold witnesses across the world, let’s remind ourselves to be bold witnesses right here and now. For we have a God who works powerfully through his gospel!

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“Readers and Writers” Episode 5 with Trevin Wax

The Scriptures do more than simply inform us. They form us….We won’t be faithful in the world we live in unless we are truly soaked, drenched in the story line of Scripture. (Trevin Wax)

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Unlocking the Bible continues to release weekly episodes of Readers and Writers with Colin Smith, a podcast recorded live at The Gospel Coalition’s 2017 National Conference.

Our next guest is Trevin Wax, who shares about his writing and newest book from B&H Books, This Is Our Time: Everyday Myths in Light of the Gospel. 

Here’s a summary of the book’s content:

Uncertain. Confused. Overwhelmed.

Many Christians feel bombarded by the messages they hear and the trends they see in our rapidly changing world.

How can we resist being conformed to the pattern of this world? What will faithfulness to Christ look like in these tumultuous times? How can we be true to the gospel in a world where myths and false visions of the world so often prevail?

In This is Our Time, Trevin Wax provides snapshots of twenty-first-century American Life. in order to help Christians understand the times. By analyzing our common beliefs and practices (smartphone habits, entertainment intake, and our views of shopping, sex, marriage, politics, and life’s purpose), Trevin helps us see through the myths of society to the hope of the gospel.

As faithful witnesses to Christ, Trevin writes, we must identify the longing behind society’s most cherished myths (what is good, true, beautiful), expose the lie at the heart of these myths (what is false and damaging), and show how the gospel tells a better story – one that exposes the lie but satisfies the deeper longing.

Listen to Pastor Colin’s interview with Trevin! (You can also subscribe to the iTunes podcast.)

The post “Readers and Writers” Episode 5 with Trevin Wax appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Why At-Home Moms Need the Local Church

A few months ago I met a woman who was new to my city. We met at a popular play place for our kids and talked about the transition to a new town. While I moved here before I had kids, I know what it’s like to be newer to a city with small children. My roots aren’t here, so I’ve had to put down roots. In the absence of biological family, I’ve had to find family elsewhere – primarily in my local church.

Made for Relationships

Community is important. We were made to be in relationship. We were made to lean on each other’s help. And in a mother’s at-home work, while we don’t have co-workers to depend on, we still have a deep need for other people. This is why we see such an abundance of groups for moms all over our cities and neighborhoods. We were never made to work alone.

There’s a reason the Bible often uses the language of the family when talking about the people of God. We have been adopted into his family through Christ (Ephesians 1:5). We are awaiting a future home with him (Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20). The home here on earth is a microcosm of the heavenly reality that awaits us—

But so is the church.

Made for God’s Family

Our individual families are pointing toward the family of God. So while not everyone has a mom who can help her when her baby is born, or a dad who can show her how to use power tools, the church is full of mothers and fathers who can provide this community and collaboration, and also take it to the next level.

Community done among women commends the gospel to a world that breathes isolation and autonomy.
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We hear a lot about Titus 2 and how it applies to ministering to women, often in the context of a discipleship relationship between older women and younger women. This is good and right. But this passage of Scripture is also about living in community with others:

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and sub- missive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (Titus 2:1–5)

Paul tells Titus that the older women are to teach good things to the younger women, so God’s Word is honored among them. Included in the list of good things is how to love the people in our homes so God’s Word is honored there.

Made for Christ-Shaped Community

Older women know a thing or two about how to love our nearest neighbors. They have something that younger women don’t have—perspective, which is vital to the mom who can’t see beyond the dirty countertops, the fussy baby, or the rebellious teenager. They continue the chain of help and discipleship that was started for them years before, and they do it all within the context of a local body of believers who gathers together to worship Christ and spread his name to a watching world.

Community done among women commends the gospel to a world that breathes isolation and autonomy. I like to call it “Christ-shaped community in the home.” This is taking your heart-craving of community in your work and connecting you with mentors and teachers who have walked your path before.

Made for God’s Purpose

But this Christ-shaped community is not just about getting more help in your work. It’s pointing you toward the purpose of your work. When you gather for worship, you gather with your true family. When you work alongside them in your work, you are putting feet on the preached Word.

The early church knew this well. They gathered in homes for their worship gatherings (Acts 16:13–15, 40). They met the needs of the apostles and fellow Christians (2 Corinthians 9:11–13). They bonded together over suffering and the plundering of their property (Hebrews 10:34). They knew what all their work was pointing toward—our future home.

Moms, while groups outside the church are helpful and have their place, you will only be given a vision beyond the mundane realities of life within the local church. There, you will be given eyes to see the God who has given you your good work to do for the good of the world.

[This article is adapted from Glory in the Ordinary: Why Your Work in the Home Matters to God . Photo Credit: Lightstock]

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The Gospel Is More Powerful Than You Think

A while back, I was sitting in a weekend class when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the news about the bombings and shootings in Paris. During our dinner break, I sat down at a McDonalds and watched CNN as they reported on the ongoing hostage crises in the theater in Paris. By the time we reconvened, almost all the seminary students in my class had heard the news of situation in Paris, and before we jumped into our course material again, the professor asked a student to prayer for the ongoing and tumultuous situation in Paris.

This student’s prayer was a good and right prayer to pray. He prayed for the Christians on the ground to be bold in proclaiming the gospel to those who were had lost loved ones and experienced the trauma of the heinous attacks. He also prayed for the aggressors, that they too would come to know Christ.

How Powerful Is the Gospel?

Let me challenge you with something: Do you believe the gospel is that powerful? Do you think the gospel is able to save Islamic extremists who run into buildings and kill people in the name of “God”?

Please don’t think I’m being too harsh. As I sat in my seminary class, I asked myself the same question. And while I may believe that theologically, to be honest with you, I’m not sure I do practically.

Reminding ourselves of our natural state and the work of God through the gospel gives us boldness.
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Imagine yourself as a pastor in Paris. Your city has just been attacked, perhaps one of your parishioners has died, and you have the ability, by some miracle, to visit the extremists in jail who had perpetrated these attacks.

Would you believe that preaching the gospel would affect them?

While we may often believe this is true theologically, so often we fall short of this practically. Our worldly perspective often diminishes what we think the gospel can do. We have thoughts like, “That person is way too sinful to hear the gospel and become a disciple of Christ.” And this isn’t just a problem we have; the early disciples had this problem too.

When the Gospel Saved Saul

Imagine with me for a moment what it must’ve been like for the disciples when they heard about Saul becoming a believer. Actually, we don’t have to imagine, because Acts 9:26 says,

And when [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.

Here is a person who ran around terrorizing Christians and approving of their murders. Does that sound familiar? The early Christians understandably were afraid and disbelieved that this man could ever become one of them! It took a stern talking to from Barnabas for these Christians to truly grasp the miraculous conversion Saul experienced.

That’s one reason I often don’t believe in the power of the gospel. The early Christians even had trouble believing it when Saul was converted. But there’s another reason I don’t think that I truly believe that the gospel has power. To be honest, while I pray for people around the world to be witnesses to those who are hostile toward them, I often shrink back in my own evangelism because I think to myself, “That person could never understand the gospel. Their ideologies and thoughts and passions and ideals are so much different from the gospel.”

So what can be done about our wrong attitudes?

Boldness for the Gospel

We must remind ourselves constantly of how we were saved! It wasn’t because we, in our powers of deductive reasoning, came to understand what God has done through Christ. Nor was it because we were “close to God already” (I say this specifically to those who, like me, grew up in the church). We must remember that we were like all people, blinded by sin and incapable of seeing the truth, until God worked in our lives.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 has been a great help for me in this. Listen to what Paul says concerning his own ministry:

Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

It was God who shined his light into our darkened hearts. It is only in reminding ourselves of our natural state and the work of God through the gospel that we have boldness to preach the gospel by “open statement of the truth.” It is God who powerfully used the gospel to change the hearts of men and women who were rebellious toward him.

So as we pray for Christians to be bold witnesses across the world, let’s remind ourselves to be bold witnesses right here and now. For we have a God who works powerfully through his gospel!

Who have you believed is too far from God’s grace? How will you reach out to them this week?

RELATED POSTS:

How to Get Over Your Fear of Sharing the Gospel
Learning from the Christmas Lights We Hang
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15 Prayers for the Wrongfully Blamed

Have you been wrongfully blamed? Or have you been misunderstood for your intentions? Pray with me:

1. You see me.

God, thank you for seeing me. I know that you are always right, true, and just. You see me, and you see when my heart is loving you through what I say or do.

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

2. Your judgments are true.

Thank you that when human judgments are lacking, your judgments are flawlessly true—I long for your standards to reign on this earth, down to every minutia.

Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? (Genesis 18:25)

3. You sought me.

Father, I know that you sought me while a sinner and have worked through me even while I still have sin in my heart—what grace through Christ! Help this truth spur me toward wanting to give grace to others.

As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love… (Ephesians 4:1-2)

4. Make me content.

God, who can know your mind? Please don’t let me expect that you want to use me as a teacher in someone else’s life, as if I know the plans you have ordained for another’s growth and benefit. I am content to play whatever part in others’ lives you want me to play.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

5. Motivate me rightly.

Father, I beg that you would keep my heart from self-centeredness; I pray that your Word, truth, reputation, love, and gospel would motivate me. May my foremost concern be you.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:3)

6. Help me trust your good work.

God, you have done good work in me; don’t let me believe that you have not truly been present in my life—my mind, will, and heart—for righteousness. Don’t let me ever discount you.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

7. I confess my deceitful heart.

Father, I confess that my own heart evades me. I acknowledge and sorrowfully confess that to ever objectively state my complete innocence, holiness, purity, or righteousness in any given moment of life would be impossible for me to do.

If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1 1:10)

8. Thank you for Jesus, the spotless Lamb.

All the more, I worship you, God, that Christ was spotless.

…but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:19)

9. Humble me when you use me.

God, if I have been faithful in how I have acted or spoken before you, let it be in care for others. If I have ultimately taught and helped another through speaking or acting in truth, let me be glad never to receive the credit for being the teacher. 

We are glad whenever we are weak, but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. (2 Corinthians 13:9)

10. Fill me with your love, always.

Father, help me remember that even if I had all possible faithfulness in knowledge of the truth, I would always need, included in this, driving love for my brothers and sisters in order to possibly please you.

…and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2)

11. Fill me with praise for what you’re doing in others.

God, please help me to be as full of praise to you for the full forgiveness you give to my brothers and sisters as I am for my own salvation.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… (1 Peter 1:3)

12. Fill me with sorrow over other people’s sin.

Father, help me to have compassionate sorrow for the sin of others, praying as a true partner against it alongside them, regardless of how I have felt or been affected.

Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? (2 Corinthians 11:29)

13. Give me joy in you alone.

Lord, please don’t let me be fooled into thinking there are perfect circumstances “out there” for me to find. Instead, remind me that abiding joy is found in fellowship with you and in knowing that I have done your will.

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:10-11)

14. Help me find security and freedom in you alone.

God, I trust you to keep me secure and free—for you are my strength and shield.

The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. (Psalm 28:7)

15. Thank you for covering my sin.

God, I thank you for not counting my sins against me, but for paying for every single one. You have made me overflow with gladness and praise.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1)

I praise you, Father, for your unfailing grace and truth for my soul through Christ.

[Photo Credit: Lightstock]

RELATED POSTS:

Five Prayers to Grow in the Fear of the Lord
When You Feel Misunderstood
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When a Christian Leader Fails You

Leaders in the church aren’t exempt from sin. No one is. We don’t expect perfect people to lead our congregations, create our resources, and speak into our culture. But we do expect them to uphold the Bible’s authority. We do want them to remain faithful to Christ.

So what are we to do when a respected Christian leader fails the church, in any context? How are we to respond?

Rejoice in God’s Unchanging Nature   

God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19)

God is immutable. He never changes his mind. He makes good on what he says he’ll do, and he upholds every word he has spoken. Think about all the plans God has made and communicated to us, plans he had formed before eternity past, and consider how he’s been faithful to fulfill them. Think about his goodness to keep his promise of salvation to unworthy sinners. Think about the unbreakable new covenant of Jesus’ blood, poured out for the forgiveness of our sins.

As we consider the leader who has changed, we can rejoice in our unchanging, trustworthy, and true God. He will never leave us, fail us, betray us, or change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).     

Recognize It Could Be You

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

When a respected leader fails us, it’s easy to think, “I would never do that. Shame on them.” I’m guilty of such thoughts. But we should be careful because all of us are more prone to sin than we may think.

Have you ever considered what sins you’re capable of committing in your lifetime? What about in the next year or week? What about in the upcoming hour? It may seem far-fetched to compare our potential to sin to those leaders who’ve fallen so drastically…but is it?

All of us are more prone to sin than we may think. This is why we need a Savior.
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“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). God’s Word tells us it’s not drastic to think this way because the human heart is complex and perplexing, deceiving us into pride (believing we’d never do such a thing) or into sin itself (trading God for temporary pleasures). Sometimes such pride can actually lead to sin, as Proverbs 16:18 warns.

When a leader fails, we’ll be helped by recognizing our proneness to wander from God’s ways and Word. We should praise God for the good gift of his Holy Spirit, who lives in us, convicts us of sin, and empowers us to walk in holiness and truth; and we should always, always be on guard against the deceitfulness of our flesh, openly confessing sin and temptation to our faithful, just God (1 John 1:8-9).

Respond with Caution and Humility

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psalm 141:3)

In the age of social media, blogs, and instant news, it may feel like we have permission to comment on anything and everything, whether we know all the facts or not. It may seem like there’s an open door to air our grievances and speak our minds, and there may be—but that doesn’t mean we should. Wisdom responds with caution and humility; it doesn’t react in haste.  

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). This verse doesn’t say, “Let no talk come out of your mouths,” but “let no corrupting talk.” There are indeed times and contexts for us to speak into situations with godly wisdom; we aren’t to sweep destructive beliefs and outcomes under the rug. But we are to exercise caution and humility so our words reflect the truth and do not corrupt.

We should also consider what we know to be true – or don’t know – about any given situation involving another person. Many times, we don’t know every detail, nor do we see the context clearly—yet another reason to use caution and exercise humility before we respond.

When a leader fails us, it’s tempting to react and speak from hurt, disappointment, and anger. But God in Christ calls us to wisdom, to keep watch over our lips, so our response builds up and doesn’t add to the tearing down that’s already in action. Sometimes, this means taking a step back to pray and process the situation before saying anything.

Remember Your Leaders in Prayer

…I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Finally, pray. Pray for your pastor, your elders, and the board members of your church. Pray for church staff and volunteers. Pray for Christians who’ve been entrusted by God with large, public platforms, who influence many people. Pray because sin is real, human hearts are deceitful, and the enemy is looking for more leaders to devour.

God hears the prayers and pleas of those whom he’s set apart for himself (Psalm 4:3). As you consider the leaders who’ve failed you and the church at large, meditate on God’s promise from Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

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When Your Faith Is Shaken

What makes you question your faith? A crisis, chronic condition, daily drudgery, or something else? If you experience a season when your faith is shaken, you’re not alone.

At least three Bible heroes faced a crisis of faith. In each case, Christ intervened and transformed dark moments of questioning, cynicism, and abandonment into reassurance, revelation, and ministry.

Can you identify with any of these cases below? If so, God has an answer for you too.

Case #1: The Seeker

John the Baptist knew Jesus well. He saw the Spirit of God descend at Jesus’ baptism. His entire life was devoted to preaching the good news that the Messiah was coming. He had experienced Jesus’ presence firsthand, and yet he questioned whether Jesus was the Messiah.

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (Matthew 11:2-6)

John the Baptist had been preaching the nearness of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 3:2), but once in prison, no kingdom seemed forthcoming. It didn’t make sense; this wasn’t how the story was supposed to end. Had John been mistaken about the Messiah?

In the midst of his confusion, John the Baptist came seeking answers. And in his mercy, Jesus responded to John’s questions with the reassuring message that he was indeed the Messiah.

For the seeker faced with circumstances that make no sense, Christ offers the good news of the gospel. Jesus is who he says he is: The blind see, the lame walk, and the good news is preached. He is ready to answer us when we pray, cast our cares on him (Philippians 4:5-6), and trust him by faith to save us from sin.

Case #2: The Cynic

Thomas was ready to die with Jesus. When he saw that Jesus was determined to go to Judea despite the danger, Thomas rallied the disciples to follow Christ to the death: “So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him’” (John 11:16).

But Thomas’ noble intentions were later crushed by the news that Jesus had died on the cross. Maybe it was the way Jesus died—the death of a criminal—that caused Thomas to give up. Maybe it was witnessing nails piercing Jesus’ hands or the sword thrust into his side that caused Thomas’ courage to be replaced with cynicism. Was it all a hoax?

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29)

Jesus responded to Thomas’ doubts and pointed to the very evidence that Thomas demanded to see. Thomas recognized the scars, and he saw that Jesus was indeed “Lord” and “God.”

Unexpected circumstances have a way of changing our attitudes. Facing pain, loss, or disappointment can turn faith into fear and courage into cynicism. When we find ourselves insisting, “Unless I see…I will never believe,” we can turn to the Lord in prayer and cry out, “I believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Case #3: The Deserter

Peter loved the Lord. Of all the disciples, he was the one with faith enough to step out of a boat and walk on water.

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:28-30)

But this same Peter, full of great faith in Christ, abandoned him one dark night.

And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:70-72)

Have you walked with the Lord and then experienced a great failure of faith like Peter? Knowing we’ve messed up can make us hide from Christ and from one another. For me, great failures usually come when I start trusting myself to hold on to Christ and forget that he’s the one who holds on to me. I need a constant reminder that my faith can’t be in my faith; my faith must be in Christ alone. Leaning on him each day is the only way I can avoid another great failure of faith.

My faith can’t be in my faith; my faith must be in Christ alone.
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Christ showed mercy to Peter. After Peter’s failure, he returned to the fishing life he knew. And although he abandoned Christ, Christ didn’t abandon him. Jesus found Peter at the shore and offered him a second chance to demonstrate his love for Christ.

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

As if to erase the three times Peter denied Christ, Jesus asked Peter three times to affirm his love by accepting the ministry of feeding his sheep.

Which Case Are You?

Are you a seeker, a cynic, or a deserter? If you’re in a situation that has shaken your faith, bring it to Christ. He is never surprised by your questions. He doesn’t leave you in hopelessness or cynicism. And he will never abandon you, even when you fail miserably.

Just as he did for John the Baptist, Thomas, and Peter, Jesus can turn our questions into reassurance, our cynicism into revelation, and our abandonment into ministry. He is indeed faithful and will surely do it (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

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The post When Your Faith Is Shaken appeared first on Unlocking the Bible.

Key Connections (July 13, 2017)

Evaluating Our Expectations: The American Dream vs. a Christian’s Hope (Melissa Kruger, Wit’s End)

The American Dream might best be summed up as the possibility for a life of freedom, personal happiness, material comfort, and lasting fulfillment (all nicely enclosed in a white picket fence)… In contrast to our typical image of the American Dream, Scripture offers us three images of the Christian life: a battle, a race, and childbirth.

Community Covers a Thousand Threats  (David Mathis, Desiring God)

Sadly, I have seen it happen over and over: how neglecting real, consistent, committed Christian community goes hand in hand with a cooling heart for Christ.

Grab for the Glory of God (Eric Davis, The Cripplegate)

We have a major hole in our Christian spirituality when we avoid the concept of sin. My mentor reminded me that it is a mark of conversion, spiritual maturity, and intimacy with the Lord Jesus to see, loathe, and confess personal sin, especially heart sins.

The Essential Second (John MacArthur, OnePlace)

It is very easy to love the whole wide world, and it is easy to love the church. However, it may be very difficult to love one particular person. But the love our Lord calls you to exercise is a practical, personal kind of love that is expressed primarily to individuals.

15 Questions to Apply Scripture to Your Life (Kevin Holloran, Unlocking the Bible)

A good question in Bible study helps uncover riches in the text that we may not see. This is true for observation, interpretation, and application stages of Bible study.

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