Roderick Levi Evans's Blog

A Reasonable Response to Life: Love Christ More

What is your reason for living? Is it your spouse, family, job, ministry, friends, or even yourself? For the Christian, the reason for our existence should be Christ. When Christ is not at the center of our being, we will struggle internally to continue to serve Him. We must remember that He gave His life that we would have eternal life.

On the shores of the beach, Jesus came to the disciples and ate with them. He asked Peter: “Lovest thou Me more than these? Or, do you love Me more than these?” (John 21:15). We must consider this question and our answer presently. Whatever you love will become your reason for living. It will become the “these” in your life.

There have been many speculations of what is the subject of “these” in Jesus’ question to Peter. There are two popular viewpoints. First, they represented the fish. Peter and some of the others had returned to their former profession of fishing. Second, they represented the other disciples. Since Peter denied the Lord on the night they took Him, he was given the opportunity to reaffirm his love for Him.

Regardless of which of these or any other you prefer, Jesus’ question challenges the believer. Each interpretation reveals to us a need to love Him more and to make Him our reason for living.

The first interpretation shows us that we have to love Him more than our former selves, sins, and vices. We cannot return to our old ambitions and endeavors as our reason for living. Peter returned to what he was doing before he met the Lord. If He is not our reason for living, we will go backwards.

Some focus so much on trying to overcome where they came from that they forget that their focus is to be upon Him now. In doing so, when we behold Him, we become more like Him. Conversely, if we are consistently focusing on sins, we will fail. Though temptations come, your desire or love for Him must supersede your desire for the old sin or habit. It is the only way to resist and overcome.

The second interpretation shows us that we have to live as if we are in competition with others in service, like in a race. If Jesus was referring to the others, it was a direct challenge to Peter to show that Christ was his reason for living more than what any others demonstrated. This challenge is upon us today. Paul echoes this sentiment when he said that we are to run this race as if we are going to be the winner. It is our only reason to be here: to please Him until that Day.

Again, what is your reason for living? Do you love Him above any “these?” Is He your reason? Love Him MORE! Make HIM the REASON! Remember, if we love Him, we will never fail because it is written that love never fails.

Which Route Are You On?: The Christian Road Trip

Everyone is on a road to an eternal destination. In life, different roads can be taken on a journey to reach a particular destination. Though we can compare our walk with Christ as a journey, there is only one way to reach our destination of heaven. 

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Matt 7:13 (KJV)

You cannot enter into the kingdom of God any which way you choose.

Some promote the ideology that you do not need to go to church; that is, fellowship with other Christians or even receive Christ to enter into heaven. But, as Christians, we must stand on the truth that reception of Christ, fellowship with other Christians, and striving to live a life pleasing to Him is a perquisite for entrance into heaven.

With the advent of personal GPS devices, people no longer have to depend on standard maps to reach their destinations. Now, they can pick and choose the route that they would like to take, rather than standard routes. This is fine for personal travel. However, this phenomenon has taken on spiritual implications.

In the Church, individuals are now using “spiritual” GPS systems to determine how they will live for Christ and enter into heaven. They forsake the road map of Christ and those things that are written. Many times, the “GPS” used is based upon feelings and intellectual reasoning which is causing many to deviate from the path set before men by Christ’s example and exhortations of scripture.

The scriptures verify that life is a journey. Here are 4 signs (among many) that we must pay attention to as we are on the Christian journey.

Stop – Certain activities are inconsistent with the Christian life. To live in sin is not an option. We can stop (overcome) sin while we live in this life.

Detour – Sometimes, we must learn to do things differently. Detours come up to show us that a path that was once acceptable is no longer accessible.

Yield – This sign prepares you to slow down. As Christians, we have to slow down and yield to direction and inspiration of the Spirit.

Road Work Up Ahead – We have to be prepared for God’s pruning and maturing process in our lives. As Christian, we must know that spiritual road work is up ahead as we live for Him.

We must be committed to a successful journey. Remember to pay attention to the spiritual road signs. In doing so, you will have success as a Christian in this life and with joy, you will enter into the life that is to come.

Maturing Despite the Odds: Three Truths to Remember in Suffering

How can I continue to mature when life brings so many struggles? Because LIFE, it does not stop. It just keeps coming, coming, and coming. If it is not one thing, it is another. Many can relate to these sentiments. Life seems more of a curse than a blessing. It can bring so many trials, tests, and troubles that death seems like the only escape. Even those that have faith in God can sometimes sink into this pit of discouragement, depression, and despair. The words of David become the hallmark of existence,

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psalms 22:1 (KJV)

Some reading this article know this scripture oh so well. It forms the basis of thoughts and prayers. Why does God allow us to experience so many hard things? Why does it seem as if He is unresponsive to our prayers and requests? It feels as if He does not care about what we are going through. We know from David's words and the words of Christ on the cross that it happens in the life of those who possess faith in God.

We may not always understand why or receive an answer from Him about why we have to go through so many bad things. Yet, we must maintain our faith, hope, and trust in Him. To survive the "My God, My God" moments your life, there are three things you have to remember. If you remember these, you will be able to continue to mature and grow as a Christian and overcome every struggle of life.

1. The Promise of God. Though it may seem as if God has forsaken you and left you alone, He gave a promise saying that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. What this reveals is that even when it seems like He is not there. He is. His presence is the only reason you have not quit or had a breakdown. He is constantly giving strength, so that when you think you will not make it, you do somehow.

2. The Plan of God. It does seem insensitive when someone says to us that God has a plan when we are experiencing devastating situations such as death, sickness, loss of job, and other life changing events. It seems this way because we associate God's plan with just events and circumstances, not understanding that God's plan revolves around the souls of men and their salvation. We may not always agree, but God does have our best interest in mind. Negative circumstances can either draw us closer to Him or we can allow them to push us away from Him. In addition, God's plan may be that others see your faith in the midst of your trials and troubles which brings glory to Him.

3. The Peace of God. Jesus promised His disciples that His peace would be left them after He was gone. He told them that they would have troubles and tribulations, but His peace and joy would be with them. This is the part that we sometimes forget about. God gives peace and joy because we would experience hardships and difficulties. The problem is that we focus on God changing the situation, rather than on the fact that He can give peace, joy, grace, and strength while we go through it. The peace of God is available, but we have to ask for it, receive it, and walk in it.

Our cry sometimes may be, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" However, we can trust His character that He knows what is best and offers strength when we face difficulties. The truth is He will not abandon you. Continue to believe, hope, and trust knowing that it will be worth it all when we see Him, when this present life is over, and we enter into our eternal rest. Stand in faith knowing that Christians can overcome every struggle and yet mature and grow.

A Qualified Christian: Being Fruitful in Christian Life and Service

 It should be the desire of every Christian to be a useful and productive servant of the Lord; that is, a worthy Christian. On any job, qualified individuals are sought to fill positions. We know that anyone that is qualified makes necessary adjustments and work hard to obtain the necessary skills. The same is true of the Christian. We have to be willing to adjust and work towards being a qualified and productive servant. Jesus’ words to the disciples reveal to us that He would have it no other way.

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matt 5:13 (KJV)

    With these things in mind, the question arises, “How can I become a qualified Christian?” Many steps can one use to maintain their usefulness to the work of Christ. If the Christian employs these steps, he will become and remain a qualified servant of Christ. Let us briefly explore three steps to being a qualified Christian.

Be honest about weaknesses and hang ups.  The first step to doing better, at anything, is recognizing where you are lacking. God desires our openness and honesty before Him. If you remain humble before the Lord and recognize areas of sin and weakness, you place yourself in a position to overcome them.

Continual self-examination is the trademark of qualified Christians. When you recognized that you have not arrived, you will continually monitor your inner life so that nothing hinders your service to the Lord.

Be willing to change.  Some Christians have no problem with recognizing and identifying weakness and sin. However, the qualified Christian knows that recognition without repentance (change) is of no value.

The qualified Christian will turn from sins and habits to serve Christ even if it is uncomfortable and causes their flesh to suffer. Repentance gives us access to the Kingdom of God and it is needed to sustain our place in Him.

Be subject to biblical teaching.  The qualified Christian lives by this exhortation of scripture, “But be ye doers of the Word.” After recognition and repentance, one has to remember the teachings of the Bible and do them.

    The qualified Christian’s standard for thought, doctrine, and practice is the Word of God. The qualified Christian knows that life has to be governed by the eternal Word of God.

    If one will remember these three things, it will provide the proper foundation for a fruitful life in Christ. Let this be your desire, hope, and plea that you will become and remain a qualified Christian.

The Complete Christian: Seven Traits of a Mature Christ Follower

    Every Christian should ask this question: What makes me a Christian? And, if I am a Christian, what should define my “being” as a Christian? If Christians do not know their reason for being, they will not be all they can be in Christ Jesus. Christians have to understand that they can only define themselves based upon biblical standards. This is because culture and Christianity have varying viewpoints about what “being” a Christian is.

    The Christian, then, has to learn to define their being in terms of their relationship with Christ (righteousness and character), rather than by the culture (which focuses mostly on external traits -strength, money, stature, beauty, family, etc).

    Before going further, the Christian should understand: 1) A Christian’s being is not based upon external characteristics, but internal traits. 2) The Definition of a Christian is found in the image of God. 3) Culture (Secular or Church) cannot define a Christian.

With this understanding, we want to offer seven primary qualities or traits of the Christian’s being.

The Christian reflects Christ’s image. As Adam was made in God’s image, the Christian has to be made in Christ’s image. They will reflect the characteristics of Christ. (Romans 8:29)

The Christian is full of wisdom and integrity. The Christian will not be a fool. They will not lack spiritual wisdom and insight. They will be full of faith like the servants chosen in Acts. (Acts 6:3a)

The Christian is an example of the believers in this world. The Christian will set an example that others can follow. They will represent the Christian faith well to the world. (I Timothy 4:12b)

The Christian's home will be characterized by the worship of God. One of the qualifications for a bishop was to have his home in order. Christians will strive to have their homes in order to reflect the faith.

The Christian follows the example that Christ set. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to follow his example as he followed Christ. This will be the same desire of the Christian. They will only want others to emulate them as they follow Christ. (I Corinthians 11:1)

The Christian is a person of prayer. In the Old Testament, servants of God offered the most powerful prayers. Prayer is a foundational element to the Christian experience. (Ephesians 6:18)

The Christian is a student of the Word of God. The Christian will have a desire to know God’s word. They will not shun corporate and personal study of the Word. They will also understand the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. (II Timothy 2:15)

What is your reason for being as a Christian? Do you know how to define yourself? When you understand who you are internally, you will be able to overcome every internal struggle and live in victory.

The Benefits of Christian Fellowship

From the beginning, we see that God's purpose for man never included perpetual solitude and isolation. When we consider the events of the garden of Eden, we see that God saw that it was not good for man to be alone. We sometimes focus on the romantic relationship of the first man and woman, but God said that He would give the man someone who is able to help him. This reveals that we all will need someone else in our lives as we try to live for Christ and do the will of God. We must appreciate the benefits of Christian fellowship.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Eccl 4:9-10 (KJV)

Though Christ is able to do all things, He still entrusts the care of His body to other members within the Church. This is why the apostles continually challenged the people to love, prefer, and be compassionate towards one another. Why? Everyone needs someone to prosper in his or her walk with the Lord.

The writer of Ecclesiastes said that if two work together, they would have a good reward for their labor. This demonstrates the inherent success of Christians who walk, work, and stand with others.

Today, forget past pains and hurts, allow others into your life, and make yourself available to others. God, in His wisdom, has designed it that after Him, we need others in order to have good success in this life.

Why Me?: The Self-Defeating Question

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Well, here we are again: another day, another problem, another issue confronting me! Sometimes, things can go wrong for so long that your outlook on life can become bleak. Many end up asking the timeless, self-defeating question… “Why Me?”

Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly? Job 3:11 (KJV)

As Job went through his testing… his outlook on life turned from joy into utter despair.  It got so bad until he wished he were never born. Though some will not admit it, even Christians who know the Lord experience these types of feelings. Though they might surface, the Christian still has to know that he is not alone and that God will deliver. We know from further reading of Job’s story that the Lord did deliver him and rescue him from his troubles and pains.

Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11 (KJV)

God showed great compassion to Job because of his sufferings. He will do the same for Christians today. Know that though your tests and trials are numerous and painful that God has not left you and will show you graciousness. Be encouraged knowing that in the end, God will show you peace, favor, and give you rest.

The Road to Everlasting Life

Image by Dorothe from Pixabay

Everyone is on a road to an eternal destination. In life, different roads can be taken on a journey to reach a particular destination. Though we can compare our walk with Christ as a journey, there is only one way to reach our destination of heaven. You cannot enter into the kingdom of God any which way you choose.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Matt 7:13 (KJV)

Some promote the ideology that you do not need to go to church; that is, fellowship with other Christians or even receive Christ to enter into heaven. But, as Christians, we must stand on the truth that reception of Christ, fellowship with other Christians, and striving to live a life pleasing to Him is a perquisite for entrance into heaven.

With the advent of personal GPS devices, people no longer have to depend on standard maps to reach their destinations. Now, they can pick and choose the route that they would like to take, rather than standard routes. This is fine for personal travel. However, this phenomenon has taken on spiritual implications.

In the Church, individuals are now using “spiritual” GPS systems to determine how they will live for Christ and enter into heaven. They forsake the road map of Christ and those things that are written. Many times, the “GPS” used is based upon feelings and intellectual reasoning which is causing many to deviate from the path set before men by Christ’s example and exhortations of scripture.

The scriptures verify that life is a journey. Here are 4 signs (among many) that we must pay attention to as we are on the Christian journey.

1. Stop – Certain activities are inconsistent with the Christian life. To live in sin is not an option. We can stop (overcome) sin while we live in this life.

2. Detour – Sometimes, we must learn to do things differently. Detours come up to show us that a path that was once acceptable is no longer accessible.

3. Yield – This sign prepares you to slow down. As Christians, we have to slow down and yield to direction and inspiration of the Spirit.

4. Road Work Up Ahead – We have to be prepared for God’s pruning and maturing process in our lives. As Christian, we must know that spiritual road work is up ahead as we live for Him.

We must be committed to a successful journey. Remember to pay attention to the spiritual road signs. In doing so, you will have success as a Christian in this life and with joy, you will enter into the life that is to come.

The Art of Endurance in the Christian Life

In athletics, there are events that measure success by the speed, strength, and ability. However, there are events, which are a matter of endurance, rather than pure skill or ability. In many of the strongman competitions, certain events not only require skill, but endurance. Not only must the competitor be able to lift or carry the weight, but also they have to do it for a sustained amount of time. Thus, their ability to lift or carry becomes secondary to being able to endure the weight. The same applies to the Christian today.

We learn the scriptures and spiritual truth, but many do not know how to endure hardships and challenges. We gain skill, knowledge, and understanding, but in the time of testing do not last. Every Christian has to learn The Art of Endurance as they grow in God's grace and knowledge. Without endurance, the Christian can possess spiritual insight and knowledge, but cannot last long enough to see the fruits of it flourish in life.

There are six aspects to the Art of Endurance. The Christian, who understands these, will be successful in their walk with Christ.

1) Endurance is a prerequisite to eternal salvation. Jesus stated that the one, who endures to the end, shall be saved. He did not say the one who did more or knew more. Thus, one major aspect of endurance is that it guarantees entrance into eternal life.

2) Endurance brings stability during uncertain times. Endurance helps one to maintain their pursuits in this life in the midst of adversities. Endurance helps one to see beyond the pain and see the promises of Christ and the hopes and dreams of tomorrow.

3) Endurance guards against the desire to quit. Endurance has the motto that "Quitting is not an Option," which stifles the desire to give up and quit.

4) Endurance helps to revive faith. Endurance gives the user a since of faith. Endurance causes an individual to remember the Word of God and His personal promises.

5) Endurance brings the believer closer to perfection in Christ. Endurance causes an individual to look past hurts, disappointments, and ungodly desires. Thus, bring a greater level of purity, morality, and holiness in Christian living.

6) Endurance is a guarantee of success in spiritual warfare. Endurance causes believers to outlast every attack of the enemy. One of his tactics is to cause believers to let down their guards and allow him to dominate their lives. But, if the Christian endures, the warfare of the enemy will not accomplish what it is sent to do.

Yes. Life does bring problems, both great and small. Sometimes, hardships and trials can last for years and it seems as if there will be no end. However, remember the Art of Endurance. It will be worth it in the end. Remember, our walk with Christ has promise in this life and in the life that is to come.

The Committed Christian

Am I Committed? Self-examination is a vital component to the Christian life. Without it, the Christian will not experience personal growth and spiritual maturity. Paul challenged his readers to examine themselves…

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. 2 Cor 13:5 (KJV)

Self-examination in the life of the Christian serves a two-fold purpose. The first is to ensure that the individual is walking as a true Christian (characterized by the words “in the faith”). The second purpose is to propel the Christian to a greater expression of Christ’s character and nature in their daily walk. From this, we can see the importance of self-examination.

Self-examination always leads to questions. These questions should challenge you to look at yourself in a candid fashion. One important question that should arise through self-evaluation is “Am I Committed?” Commitment keeps you focused during difficult times. It helps bring stability to your life when things around you are unstable. So, that even as a Christian, you can continue to grow in faith and knowledge when the world around you seems to be in chaos.

In order to answer the question “Am I Committed?” you have to know specifically what should you be committed to. In the Christian walk, our commitment can be evaluated by three areas of interest. If you consider these areas, then you will be able to say unashamedly that you are a committed Christian. We will examine each briefly.

Committed to the Master. Commitment begins with an unwavering devotion to Christ. You have to be committed to His teachings and standards. The goal of your existence has to be to please Him. Why? There is an eternal reward. If your daily existence is not characterized by this mindset, then you probably are not committed as you think. Though you may serve in the church and are a good person, without Christ at the center, your commitment is at best minimal.

Committed to Maturity. When you give your life to Christ and begin your walk with Him, a commitment to grow and mature in the faith has to be established. The only way one can grow is through the study of the Word and through prayer. So, you have to examine your prayer life. Is it consistent? You have to evaluate your time in reading the scriptures. Do you make excuses for why you do not read? Your commitment level is not very great if you are not willing to challenge yourself to grow personally in the Christian faith.

Committed to Ministry. Ministry is defined as service. Regardless of your activities in the church, from preaching to feeding the hungry, you have to be dedicated to the work of Christ. It is not always easy because life comes with responsibility. This is where sacrifice becomes crucial. Even when you cannot physically be present, you can still show commitment to Christ’s work through supporting those who are able to do it. This includes praying for them, giving financially when possible, and encouraging those who are ministering. In this way, you show your commitment.

Commitment does require personal sacrifice and dedication. However, in light of all that God did for us in Christ, it is worth the effort. Challenge yourself on this day that your level of commitment in the faith will increase.