Discipline to Win

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me — the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

– Acts 20:24

The Super Bowl — one of the world’s most-watched sporting events — is just a few weeks away. And what does it take to get there? The 2022-23 NFL schedule covers over 200 games as well as preseason matchups, the playoffs, and the Pro Bowl. And in addition to overcoming 18 weeks of hard-hitting competition, a date to The Big Game calls for intense discipline featuring countless hours of on-field practice, classroom study, and game-tape review.

Tom Brady understands how discipline and perseverance make all the difference between a champion and a runner-up. Love him or loath him, Brady — who’s won seven Super Bowl rings combined with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. And throughout his career he’s followed an intense, year-round training regimen involving diet and exercise, plus an ongoing focus on football fundamentals. Forty-five-year-old Brady takes nothing for granted, and he’s conditioned himself to expect the unexpected on the field.

“You push your body to the limits, but you have to train your body to deal with the limits,” he explains. “If you don't play to win don't play at all.”

The Bible also endorses the value of discipline and training. For Christ-followers, that means developing and using our God-given gifts and talents to make a positive difference in our community and the world. For example, we’re called to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks us. But how can we answer questions from a neighbor or co-worker if we don’t set aside time each day to read and study the Scriptures to know what we’re talking about? This discipline is also a great way to grow closer to God by developing the ability to listen for His voice. And in turn, it helps us discern right from wrong when faced by those modern-day scenarios that are so rarely black or white. 

Although the NFL wasn’t around 2,000 years ago, the sport of long-distance running was popular back then when the apostle Paul used it in 1 Corinthians to illustrate the value of spiritual discipline:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

It takes a disciplined regimen, and plenty of bruises along the way, to make it to the Super Bowl (and much more to win seven of them like Tom Brady). Likewise, it takes discipline and endurance for Christ-followers to become the faith-driven champions God wants us to be: 

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship,” we read in Romans 12. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Wise Men Still Seek Him

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

– Matthew 6:23

There’s a big difference between looking for something and searching for it. 

Looking suggests a more casual exploration, such as for a new barbecue restaurant or a full-service drycleaner. But searching, on the other hand, indicates a sense of urgency. That could be anything from our car keys — because we can’t be late again to the office — to a skilled oncologist for a stricken loved one. We search for what matters.

For Christ-followers (Christians), that’s a life-long spiritual quest toward Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And each step of the way, we seek to know him better and do God’s will with purpose and vision. But let’s consider the original Christ-followers 2,000 years ago, who traveled countless miles through deserts and rugged terrain in search of the one we call the Good Shepherd.

They were called the Magi, but you might know them from the Christmas story as the Three Wise Men. Some scholars say they were astrologers from Babylon (ancient Iraq), who were familiar with the Old Testament prophesies about the Jew’s long-awaited Messiah. The time came when these travelers spotted a special star in the nighttime sky. It was a sign that was both breathtaking and unmistakable. And the Magi would soon follow it at all costs to gaze upon and worship the much sought-after King of Kings.

The second chapter of Matthew’s gospel reveals that the Wise Men lived up to their name. And if we look closer, we’ll see that their successful journey highlights important principles that Christ-followers can embrace today. The first is that seeking God can be dangerous and demanding. Our spiritual pathway is full of hairpin turns and steep hills rather than long, smooth stretches of highway. And to reach their destination, the Magi chose the road-less-taken rather than the direct route. But how often do we choose the easy way out rather than doing the difficult — but right — thing?

The Magi’s example also reassures us that Christ-followers will find Jesus through a diligent search. And it’s plausible that the Magi were familiar with Jeremiah 29:13, which reads:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

So, whether it's Christmas Day or any other day on the calendar, let’s follow the Wise Men’s example. They recognized their Savior's star from a great distance, began their search, and stayed on the winding, uneven road until they reached their destination.

In God We Trust

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness.

– Proverbs 23:4

The saying goes that life happens. And when it does — such as in times of economic uncertainty and social upheaval — it’s only natural to rely on our bank account, social connections, and talent rather than the One who makes it possible to earn a living. But reliance on our career, the stock market, and our street-smarts is never wise, particularly these days. As comedian Chris Rock once described the reliability of fame and fortune: You’re here today, and gone … TODAY.

The fact is that our finances and popularity are no defense against life’s harsh realities. Illnesses strike, relationships fail, and that which was once solid turns to dust in our hands. What we desperately need is something — or Someone — who’s dependable, unchanging, and utterly faithful.

It’s in Matthew 7:24 that we read Jesus’ parable about a foolish man who built a house on shifting sands. When the storm struck, the rains came, and the winds blew with fury. It’s no surprise that the flimsy structure collapsed with a crash. But the wise man — in comparison — built his house on a foundation of solid rock. So, when the storm clouds of life boiled on the horizon, that house withstood even the heaviest downpour.

This leads to the obvious question: Are you counting on your money to save you when, as that insurance commercial puts it, life happens? If so, why not trust in God: The One who knew everything about you before you were even born. He’s always faithful and wants what’s best for you. And you can take that to the bank!

“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,” we read in Psalms, “who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.”

God's Good News

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

– Isaiah 43:19

What is it that every Bible-believing church will celebrate this weekend (and every weekend to come)?

It’s the Gospel — the Good News that God loves his creation so much that he sent his only Son to personally pay for the mess we’ve all made of our lives and a once-unspoiled creation. And with this immense debt now cleared from our accounts, every believer — through faith in Jesus Christ — is free to help build his kingdom by serving as his hands and feet throughout the community and across the globe.

Although that’s amazing news that we should both spread and celebrate, Christ-followers are in a predicament these days. Relativism rules America, and what’s obviously right or wrong is no longer considered so black and white. Popular culture smears those who believe in Jesus and his teachings as old-fashioned and intolerant. And those who dare to point out our nation’s retreat from God and crumbling morals are labeled as bigots, hate-mongers, or similar insults.

Of course, Christ-followers should be happy to embrace certain narrow and politically incorrect beliefs. The biggest is that Jesus is the one and only way to God. And since he lived a perfect, blemish-free life, he was the only sacrifice that was worthy to pay for our sins. But that’s Good News that most people reject because they love their own sin ... but hate accountability.

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,” responds God, “who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

Although the headlines are bleak these days, it’s reassuring to know that Christ-followers continue to serve as our Creator's hands and feet in the communities where they live and work. Jesus encourages every Believer to shine their light upon a dark world that’s in dire need of guidance, truth, and character. And rest assured that the world is watching to see if our words match our deeds. May it be that this weekend — and every day, for that matter — we celebrate God's Good News through changed lives marked with love in action!

God With Us

“The virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.”

– Matthew 1:23

Electricity — and the bright lights it makes possible — is arguably the one convenience that our society takes most for granted. We simply flick a switch, and there it is … until a storm rumbles through the area and plunges us into utter darkness. How did we ever function before today’s so-called Age of Enlightenment? The answer is that for centuries, people used lamps that burned olive oil. Later, there were candles, whale oil lanterns, and even coal gas illumination.

The search for something better took a while. Thomas Edison — the world-famous inventor — tried thousands of different materials for his incandescent light before he finally found one that wouldn’t burn out in seconds. He eventually solved the dilemma in 1879 by placing a carbon filament in an airless bulb. And a few months later, Edison improved his design by using a bamboo-derived filament that could last more than 1,200 hours. The rest, as they say, is history.

Edison’s tireless quest for illumination was a bit like mankind’s never-ending search for ultimate meaning and fulfillment in life. We all have a spiritual hunger for it that’s hard coded into our DNA. And some try in vain to fill the void through negative pursuits involving drugs, alcohol, compulsive spending, or questionable relationships. Others cope by becoming workaholics or escaping reality through social media, video games, or even travel. But after the thrill is gone, the emptiness always returns.

What they really lack and long for is their Creator. And in a very real way, those who don’t know his Son Jesus have a God-shaped hole in their hearts. But many people find it hard to believe that Christ is the solution. After all, how can one person BE and DO all that? It sounds too good and simple to be true.

Jesus backed up the Biblical claims of his being the so-called Immanuel (“God with us”) by fulfilling dozens of prophesies written centuries before his birth. And there was also his own resurrection to life following his death on a cross to pay our penalty for breaking God’s perfect law. 

But regardless of all the evidence, the Savior still has plenty of naysayers. But don’t be too hard on modern-day skeptics. Even John the Baptist — the one Jesus called the greatest man ever born — had his doubts:

"Are you the one who was to come,” John instructed his followers to ask Jesus, “or should we expect someone else?"

Jesus answered, "Go and tell John what you have heard and seen. The blind are now able to see, and the lame can walk. People with leprosy are being healed, and the deaf can hear. The dead are raised to life, and the poor are hearing the good news. God will bless everyone who doesn't reject me because of what I do."

It took weeks of trial and error for Thomas Edison to finally discover a practical solution for electric lighting. But centuries earlier, John the Baptist had already found The Light. And so has every Believer today. It’s through faith in Jesus Christ that we can begin our relationship with Immanuel: the one who is truly God with us.

Stay On the Path

I will turn all my mountains into roads, and my highways will be raised up.

– Isaiah 49:11

Rather than a sprint, a Christ-follower’s spiritual journey is much like a marathon — or better yet — a long journey along a winding road or a steep hike up a mountain. You never know what’s around the bend or over the next crest. And if you’re not careful, it’s all too easy to lose your footing and slip from time to time.

Speaking of cross-country travel, Crabtree Falls is a popular hiking destination in scenic Nelson County, Virginia, that also happens to be the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The narrow, rocky trail that leads there leaves little margin for error. And there’s even a sign at the water’s edge that warns readers to stay on the path. It explains that careless hikers have died after slipping on the moss-covered rocks and tumbling over the falls.

Stay on the path is the same wise advice that the Bible gives us for our own faith journeys. Life’s hardships and tragedies await us at every turn. And it’s always tempting to take a shortcut or the easy way by doing what’s wrong or avoiding what’s right. But that route leads only to disaster:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it,” Jesus warns us through Matthew’s gospel. “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

The good news is that we worship a God who’s always there to pick us up and return us to the true pathway toward our eternal destination. So just follow His lead, and you’ll reach the goal. And rest assured that you’ll have an unforgettable trip along the way ... with a view that’s out of this world!

 

Rejoice

 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

– Isaiah 12:3

Inflation is on the rise, the nation is divided politically, and the average price of gasoline is approaching $4.00 per gallon. And if you ask the average man or woman on the street, there’s not much these days to feel happy or joyous about. But let’s put things into perspective. The fact is that billions around the world would do just about anything to trade places with us. That’s because even the poorest of the poor in the United States are considered rich (at least statistically) when compared with the rest of humanity.

But regardless of our bank accounts and the extent of our possessions, there are some things that money can’t buy, and joy is one of them. It’s that internal source of gladness and thanksgiving that helps us see clearly through the distortions of even the most difficult of circumstances. And as Christ-followers, our relationship with Jesus grants us access to our Creator — a loving Father who hears our prayers and looks for ways to bless us. So, no matter how dire the headlines, we already know that the story will end on a very positive note. The experiences of the apostle Paul richly illustrate this biblical principle: 

“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,” he wrote in 2 Corinthians. “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”

That doesn’t sound like a fun-filled existence. Yet Paul wrote that he was joyful.

With so much negativity in the world today, what’s the secret for achieving a joy-filled, Christ-centered life? The Bible tells us to blend thanksgiving for our blessings and authentic, regular prayer with discernment — those ongoing intentional functions of living, thinking, and acting positively. Christ-followers should therefore make it a habit to look for the good and dwell on the positive.

When we have lives that are filled with joy, even the most unpleasant of circumstances can’t bring us down. Paul spent years in prison chained to his guards while under the constant threat of death. But he always prayed thankfully and joyously. And instead of feeling sorry for himself, he used his situation to change the lives of fellow prisoners and jailers alike — and all while writing much of what we today know as the New Testament. 

Yes, times are tough these days and the news is bleak. But Paul’s advice to today’s weary Christ-followers is all the more simple and profound:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Hurry Up and Wait

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

– Psalm 130:5

We live in a time called the Information Age. But it’s also the Era of Convenience marked by instant communications, DoorDash, apps, and microwave popcorn. And just about anything we want is just a screen-swipe or mouse-click away. But take another look and you'll discover that we're not always on the move. In fact, a 2022 OnePoll survey revealed that the average person loses 26 days each year doing nothing, and the biggest timewasters were waiting on hold on the phone, standing in line, and sitting in traffic.

It’s a rare soul these days who has the patience to wait. After all, multi-tasking — like texting while attending an office Zoom meeting — is a coveted life-skill. But patience doesn’t have to mean wasted time. In fact, the Bible tells us it’s one of the desired characteristics (a Fruit of the Spirit) that points to God’s work in our lives.

This concept might be difficult to grasp because the human viewpoint of time can oppose our Creator’s perspective. But it’s all very biblical. For example, Jesus waited about 30 years before he began his earthly ministry. And 40 years passed before Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt. As the Apostle Peter reminds us: 

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends, to the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day."

As Christ-followers, we must understand that what happens while we're waiting is often more important than what we're waiting for. Ask anyone who’s spent grueling hours at the hospital contemplating the health and future of a loved one. Did their soul-searching experience bring a closer dependence on God? It should have. After all, it's when we're so humbled and powerless that we realize we can do nothing on our own.

Developing the fruit of patience takes … patience! And it all starts with a sincere prayer for God’s help. Moreover, we need to be intentional about slowing down and detaching ourselves and our families from the world’s demands and urgencies. And as an extra step, we must establish accountability with other Christ-followers. If a trusted believer knows that you have trouble with patience, they can be there when you most need some perspective.

Patience — as the saying goes — is a virtue. And it’s no coincidence that counterintuitively, our non-stop, 24/7/365 world revolves around waiting. So, let's make the most of our time in God's Waiting Room — a place where we can look for ways and opportunities to say yes to him with a sense of expectancy and hope.

"Be still, and know that I am God," our Creator tells us through Psalm 46:10. "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Benefit of the Doubt

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

– Matthew 14:31

It’s said that if you have enough faith to believe the first four words of the Bible (“In the beginning, God …”), the rest of Scripture is easy. Still, even the most seasoned Christ-followers can have their moments of doubt — particularly in times of crisis — when it comes to a job loss, a serious illness, or the death of a loved one. 

But trusting in God’s promises extends well beyond our employment, health, or relationships. His guarantees found throughout the Bible are eternal. And we can take them all to the bank because of our Creator’s proven record of reliability. For example, God promised through the Old Testament’s book of Amos that the city of Tyre would be destroyed because of its harsh treatment of Israel. And the armies of Alexander the Great would indeed level Tyre’s impregnable fortress walls. God also promised to reunite his scattered chosen people — the Jews — from around the globe. In 1948, he did just that through the birth of the State of Israel.

It doesn’t end there. J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy lists more than 1,800 promises from God. And no doubt the greatest was fulfilled — once again, as predicted centuries earlier — through the birth of the world’s Savior (Jesus) in an obscure outpost of the Roman Empire. It was then that God came to Earth to personally experience the human condition.

This realization of God’s promise was much more than a bookmark in history. Through Jesus, the devil was defeated and Christ-followers were given the power to live victorious, Spirit-filled lives. So, let’s consider these words of assurance that are still relevant 20 centuries after Christ’s death and Resurrection:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?” Jesus asked some of his earliest followers. “Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

That’s our Creator’s promise to you and me: That he cares deeply for us. And he also knows each of us intimately — even before we were born. In fact, the book of Isaiah tells us that our very names are written on the palms of his hands! 

As Christ-followers, uncertainties about our faith will come and go. But rest assured that we worship a God who loves us and has a wondrous eternal plan for our future. 

There’s no doubt about it!

Treasures in Heaven

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

– Matthew 6:24

What’s the best way to invest your money these days?

While a quick Google search renders a remarkable 452 million results, finance gurus are recommending everything from precious metals to stocks and bonds to Bitcoin. Perhaps considering the dire economic uncertainty that hangs over America (and the world, for that matter), it’s no surprise that it’s a question in need of an answer. 

If you're a Christ-follower, you've accepted God's offer to meet all your needs in every area of your life. That covers deeply intimate issues involving significance, happiness, value, and self-worth — and of course, money and possessions. Unfortunately, too many of us depend on the size of our bank accounts, 401ks and stock portfolios for security. We struggle for years to build a nest egg. But even when we make it to the top by the world's standards, our financial victory turns out to be a worthless idol once we leave this life.

The essence of being a Christ-follower is accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. So rather than following the world's wisdom about life, relationships, possessions, and money, Christ-followers see these things in a very different light. That's because our minds begin to transform as soon as we follow Jesus in earnest. What once seemed so valuable and desirable loses its luster and fades into oblivion. The world's silver and gold begin to rust.

So, how’s the best way to invest our money, time ... and stuff?

It's a question with eternal implications. After all, what we do with our God-given resources is an ongoing test of how we put the True Master first in our lives. Christ-followers are called to recognize that ultimately, everything belongs to God. We're simply caretakers while we're here on earth. And no matter the size of our bank accounts, we can't take even a dime with us. We must therefore ask ourselves if we're spending our money on the world's definition of success — or investing it toward his kingdom, where it will make an eternal difference.  

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” Jesus advises us through Matthew’s gospel. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

Generous Toward God

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.

– Proverbs 22:9

Compared to most of the world's population, Americans are incredibly rich. When we're hungry for a snack, all we have to do is walk to the kitchen for some fresh fruit — or more realistically — a bag of chips. And if we're running low on supplies, a quick trip to the supermarket or Walmart fills up the fridge in no time. Even those of us who receive government assistance are rich by the world's standards. 

As Christ-followers (rich or poor), we're called to be generous with our possessions and resources. That’s because God blesses you and me in a myriad of ways, day in and day out. And since he's also the ultimate giver, and he wants us to be that way, too.

Think about the many blessings our Creator gives us every day. They vary, but likely include things like our health, job, home, family, friends, and church. And what about God's ultimate gift: forgiveness of our sins and an eternal relationship with him through our faith in Jesus?

God also wants every Christ-follower to abandon greed. But to do that, we must trust him rather than our riches. After all, bank accounts and retirement funds can shrink overnight through unexpected circumstances and economic uncertainties. Just ask anyone with a 401k.

As the apostle Paul explains in 1 Timothy, being generous toward God and his purposes renders much more than a warm feeling of self-satisfaction. Think of it as a guaranteed high-yield investment with dividends that you'll enjoy forever in the world to come. God challenges us to overturn our preconceived notions about money and possessions. It's through his design that giving generously becomes getting more:

"By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future," Paul says. "Then they will be able to have the life that is true life."

It's every Christ-follower's mission to serve as God's hands and feet on earth by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and housing the homeless. So, by making generosity a spiritual habit, we'll become more like him to help change our world for the better. Jesus sums it up through this reminder to us in Matthew 25:40:

"... 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

The Difference We Make

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

– Matthew 22:36-40

Have you ever wondered if Christ-followers really make a difference in the world? And would life be any different if Jesus had never been born?

The short answer is YES … the world would be a very different place. First, if Jesus had never been born, there would be no Church. This is the same Church that helped to stop slavery, cannibalism, and the killing of children — all permissible practices in their respective cultures. It’s also likely that the world would be less educated. Christian missionaries first put many of the world’s languages into print to help native speakers read the Bible. And all but one of the first 123 colleges in colonial America were Christian institutions. Harvard was even founded on this statement:

Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3.

Consider also that had Jesus had never been born, the Church wouldn’t have been around to promote the biblical principles of free enterprise, private property rights, and the work ethic. It’s because the United States was founded primarily by Christ-followers that The Declaration of Independence cites self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator. And our nation also recognizes the rule of law rather than the authority of man — a concept tracing back to the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. Even the slogan embossed on the Liberty Bell comes from the Bible: 

“Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof…”

The truth is that Christ-followers and the Church have made a big difference. And today, they continue to change the world in ways both large and small, such as by delivering meals to shut-ins and providing housing for the homeless. Samaritan’s Purse — the Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham — also distributes Christmas packages across the globe as a direct expression of Jesus’ love for children. Likewise, it also helps evacuees in the United States and abroad cope with manmade and natural disasters alike, everything from the war in the Ukraine to Hurricane Ian, which in September devastated parts of Florida and the East Coast.

Of course, Christ-followers — known collectively as The Church — don’t do any of this through their own power, resources, or initiative. Let’s never forget that the difference we make is possible only through our faith in Jesus:

“I am the vine; you are the branches,” he declares. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Mission Possible

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

– Luke 4:18-19

Many companies and organizations have a mission statement, which is a written declaration of their purpose, work, and goals. For example, CSX Corporation strives to “… be the safest, most progressive North American railroad, relentless in the pursuit of customer and employee excellence.” Levi Strauss & Co.’s mission statement says, “People love our clothes and trust our company. We will market the most appealing and widely worn casual clothing in the world. We will clothe the world.” Meanwhile, The Hershey Company — the manufacturer of treats such as Twizzlers, Hershey’s Kisses, and Reese’s peanut butter cups — gets right down to business with its stark mission statement: “Undisputed Marketplace Leadership.”

A common denominator here is the principle of return on investment, primarily to the organization’s customers and stockholders. After all, the companies understand that they wouldn’t exist without their benefactors’ ongoing confidence and support. Likewise, their backers expect to see profit in one form or another.  

Jesus once told a story about a master who gave each of his three servants a considerable sum of money (“talents”) to invest while he was away on an extended trip. After a time, the master returned to claim what was his. He was very pleased with the first two servants, who had wisely invested their allotments to double the money. But it wasn’t so with the third servant, who feared his master’s stern reputation and refused to risk a loss. Instead, he played it safe and literally buried the funds in a hole in the ground. The master was displeased, to say the least! Instead of commending the servant’s regard for safeguarding his treasure, he was furious because of the wasted opportunity to invest and multiply the money.

That’s where Christ’s mission statement for his followers enters the picture. God has given us various resources, skills, opportunities, and circumstances to invest in the spiritual lives of others. They could be as close as a spouse, sibling, or child. But they might be a co-worker, neighbor, or someone who God puts in your path at a most unexpected moment.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you,” Jesus told his apostles, “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

How are you using your God-given talents? Are you investing them boldly in the lives of others — or are you playing it safe by burying them? It’s through Jesus that our mission is possible.

Follow the Leader

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

– Luke 5:11

It’s one of those nights that even experienced drivers fear. And that’s not to mention their passengers.

It’s nighttime, and it’s raining so hard that you can barely see over your car’s hood. The fog and mist have rolled in. And you don’t dare to slow down or pull over to the roadside. It’s a multi-vehicle accident just waiting to happen.

So what do you do to make it safely to your destination? When it’s raining cats and dogs, sometimes the best move is a serious game of Follow the Leader. That means following the dim red tail lights of the vehicle ahead of you and matching the driver’s every turn. When he taps his brakes, you do, too. And if he bears right, you don’t ask questions. That’s because you know he can already see what’s up ahead.

But things can get dangerous if you try to make it on your own. So ultimately, it’s a matter of trust.

Isn’t this an accurate description of what it means to be a Christ-follower? The Bible tells us that Jesus asked his disciples to follow him into storms, hostile crowds, and towns full of unbelievers. These were dangerous, scary situations. But like the lead driver on the highway, Jesus saw what was ahead. And he led those who believed in him to experience life in its fullest.

That was fine 2,000 years ago. But what does it mean to follow Jesus in the 21st century?

If you’re familiar with imitation leather or imitation flavoring, you know they’re generally not as good as the real thing. But this is one time when imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery. That’s because throughout our time on Earth, we’re directed to imitate Christ. And how do we do that?

It’s all about following his examples of growing closer to God through regular prayer, Bible reading, worship, and gathering with other believers. We can also imitate our Savior by being a friend to the weak and helpless, sharing our material blessings, and being an advocate for justice. And there’s much, much more.

If you’re of a certain age, perhaps you’ve seen those What Would Jesus Do (WWJD) bracelets or bumper stickers. While we rarely see them these days, it’s still the big question — more so now than ever considering these stormy days of social, economic, and political turmoil. 

So, what would Jesus do? There’s only one way to find out. Let's follow the Leader! 

The Only Way

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

– Acts 4:12

We live in a nation that’s blessed with choices. Need a cellphone? There are dozens of companies offering popular devices from Apple, Samsung, Google, and many others. Well-stocked supermarkets may offer 10 or more brands of bottled water. And if you’re looking for entertainment, Netflix, Apple TV, and Hulu have a program or movie for just about everyone — from cartoons to romantic comedies to horror flicks. Then there’s that online global marketplace, Amazon.com. According to the BigCommerce website, Amazon is where you’ll find your choice of more than 350 million different products!

Since choice has long been popular in America, it’s no surprise that there are also multiple options for religion. Like the sandwich items posted on a fast-food menu board, there's something for every taste and preference. And furthering the confusion is that many self-described experts assure us that whichever one we choose, it really doesn't really matter — just so long as we’re sincere in our beliefs and it makes us happy. After all, one person's truth isn't someone else's. It's all relative. And we're all worshipping the same god anyway. Right?

Not really! The Bible tells us that Jesus made some startling claims that clearly contradict today’s easy-going take on faith. And he also backed them up. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Jesus' birth — even the name of the tiny village where it would happen — centuries before the fact. And in Christ's brief time on earth, he proved himself as the Son of God by curing the sick, raising the dead, forgiving sins, and being a living sacrifice to pay the price for the sins of the world. His resurrection from the grave (also as he predicted) proved his power over death. And 2,000 years later, Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference.

"I am the vine; you are the branches," we read in John's gospel. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Many people — even those who aren't Christ-followers — agree that Jesus was a "good" man and a "wise" teacher. But the hot button question is whether or not he's really the only way to God. The short answer is ...YES! Jesus declares that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. But that's a claim that makes people uncomfortable these days. It's an assertion of exclusivity. And many would call it intolerant.

Or maybe it's not quite so exclusive after all. Jesus' death and resurrection make it possible for anyone to have eternal life, and no one who wants a new life through the Savior is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower is about having a personal relationship with him, accepting what he accomplished for us through his death, and letting him live through us. Without faith in Jesus, we can’t please God. 

By some counts, there are today about 20 different major world religions plus thousands of related beliefs and their offshoots. And they all have something in common: their emphasis on doing. But Christianity — the simple faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior — is instead about what's been done. We can't earn our salvation or perform enough good deeds to earn our way to God's favor. Christ has already done it — and paid it in-full through his crucifixion. All we need to do is come to him in faith.  

"It is finished!" Jesus proclaimed as he hung from the cross to save you and me. It was the only way.

Love Language

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

– 1 John 3:16

LOVE is a remarkable word. For example, we might say that we love our spouse, we love America, and we love pizza. They’re the same four letters, but the word’s meaning varies greatly depending on the context.

Now let’s consider something about love according to relationship expert and counselor Gary Chapman. He’s observed that husbands and wives demonstrate their love for each another in distinct ways. Some show it through words of affirmation or acts of service while others speak it through physical touch or quality time. And yet another so-called love language involves giving or receiving gifts.

God likewise communicates his love in several ways. For example, there’s the familiar Bible story of the Prodigal Son, where a loving father welcomes back his wayward — and totally undeserving — child with open arms. And then there’s the parable of the shepherd who searches tirelessly for a single missing sheep. When he finally finds it, he returns it triumphantly to the rest of the flock. These are just two illustrations of our Creator’s immense love for you and me.

Jesus meanwhile paints this sacrificial word-portrait of love, which the agrarian people of his day would have recognized immediately: 

“I am the good shepherd,” Christ tells us though the Gospel of John. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

The Savior also once told his disciples about a certain man who sold his possessions to buy a field. But not just any field — but one that held buried treasure. The purchase price was staggering, but the man did whatever it took to gain the prize. Likewise, God will go to any means to bring us into his kingdom. And he made that possible by entering the world in human form through Jesus, living a perfect life, and then personally paying the penalty for the sins of the world through an unjust execution on a Roman cross.

LOVE is a small word. But when it’s spoken through God’s love language, its power and potential are endless.

Worthy of Worship

 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God

– 1 Corinthians 10:31

Christ-followers worship the true God revealed and proclaimed through the Bible. Meanwhile, various religions around the world promote false gods, ancestor worship, and even the reverence of living things or nature (worshiping the creation rather than the Creator). And then there's today’s popular false teachings such as New Age, Scientology, and Kabbalah. Whatever they worship, the list goes on and on. 

Even those who embrace atheism are in fact active worshipers.

True, they may not be regular churchgoers and proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But they — like everyone — bow to their favorite idols. Some worship money, luxury, and pleasure, while others bend the knee to intellect and higher learning. And still millions more kneel at the altar of more-negative gods such as alcohol, drugs, and illicit relationships.

The saying goes that there are no atheists on the battlefield. But within everyone rages a different conflict: The God of the Bible versus the world’s gods and idols. It's our hearts and souls that are the prizes of this hotly contested struggle.

Perhaps we don’t literally kneel and worship before an Old Testament-style golden idol. But secretly (and maybe not-so-secretly), we do cherish our own personal gods. Think about the things you worry about or sacrifice your time and money for. What are the issues that make you angry? What brings you the most joy? And here’s a revealing question: Whose attention and applause do you most crave?

If your answers don’t involve God, you’re likely worshiping an idol. And idols can be difficult to recognize through the smoke and confusion of spiritual warfare. Even apparently good things can evolve into god things.

Christ-followers must remember that the God of the Bible refuses to share his glory with false deities and cheap idols. So, let’s reflect on the God (and gods) in our lives, and choose the only One to serve and live for. After all, he’s worthy of our worship and praise.

Points of Light

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

– Isaiah 9:2

Launched on Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is making headlines with the stunning images it’s taken of hyper-distant galaxies, planets, and stars. NASA announced in August 2022 that the orbiting technological marvel had even captured the first clear evidence for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of a planet outside our solar system.

It takes just a tiny point of light on the JWST’s mirror to change our notions about the universe. But when there are barriers to the light — such as the atmosphere in the case of traditional terrestrial telescopes — we can miss the big picture or be misled by a distorted image.

This principle also applies to our spiritual lives. “I am the light of the world,” Jesus proclaims in John 8:12. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 

As Christ-followers, our lives are to always reflect his love in action. But we too face barriers and distortions. For example, the world teaches us to beat the competition, climb the corporate ladder, and keep up with our neighbors. We also need the biggest, the fastest, and the shiniest. And most of all, it’s not bragging if we can back it all up.

Christ has a much different viewpoint: To be first, we must be last. However, it’s long been a human tendency to gaze into the mirror and ponder our warped self-image of importance. But the true message is clear: We are nothing without Jesus, and we can do even less by ourselves. What’s more, it’s when we surrender to God and live out the plans he designed for us long ago that we become brilliant points of light that reflect true lives of purpose.

Christ-followers might not make headlines like the JWST, but every day they’re making life-changing differences both big and small by mirroring Jesus through their words and deeds. As we read in Matthew’s gospel:

“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.”

 

Practical Compassion

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

– John 13:35

As Christ-followers, we're often reminded about the importance of helping our neighbors and showing compassion to strangers. Jesus taught this principle through The Good Samaritan, one of the most familiar stories of the Bible.

It’s in Luke’s gospel that we read about a traveler who was attacked by robbers and left for dead. A priest discovered the wounded man, but he elected to pass him by. Later, a Levite (a member of one of the tribes of Israel) also saw the man lying on the ground, and he too avoided him. But when a Samaritan — a member of a despised ethnic group — happened to come by, he bandaged up the injured stranger, checked him into a motel, and even prepaid the bill! 

The story’s two supposedly "good" people had a chance to help the helpless, but they went out of their way to do nothing. Instead, it was the Samaritan who found God's approval because he showed practical compassion to his neighbor (a stranger).

Although that's a lesson we all should learn and live by, helping neighbors and strangers is often a difficult proposition. We can let selfishness and pride become roadblocks. Moreover, when we avoid getting our hands dirty, we just might turn into one of those self-righteous characters in the story. And let's also consider a related question: How are we showing compassion to our fellow Christ-followers — not strangers — but rather other Believers?

The moment we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become a member of an enormous family-of-faith spanning race, nationality, gender, and generation. We may be very different, but it's our faith in Christ that bridges the gap. We also share a common, eternal destiny with a loving Father. And he’s at the core of our very words, thoughts, and deeds.

It’s this truth that separates Christ-followers from everyone else on earth. And since the world is watching us and questioning our motives, it’s crucial that we live out our lives accordingly.

How can we do that? It’s by celebrating each other's triumphs, mourning each other's losses, and sacrificing our own selfish interests that we exhibit much more than transformed lives and ongoing spiritual growth. Above all, we must follow Jesus' example — one where “love” is an action-word rather than a feeling — and one lived out each day through a changed heart of compassion.

The Wisdom of Kindness

I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us — yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

– Isaiah 63:7

When asked by one of the Pharisees — a strict religious sect of Jesus’ day — to name the greatest of God’s laws, Christ’s response astounded his audience with its simplicity and clarity:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment,” Jesus said. “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

So, in just a few brief phrases, Jesus summarized the core message of the entire Old Testament: That God’s love, translated into beneficial motivations and kindness through our faith in Jesus Christ, is an unstoppable, world-changing force.

This is a difficult concept for many people because they equate the term “love” with that squishy word associated with weddings, chocolates, and Valentine’s Day. But Jesus wasn’t teaching his followers about that often fleeting, awkward emotion. As Christ-followers, God calls us to walk in step with him by putting our love into sincere, tangible action. And this can come in many widely divergent forms: from helping an elderly neighbor get their groceries to revealing God’s light to strangers through a prison ministry. It could also translate into changing a co-worker’s life by showing him or her how Jesus has changed your own. The possibilities and potential are endless.

God’s love and kindness are unfathomable, and he demonstrates that by going to any length to bring you and me into his family. Perhaps the most famous passage in the New Testament, John 3:16 proclaims that God loves the world so much that he gave his only Son (Jesus) so that those who believe in him will have eternal life. God willingly let Jesus suffer and die to pay for all our wrongdoings — past, present, and future. We rightfully deserve death because of how we’ve lived our lives. But God’s love and kindness offer joy and happiness if we’re only willing to accept it. 

The limits of human vocabulary keep us from fully describing the meaning and implications of how God cherishes his children. We can only skim the surface of this vast ocean. But perhaps it’s not so difficult. After all, it takes just three simple words from 1 John to sum it up: God is Love. And it’s when we emulate his examples of love and kindness that we turn our faith into action and transform the world one person at a time.

Training Day

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

– 1 Timothy 4:8

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most popular attractions in the City of Brotherly Love. And it’s not all because of the facility’s impressive collection of masterpieces. Instead, tourists flock there to reenact the iconic scene from the movie Rocky, where the lead character (played by Sylvester Stallone) sprints up the museum’s 72 steps to complete the training regimen for his world championship boxing match. In January 2015, the Daily Mail website reported that three vacationers decided it was their turn to mimic The Italian Stallion. And once they had scaled the final granite step to reach the summit, they were shocked to run into no other than Sylvester Stallone himself, who was in town filming the latest Rocky sequel!

Filmed in 1976, Rocky is essentially the Old Testament story of David and Goliath — but set in run-down 1970’s Philadelphia. The protagonist (Rocky Balboa) is a washed-up, down-on-his-luck fighter who gets his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight the reigning world heavyweight champion (Apollo Creed). The match is merely a publicity stunt concocted by Creed’s handlers, and no one gives Rocky much chance of surviving the bout’s early rounds.

But Rocky take the match — and his chances — seriously. So as he begins his training and reaches milestone after milestone, even his skeptical girlfriend, co-worker, and trainer begin to see that there just might be a glimmer of hope. The movie’s focus on Rocky’s unorthodox workouts is arguably more interesting than the dramatic — but unrealistic — blow-by-blow fight scenes. We see the blue-collar prizefighter exercising in a meat processing plant, strengthening his body by drinking raw eggs, and building his endurance by jogging through the city’s mean streets. The sequence ends as Rocky races up the museum’s steps, raises his arms in victory, and surveys his beloved hometown.

At first glance, Rocky’s lesson seems to be the ability of good to overcome evil. But the less-obvious New Testament message — revealed through the fourth chapter of 1 Timothy — is the considerable value of intense training and discipline. In fact, every Christ-follower is called to develop and use the gifts and talents God gives them to influence their community and the world. An example is our mandate to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks. But how can we respond without the discipline to set aside time each day for prayer, Bible reading, and study? This type of practical spiritual training is also a great way for us to grow closer to our Creator by developing the ability to hear his voice. And in turn, it helps us to discern right from wrong when faced with one of those many real-life scenarios that never seem to be black or white.

Meanwhile, watching Rocky Balboa’s long, early morning jogs through the city’s winding streets is a reminder of our need for endurance and perseverance along our spiritual journey. The road we travel as Christ-followers is anything but straight, smooth, and easy. And like the tourists who flock to The Philadelphia Museum of Art, there’s no telling who we’ll meet there along the way.

Giving Back

“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.”

– Luke 22:26

Over the past several years, many well-known companies have promoted their philanthropy — also known as giving back — to help make the world a better place. For example, Coca-Cola donates at least 1% of its annual operating income toward certain causes and initiatives. Likewise, The Home Depot’s Veteran Housing Grants Program awards grants to nonprofit organizations for the construction or rehabilitation of permanent housing for veterans. And JPMorgan Chase invests millions toward animal welfare, arts and culture, civic activities, community development, education, environment, health and medical research, human and social services, plus international and religious causes. 

Giving back also goes hand-in-hand with being a Christ-follower. Indeed, we’re called to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet on earth while we wait for his return — or at least until that day when he calls us back home. That means we’re to help prepare God’s kingdom by sharing the many gifts and talents he’s given us. And it’s in this way that we become a beacon of hope amidst the utter darkness of today’s so-called enlightened society.

“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

That’s how Jesus expresses this directive through Matthew’s gospel. But what sort of light is he talking about? It’s really that spark or inner power that God grants each Christ-follower for demonstrating his goodness through their words and deeds. For example, we can shine a light and serve by running a much-needed errand for an elderly neighbor. We can help clean up a neglected school or a community park — or even work in a food pantry or visit the residents of an assisted living community. Whether it’s down the street or across the globe, there’s no shortage of opportunities for giving back.

Why is the principle of giving back so important for Christ-followers?

“In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served,” Jesus explains. “He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” 

Christ exemplified a service-focused life. So as his modern-day disciples, let’s do the same by turning our faith into action and giving back to the ones he calls the least of these.

I Shall Return

Once you spoke in a vision, to your faithful people you said: “I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have raised up a young man from among the people …”

– Psalm 89:19

March 11, 1942, was a dark day for America — as well as for the entire free world. Just three months earlier, the Japanese had launched a devastating surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The result was a crippled American Pacific fleet, 3,478 servicemen killed or wounded, plus an additional 103 civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the Japanese had trapped 85,000 American and Filipino troops on the Philippine’s Bataan Peninsula and the island fortress of Corregidor. 

Under orders from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Douglas MacArthur (the American commander) and his family evacuated the area for the relative safety of Australia. The thousands of troops MacArthur left behind were eventually forced to surrender to the enemy. But the general refused to turn his back on his men — or the Filipino people.

“I shall return,” MacArthur promised in his statement to the press. And on October 20, 1944, he kept that vow when he waded ashore with an invasion force at the Filipino island of Leyte. “People of the Philippines, I have returned,” MacArthur declared in an unforgettable radio broadcast.

Awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, Douglas MacArthur was a warrior known for his bravery, heroism, and faithfulness. And while his promise was both historic and world-changing, it doesn’t come close the significance of another vow kept more than 2,000 years ago. 

Mankind had for centuries been enslaved by an enemy called sin, and there was no way to repay God for its many transgressions and failures. So, to keep a promise he had made at the foundation of the world, our Creator paid the enormous sin-debt himself through the sacrifice of his own son, Jesus. 

God understood that we were powerless to save ourselves from the punishment we all deserve. That’s why Jesus came to earth in the form of a helpless infant, grew up and lived a faultless, sin-free life, and was unjustly executed for crimes that he didn’t commit. One of the best-known passages of the Bible (John 3:16) summarizes this incredible act of devotion:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

It was through Jesus that God kept his pledge of forgiveness and salvation for those who ask for it in faith. And one day — quite possibly within our lifetimes — he’ll keep another long-anticipated promise when he returns to defeat Satan once and for all.

“Behold, I am coming soon!” Jesus assures us through Revelation. “Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophesy in this book ... Yes, I am coming soon.”

Truth or Consequences

Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.

– 2 Thessalonians 2:3 

It sounds like something found deep in the jungles of Africa, the Amazon rainforest — or maybe even on another planet. It’s a carnivorous plant called the Venus fly trap, which grows wild in the bogs of North and South Carolina. 

Venus fly traps feast on flies and other insects, and their secret lies in their attractive colors and outstretched, nectar-scented pads. When an unsuspecting victim lands on the exotic plant, sensors prepare its trap to shut. But by intelligent design, it takes more than a single motion to spring the snare. It’s only after a second sensor activation that the Venus fly trap grabs its prey within 0.1 seconds. Soon, powerful fluids fill the sprung trap, which dissolve the insect into usable nutrients. The cycle then resumes, with the plant re-opening its pads to repeat its lethal deception.

This illustrates an important lesson for Christ-followers: Although it might seem innocent at the time, we can suffer great harm from those who teach Scripture in attractive ways that are inconsistent with God’s Word. Moreover, following such doctrines can lead us astray while misdirecting seekers from the straight-and-narrow pathway toward salvation. Examples include pseudo-Christian tenets such as name-it-claim it, salvation by works, and legalism. One popular Atlanta-area pastor has also advocated unhitching the Old Testament from the Christian faith. And in recent years another familiar pastor/author has denied certain essential Christian beliefs. Declaring that “love wins” and that hell is just symbolic, he’s proclaimed that people worldwide will be saved in the end — even if they haven’t professed their faith Christ. Of course, Believers know through John 14:6 that Jesus disagrees:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In addition to being non-biblical, such false assertions are even more dangerous because of their teachers’ popularity and honed communications skills. But the threat from bad theology is nothing new to Christ-followers. About 2,000 years ago, the apostle Paul addressed some of the false teachings of his day that were both confusing and upsetting to early believers in Jesus:

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,” Paul wrote in Galatians 1:8, “let them be under God’s curse!”

The good news is that God’s truth is near for those who seek it. And Christ-followers have open access to it through the Bible, prayer — and even wise counsel from fellow Believers. We should therefore have less trouble than others with telling right from wrong and discerning the traps of false teachings. It’s a stark lesson that underscores the importance of biblical literacy.

If you hear or read something that seems inconsistent with Scripture, maybe it is. Check the Bible and ask a trusted Christian friend. And if the teaching is unbiblical, don’t follow it. But if it turns out to be legitimate, God could be using it to help you become a bit more like our Savior, one day at a time.

Red Alert

The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.

– Proverbs 6:23

In late 2021, the lava, rocks, and ash erupting from the Canary Island’s Cumbre Vieja volcano destroyed about 3,000 buildings, covered acres of banana plantations and vineyards, and cut off miles of roadways. The resulting billion-dollar devastation to the popular tourist spot was a reminder that life is short and that it’s God — not man — who’s in control. However, warning signs often precede such disasters. And our ability and willingness to recognize and heed them can mean the difference between life and death.

Let’s rewind back to December 2004, when an earthquake generating a powerful tsunami in the Indian and Pacific Oceans released the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. The resulting disaster left more than 150,000 people dead or missing, with millions more homeless across 11 countries.

It’s interesting to note that the approach of this so-called Boxing Day tsunami was not totally unannounced. Many survivors remember the spectacle of the water receding from the beach to expose the seabed. Fish and boats were left stranded on the sand. And these same danger signs led the curious to their eventual doom when they ventured to the shoreline to marvel at the unusually low tide.

However, some people did recognize the warnings from the rapidly receding ocean. Survivors who understood its significance reported that they ran for high ground, rounded up family and friends, and tried to warn those who were drawn to the water's edge. The Associated Press reported that one Indian national saved 1,500 of his fellow villagers after spotting the ocean’s dramatic recession from the shoreline. And for reasons debated by scientists, many animals somehow sensed the disaster and fled in time to higher ground.

The level of death and destruction from this natural disaster was unprecedented, and only those who recognized the warnings and reacted in time lived to tell their stories. But what about the impending disasters of our own making? Is God trying to alert you and me to devastation on our personal horizons?

Maybe it’s about our marriage, kids, career … or even that risky investment. Whatever it is, it’s likely that the warnings aren’t a complete surprise. The problem is that we already know what’s bad for us (spiritually and/or physically), and it’s our nature to put off what’s unpleasant until the last minute. But sometimes we wait until it’s too late. And by then, the damage — often permanent — is done.

Our excuses are remarkably consistent. We’re either too busy or we don’t think the issue is a big deal. Likewise, we like to play God by pretending to have a handle on the situation, such as with drugs, gambling, or alcohol. But your family, friends — and most importantly, God — know otherwise.

How should we respond when God sends us a warning? The best answer is the simplest one: Face up to it NOW and deny our tendency to ignore it or wait until later.

Now’s the time to prepare for the storms of life by looking out for God’s warning signs. A little discipline and self-control today can save us from years of hurt tomorrow.   

Out of the Darkness

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

– James 1:2–3

According to Christianity Today’s 2022 report on Christian persecution, our brothers and sisters in faith are being targeted worldwide — particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Christ-followers in Nigeria account for about 80% of martyrdoms, and 60% of church attacks happen in China. And it’s likely no surprise that Afghanistan, in the wake of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from that country, has replaced North Korea as the most difficult nation for following Jesus.

But religious persecution isn’t isolated to faraway lands. In Canada, the passage of Bill C-250 criminalized parts of the Bible that seemingly expose certain classes of people to “hatred and ridicule.” Bill C-4, a Canadian law that passed in January, describes some aspects of Christian morality as a “myth.” And in the United States, which has a Constitutional amendment guaranteeing freedom of religion, Christian business-owners face thousands of dollars in government fines and other penalties for the crime of adhering to Bible-based standards.

Christ-followers shouldn’t be shocked by such unsettling news. In fact, let’s consider the following admonition from the apostle Peter — biblical guidance that’s just as applicable now as it was nearly 2,000 years ago:

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Peter adds that “… those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” So, how can we do that amidst our current adversities? It’s in troubling times like these that we should also remember these words from Jesus:

“Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.”

What does he mean by light? It’s really that “spark” or inner power that God grants each Christ-follower for demonstrating his goodness through their words and deeds. We might show it by running a much-needed errand for an elderly neighbor. Or volunteering to manage a co-worker’s project when he or she is struggling to finish an earlier assignment. Or it might involve cleaning up a community park, buying groceries for a shut-in, or visiting the residents of an assisted living center. Ultimately, it’s about tangibly living out our faith.

From the earliest Christ-followers to their 21st century counterparts, Believers live in dark times marked by persecutions both far and near. But it’s because of this darkness that many outside our faith are recognizing their own plight — as well as their need for answers and a brighter future. Let’s therefore turn our faith into light by accepting Jesus’ invitation to help brighten this dark, dying world that’s so much in need of our Savior’s guidance, truth, and love.

Building Blocks

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

– Matthew 16:18

Church means different things to different people.

Maybe it’s one of those modest clapboard places of worship that dot rural America. On the other hand it might be a massive medieval basilica in picturesque Europe. And still others might think of the small home churches found in China and Cuba.

We may envision church as a cathedral, a coffee house or something in between, but the Bible defines it quite differently. Rather than being a structure filled with pews and crowned by a soaring steeple, the church is a collection of people: all those who count Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. No matter who you are and where you live — if you’re a Christ-follower — you’re part of his church called the Body of Christ.

What a remarkable concept! We speak different languages, represent different races, and reflect different cultures. But we’re all united by Jesus’ death on the cross as payment in full for all the wrongs we’ve done (and continue to do) in our lives. As different as we are, we’re a single family that’s accepted Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness … and hope for eternal life.

But as with all families — even the best and most stable of them — differences, disagreements, and disappointments are bound to arise among the siblings. And the fact is that the church isn’t perfect. But why should it be? After all, its members are imperfect people who do very imperfect things. 

This leads us to another key Biblical truth about the church: It’s not about us. Instead, it’s all about Jesus. Everything we do as Christ-followers should be done to glorify God through Christ, who the Bible tells us is the head of the church. Whether it’s a local gathering of believers or the collective millions of Christ-followers on Earth, this Body of Christ answers to an audience of One.

Jesus paid for his Church with something much more valuable than money or gold. He bought our spiritual freedom and eternal future at the price of his own precious blood. That means we’re ultimately a single body joined through a common faith. So, with this in mind, let’s strive as Christ-followers to be building blocks of one that’s healthy, productive, and worthy of his sacrifice.