“You follow Me”

In the story, “The Horse and His Boy” from the Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis, the boy Shasta is overwhelmed by the Lion who deeply injures his companion, Aravis. Later the Lion comes to him and he is perplexed and afraid. He does not yet know that this is Aslan — who for readers is a symbol of Jesus Christ.

Shasta asks the Lion, “Then it was you who wounded Aravis?” The Lion said it was, and the boy asks, “What for?” The Lion replies, “Child, I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own.”

Jesus is like that. He does not tell others about my issues like a gossip might do. He also can be trusted with the secrets of my heart and will never blab them to someone else.

That said, He does give the gift of discernment to some people. With it, discerners just know what is happening in some cases where God wants them involved to help, encourage, or exhort. But there is one huge problem with the gift of discernment; misuse. Chambers calls it “being an amateur providence” because those who have this gift can attempt to interfere with God’s plans for other people.

For instance, if someone is sick, I might assume they should not suffer, forgetting that God uses sickness. Sometimes it is a way to glorify Him in the healing, but sometimes it is chastening for sin, or His way of drawing people closer, or even His way of taking them home. How I talk to sick people requires a great deal of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Otherwise when He talks to me, God will keep quiet about details in the lives of others.

Peter was the first to learn this lesson, and was likely the model for this part of Lewis’ story. He was with Jesus after His resurrection . . .

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:20–22)

For me, this is a vital lesson. I know to pray or even encourage a Christian is not growing spiritually, but even then I must seek God’s face for discernment in the way to do it. If any person suffers in any manner, I cannot assume that their suffering should be removed because I know from my own experience that God can use suffering in powerful ways. But I must not assume they are sick because of sin in their lives. The Lord wants my full dedication; sometimes I need suffering to bring me to that. There are other reasons for it also, so I cannot pray to remove or prevent it without God’s direction.

As Chambers says, my relationship with God determines whether or not His discernment will be shared with me to use in someone’s life. I need to be continually devoted to Him, listening always for His guidance.

Chambers adds an even greater challenge. He says that being consciously devoted to God is immature, adding that genuine maturity means being so abandoned to God that the consciousness of being used never enters my mind. That is, any consciousness of myself and what God is doing through me is just not there because I am only conscious of being utterly dependent on God.

I’m not there yet.

Discernment: yes . . . judging: no

Of the spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12, the most difficult to live with is the one called prophecy. In biblical times, this gift was associated with the prophets and the authors of Scripture. It is defined as “the ability to deliver representative declarations of the mind, will, or knowledge of God.” Few people liked the prophets.

Since the completion of the canon of Scripture, many would say this gift no longer exists because it is no longer necessary. In contrast, some abuse it by calling themselves prophets and telling other people, “God says that you . . . .” followed by descriptions and directions for them, often given in a critical or superior way.

Another view is that this is a spiritual gift and should be understood as the ability to understand the mind, will, or knowledge of God, and it is better labeled as “spiritual discernment.” People with this gift are able to see issues in the lives of others the way God sees them. This does not mean they are without issues themselves, but they just have insights that others don’t notice. These folks are supposed to take their insights back to God in prayer.

Unfortunately, many with this gift abuse it by having a black and white a critical spirit. They are unpopular with their continual expression of what is wrong with everyone else. This is why Jesus said . . .

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

In Chambers devotional for November 23, he says a most helpful thing: “When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.”

Again, this gift is for prayer, specifically intercession for people with problems. It is not to be abused by critically judging others, gossip, or in any other way.

In today’s devotional, Chambers gives warnings about that abuse. He says in the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism. It pushes the Holy Spirit out of the way. I have no right to think and act as if I am better than the Lord and can show someone what is wrong. If I abuse that gift, I will wound others, not help them. I’ve no business playing Holy Spirit.

Not only that, when I have a critical attitude, I cannot pray. It marks me as vindictive and reveals my pride in thinking I am a superior person. God blesses humility. I cannot expect His blessing when discernment leads to a critical spirit.

Chambers says to “stop being a measuring rod for others” because there is always one fact more in every situation about which I know nothing. For instance, a friend made a decision that perplexed me. I tried to understand her motivation and when I could not, my attitude toward her decision became critical. Last night, God clearly showed me why she did what she did. Immediately I felt compassion for her and ashamed of myself. Now I know how to pray for her, but also clearly see that being critical, even speculating, was not the way to go.

The verses following this “do not judge” command reveal that when I see something wrong in another person and judge them for it, that same problem is in my own heart and life, likely to a greater extent than what I’m seeing in someone else. I need to deal with my own sins and issues before I have clarity about the needs of others and a deep concern for their spiritual well-being. Then I can obey this command, but only then . . .

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

When God shows me my sin, pride cannot rise up, nor can a critical spirit remain. As God shows me my sin (the log in my eye), then I must deal with it. I cannot judge anyone else. Discernment into the will of God must begin with looking in the mirror and realizing that apart from the grace of God, I am the worst of sinners.

Temptation comes in waves

Joab was a general in King David’s army. He was loyal to David, but only to a point. Then David’s son Solomon began to reign. As kings did, Solomon also began cleaning house by removing those who were disloyal.

When the news came to Joab—for Joab had supported Adonijah although he had not supported Absalom—Joab fled to the tent of the Lord and caught hold of the horns of the altar. (1 Kings 2:28)

Joab’s loyalty kept him from following Absalom, David’s handsome and wily son, but later he went after another son who wanted David’s throne. Solomon was dealing with those usurpers and when Joab realized it, he also realized he was in line for a death sentence.

Chambers takes a big picture look at this situation, seeing it as an example of what happens to Christians today. We get tested by a supreme and difficult temptation. We might pass that test, but fail to remain on the alert when the second wave comes. Somehow, the first victory gives a false sense of invincibility.

While I’ve never been able to prepare for temptation, I know it is a common and frequent enemy. I also know that God will help me stay standing under it . . .

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Temptation happens to everyone, but falling into sin is not inevitable. God provides the means to overcome the temptation. My problem is discovering whatever means will work. Is it running away? Crying for help? Calling for supportive prayer? Identifying the lie behind it? Doing something right instead? All of the above?

Chambers says the Bible characters failed on their strong points, not their weaknesses. If that is true, it seems a good idea to examine my strengths. Each one of them has a down-side where the tempter makes his appeals.

For instance, I’m continually told that I have a wonderful imagination. It shows up when making meals, designing quilts, and in other ways. But that imagination also goes to work in areas that people cannot see. Not only do I have vivid (and usually funny) dreams at night, but I can daydream with the best script writers. Sometimes those dreams take my mind in places it should not go. For this temptation, God’s way of escape is usually a challenge where I can use my creativity in productive ways. Instead of getting into trouble, I can take part in advancing His kingdom.

Another God-given strength is the spiritual gift of discernment. For years, this helps me perceive the spiritual condition of others. The Holy Spirit gives good information, but I’ve not always handled it well. When I should praise the positives and pray for the weaknesses, my pride can turn the information into criticism or other forms of negativity. Duh.

Even as temptations come to exploit strengths, there is no way I can predict when, where, or even exactly what form they will take. Often I’m tempted after a victory, or a time of endurance through an intense trial. I can know they will come, but am usually surprised.

Also, as Chambers says, it isn’t wise to be on the lookout with morbid introspection and dread. I need to be alert and guard my strengths by wearing spiritual armor. I must also rest in the fact of God’s sovereign. The enemy cannot throw his lies at me without God’s permission and purpose.

Even thought temptation is not God’s idea, but He can turn it into a test that has a way of firmly convincing me that I always need grace and that I am always kept by the power of God.