Abiding is related to being unable…

Piper’s devotion for today is a list of resolutions that he wrote for teenage children to help them determine to honor their parents. I chuckled a bit as I read them. Would teens have as much trouble keeping resolutions as adults too? They reminded me of the Laws of God written for His OT believers. They vowed to do everything God said, but wound up unable to keep them.

The NT says this about those laws: “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28) and the book of Galatians explains  that those laws cannot save but they do have a good purpose. They show both sinners and saints where we fall short, and how much we need to live by faith and be enabled by the Spirit of God. Without abiding in Christ, as Jesus says in John 15, we can do nothing.

So what is the point of resolutions? Good intentions? Do they not reveal the human inability to keep them? How slow I am to learn that my determination to obey God is not enough to make it happen. I need Him to be the governing force, the motivator who prompts me and works out that obedience.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12–13)

So if God is working in me to want His will and do His commands, why then the next lines?

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:14–16)

Certainly any grumbling or disputing is contrary to those prior words about pleasing God. They show me what does not do it, and therefore I cannot say complaining and arguing are obedience. I can resolve to do God's will, but if it does not fit the descriptions of His will, then I know I need to confess my sin and be forgiven and cleansed (1 John 1:9). I cannot excuse any of those negatives by thinking my mean-spirited manner is one way to tell the truth and use that as a claim that I’m obedient. 

The NT laws work the same way; they reveal selfish and fleshy attitudes and the sinfulness of my old nature. Confession is needed, but also being filled with the Spirit. God will fill me — as long as I’m empty. But herein is the rub; no one likes feeling empty and unable.

Those teens may want to do all the resolutions, but part of being a Christian is learning that I cannot do God's will apart from being yielding to Him because I’ve realized that I cannot obey just because I want to. He supplies the power only when I’ve admitted my lack of it. He calls me the light of the world and not to hide it, yet displaying it has a caveat: 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

I don’t take credit, or boast — I must obey in such a way that He gets the glory!

PRAY: Lord, just learning to give You glory is a challenging lesson, yet even more challenging is learning to live Your way so others do not put me on a pedestal. You must get the glory. I stopped making resolutions a long time ago, but I still desire to obey You and know I cannot do it without abiding in You. 

Judging — in front of a mirror. . . .

 

Christians have a saying about judging others. It goes something like this: Don’t point fingers at others without remembering that three other fingers are pointing back at you. It comes from this passage:

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:1–4)

I’ve said it. I’ve thought it. I’ve sometimes noticed it is true — for others, but not often for myself. Our small group study is going to look at Romans 2 tonight and in preparing for it, I note the first four questions asked are about the above passage. God is telling me to give this much more consideration than usual.

For instance, think about the people or actions those people do that annoy me. God suggests that I do the same things? Actually, that makes sense. How would I even be aware of these annoying things if I didn’t recognize them when I look in the mirror? And if I made a list, would it take up far many pages than I’d like to admit? Another thought: if I’m seeing my sin in others, this could be part of the reason Jesus isn’t focusing on my sin (that’s the Holy Spirit’s job) because He is not guilty of the same sin!

In the past year, I have met some Christians who talk (and laugh) more about their mistakes than their accomplishments. They hardly speak of successes and when they do, credit is never taken. Instead, they thank others and God for whatever worked out goodness in their own lives often the mistakes. These people are wonderful to be around. No judging in their conversations. If they have any bad habits, I don’t see them which is a relief because if I did, this passage from Romans says I only see it because I do the same things. It is good to associate with those who are humble.

This reminds me of yesterday’s post about a person who has lied to herself. I’ve wondered if this is a constant issue, or is God telling me that I’m frustrated because I am also slow or reluctant to admit my own mistakes? I know when I err in minor chores or in sewing a quilt, I often say, “Oh, you dummy” and yet that is about as far as it goes. My new friends would say that about their mistakes and then laugh. They have learned from God what Paul learned after he asked God to remove a problem . . . .  

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9–10)

I tend to keep wanting the problem removed instead of glorying in the weakness it displays. I might even point my finger at someone with a stronger problem so mine doesn’t get noticed. This is why God says not to assume that I will escape God's correction (a form of judgment) for in His rich kindness and forbearance and patience He intends to lead me to repentance. He wants all my finger pointing done in front of a mirror. 

PRAY: Father, I feel the sting of being so proud of me without realizing how that produces behaviors that are nothing to be proud about. I can make excuses, even call myself a dummy, but that kind of talk is not the same as repentance. You now remind me that my own father  disciplined me for a short time, but always for my good, and You do the same that I may share Your holiness. Yes, for now it seems painful rather than pleasant, but You promise that this means later it will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness when I have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10–11) For this I am thankful.

Weakness is okay...

If I am without faith at times, I must also be a lazy person. Today’s reading begins with this and it is a problem that I don’t recall ever having. It says: “Most Christians commit things to the Lord when on their knees, and then the moment they rise from their knees they take the burden all back on their own shoulders.”  I don’t take back jobs I give away.

Or it could be that the Lord has finally got it through my thick head that I am weak, unable to do much of anything without Him. Of course I’m not talking about things like brushing my teeth or putting on my socks, but even as I write this, I realize that day could come.

Getting older brings weakness of body and mind. Daily I’m praying for physical strength and clear thinking, yet the strength God gives is also about trusting Him for things like the ability to be kind and thoughtful to others, to have compassion and comfort for those in trials, to encourage and be a blessing rather than ignoring or dismissing those who are burdened. He wants me to trust Him for the well-being and salvation of others, and to have His way in this messy world.

Learning to rely on Jesus is a lovely thing. Faith replaces worry and self-effort, but the one thing it does not remove is pride in my ability to trust God when encountering those who have the problem as described above, those who are constantly giving their burdens to God then taking them back on their own shoulders. I keep wanting to sermonize, yet realize my efforts will do more harm than good.
Verses do come to mind. God wants me to trust Him with everything, but not let pride motivate faith or ruin this God-given ability to trust Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first-fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:5–12)

The wise writer of this proverb notes the motivation for trusting God is not pride. I’m not to ‘lean on’ what I think or boast in me even inwardly, but acknowledge Him. I’m to fear God and honor Him. I’m also to be under His discipline and reproof, indicating that when I get uppity about things, even my faith, He will reprimand me. Trusting God is nothing to brag about or a reason to lord it over those who are having a problem with their faith. God also says:

“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)

Actually, I cannot even boast that I understand and know God, except that it is true — not because I did anything to get there but because He introduced Himself to me and brought me into His family. It is always His mercy, not my merit.

PRAY: Jesus, forgive me for being critical and looking down my self-righteous nose at those who struggle to keep their focus on You and Your promises. My faith is not about me but a gracious gift from You that I did not earn and do not deserve. Motivate me to trust You so You are glorified, not me, and so others will not be intimidated, but instead be encouraged to rely on You also.

 

Advantage of being weak…

God is revealing the answer to another puzzle that I’ve often thought about. It is in this passage:

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8–10)

I get the last line, that He gives His strength to those who are weak and unable. The part that I’ve wondered about is being able to “boast all the more gladly” and be “content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities.” Like most people, those things are difficult to be content with, never mind gladly boast about them. However, this line redirects my thinking:

Who would not glory in being so weak and helpless that the Lord Jesus Christ should find no hindrance to the perfect working of His mighty power through us and in us?

With that, it is easy to see the possibility of glorying or boasting about weakness — because it means getting out of the Lord’s way, not being an obstacle to what He wants to do, even that He might use me to do it, but just getting out of His way is a big accomplishment. It means that I realize His power and wisdom are supreme and that my I-wants and efforts only hinder Him from doing the very best that can be done.

Today’s reading also says that because the work is Christ’s, the responsibility is His also. I don’t have to be concerned about the results; He can manage it all. My part is being contented like a child and guided in either leaving Him to do it, or willing to run errands at His requests.

I know a man who directs a ministry to the homeless. The work done brings glory to God and much opposition from non-Christians including government officials who are anxious to ‘fix’ the problem but do not want it done by faith-based ministries. While this makes no sense to me, the focus of this director is like the puzzle of being content with weakness, insults, and hardships. He is blasted continually yet smiles at his helplessness and puts the current calamity in the hands of the Lord. By this, God is free to work and miracles happen.

This solves another issue. Sometimes, when I am able to accept weakness and enjoy the rest in Christ that follows, I feel guilty that I am not burdened about anything. Being content sometimes seems that I’m not really serving God.

However, the emotions and actions that go with boasting in weakness are not about what I’m feeling but about the peace and contentment God gives to those who are trusting Him and not trying to ‘help’ Him or solve any issues apart from Him. It is not about taking it easy or about doing what He asks me to do. Obeying God can require complex planning and physical effort but not a sense of power, or confidence in myself, or any reactions to people or events around me. In that man who helps the homeless, I see the wonder of what God does in the life of someone who dares carry the workload Christ asks of him without carrying any mental burden. Nonchalant? Yes! Trusting Jesus? Entirely! Effective? Amazingly so!

PRAY: Jesus, this is the abundant life — working with great enthusiasm yet not being in charge or accountable for the power to do it or the results. All of that belongs to You. My job is simple: just trust You and do what You say.

Proud of my humility?

Today’s devotional brings out an issue I’ve never thought about before. It is the notion that piety is fraught with doubt and fears, and when we feel that sort of weakness, we are pleasing God.

The writer goes on to compare this ‘piety’ with a child’s relationship with earthly parents. If the child thinks their parents will fail them, would that please mom or dad? If my parents thought I worried that they would let me down, would they rejoice in my ‘weakness’ and be pleased?

True piety means to be devoted to God. It is not about fear that He will fail but about knowing that He will not fail because I am the weak one, not God. Yes, this humility can be faked, even be about a false pretense of devotion that talks faithfulness but does not live it, but it cannot be applied to God.

Perhaps the opposite of true humility is a persistent trust in myself. I recall going for a walk and praying about problems and how I thought God should solve them. I clearly heard His response to my ideas: “Elsie, get out of my to-do list.”

At the time, I laughed at my arrogance and His reminder that I cannot do what He does. Now I’ve reached a deeper understanding of what it means to be weak. It can be physical, but much more. Paul had a ‘thorn in the flesh’ — perhaps an eyesight problem. Whatever it was, he felt this weakness hindered his ministry. So he prayed:

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:8–10)

Piety is not doubt and fear regarding God but the realization that I am unable and have no options but to trust the power of God to enable me with whatever I need to serve Him.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6–7)

This is what pleases God! It could be any act of serving or obedience, even about what I eat:

But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23)

Note that “whatever does not proceed from faith” includes doubts and fears, so to say these ‘weaknesses’ please God is an error because doubt and fear is sin — and sin does not please God.

So what is the point? I could compare my sense of being unable with those who trust the flesh and be proud of my weaknesses, proud of my humility? Sounds stupid in black and white, but it can happen. Far better to stick to true piety which is total devotion to God and not use my weaknesses as an ego trip. The best I can do is be content that these inabilities are what God wants for me.

PRAY: Jesus, You choose weakness and God used that submission to bring salvation to a sin-sick world. In Your weakness, it was not Yourself and Your weakness that took center-stage. Instead, You said, “Not my will but Thine be done” reflecting total trust and dependence on Your Heavenly Father and giving up every other thought or idea in order that His will would be done. Your piety changed the world. Enable me to be weak with that same attitude of not having my way but trusting Your way — totally.