In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Phillipians 2:5-8 (NIV)
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Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Luke 9:23-26 (NIV)
This past week I have been reading through The Ordinary Hero by Tim Chester because I was asked to review the book for my church's women's group. The aim of the author is to encourage Christians to think about Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection. And not just think about it, but think about how it really applies to our lives. In other words, how can we practically apply and live out the cross and the resurrection in our day to day lives rather than just knowing it as an academic fact.
One of the many Bible passages referenced in the book is the one from Luke 9 above. A passage which, if I am honest, challenges me intensely because my sinful nature doesn't want to deny self and make sacrifices.
But these verses are ones which apply to all Christians, regardless of whether we are suffering severe persecution for our faith as many of our brothers and sisters in Christ do in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, or whether we live in countries where there is relative freedom of religion.
I don't pretend to have hard and fast answers for those who struggle with taking up their cross to follow Jesus. But I want to challenge you all to think through what this means in your life. Does it mean not accepting a job or joining a sports club because doing so would mean you couldn't attend church? Does it mean nurturing and encouraging your children, or spurring on a friend in their Christian walk even when you're tired and depressed and could use some TLC yourself? Or maybe it means humbly putting up with ridicule and scorn because you refuse to join in with your colleagues' unethical behaviour at work. And for some, it will mean physical death because of their refusal to reject Jesus.
However "taking up your cross daily" applies in your life, let us pray for each other, and for all Christians around the world, that we would stand firm in our faith and honour God in all that we do.
Deb - dspdavey/Domum Vindemia
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Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth;
burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)
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For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas 2014! May the Lord protect those who are travelling to see loved ones and bring peace and comfort to those who find themselves grieving at this time of year. And may you always have joy in our wonderful counselor and prince of peace Jesus.
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...the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:7 (NIV)
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Very few verses of the Bible have hit me like I Thessalonians 4:11. In fact I think I have quoted it in some manner or another at least five times over the past couple of weeks. I've mentioned it to friends at church, to family members and really hit it hard in the Bible Study small group I am leading right now. I came across it in Beth Moore's Children of the Day study. So my take on this passage of scripture is definitely impacted by her teaching. I'll not claim credit.
How many of us, as Christians, wonder how it is that we can best live for Christ? Well, this verse lays it out in a very plain way. First it says we are to "lead a quiet life". Oooh...I love this. You mean we aren't to be superstars for Christ? All of us? Out there shouting from the mountaintops and harassing every person that crosses our paths? Nope. This refers to living our lives in such a way that outsiders watching can see our peace, joy and commitment to the things that are important to us. Living a life that allows us to be available and within reach of those around us.
Next it tells us to "work with our hands" or "not to be dependent". Now I don't believe this talks about those times when things are hard and we need the support of those around us. It is more to the effect of not being lazy and thus requiring others to carry our load or pay our way. In this way we show the Believers in our community respect in give and take. A chronically lazy, and therefore needy, person is not living out the teaching of the Word.
Finally, we are "to mind our own business". Now, I have to be careful with this one. Yesterday it was very convenient as I observed a potential "train wreck" in relationships about to happen and took five steps back to "mind my own business". In reality it all worked out very well and I'm thrilled that I hadn't inserted myself in the middle of it as I had been tempted to do but I'll have to be aware of when I am using this to stick my head in the sand. :-) Isn't it true, though, that we can have a tendency to "share a prayer request" because we really want to be the one to tell someone else about this or that? Or to pass along someone else's thoughts or opinions in an attempt to strengthen our position with the potentially offended person? Oh, I'm guilty. But I'm going to work hard on minding my own business.
Feel free to check out I Thessalonians this week. It will have something for you. Such a packed study of practical encouragement.
Becky - Good Neighbors Candle Co.
