You Be the Judge

This was before kings ruled Israel, so all the Israelites did whatever they thought was right.

-- Proverbs 14:12

Have you ever been accused of intolerance?

If you’re a Christ-follower who’s open about your faith, you probably have – or soon will be. Turn on the TV or surf the Internet a while. You don’t have to look hard to find articles or videos featuring Hollywood celebrities or “open-minded” journalists who point their fingers and use the dreaded “I-Word.”

But what exactly does tolerance mean? And depending on the situation, is intolerance always such a bad thing? Many see Christianity as very intolerant. For instance, Jesus declared Himself to be the exclusive path to God. "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” He said. This bold proclamation defies today’s all-inclusive, politically correct atmosphere. But Jesus has no tolerance for false, second-rate gods and allegiances.

It’s helpful to understand that the meaning of tolerance has evolved over the last few years. Not too long ago, to be tolerant meant recognizing and respecting the beliefs and values of others – even if you would never accept them as your own. But that’s all changed. Today, tolerance means accepting and acknowledging the beliefs and behaviors of others as equal to your own. All faiths and religions are of neutral value. And everything – even the simple concept of right and wrong – is now relative. My truth is just as good as your truth.

This viewpoint sounds very enlightened and liberating. But it has a few fatal flaws. As with man’s grasp of knowledge, man’s concept of tolerance constantly changes. On the other hand, God’s right and wrong never changes. The Bible – God’s words of truth to us – is rock-steady and dependable. That can’t be said for the fickleness of popular culture.

Today’s definition of tolerance is also hypocritical. When someone attacks Christian values, that viewpoint – by its own definition – is intolerant. “All viewpoints are equal,” they reason. “But some viewpoints aren’t as equal as others.”

As Christ-followers, we have open access to God’s truth through the Bible, prayer and even wise counsel from fellow Believers. We should have less trouble than others with telling right from wrong. We look toward the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, as our Guide. But following Him in front of an unbelieving world is another matter. And it opens us up – and rightfully so – to charges of hypocrisy.

As the saying goes, when you point your finger at someone, your other four fingers point back at you. Christ-followers must therefore look in the mirror before accusing others. As Jesus put it, we need to remove the plank from our own eye before removing the speck from our neighbor’s eye. To do otherwise risks the charge of self-righteousness. We also need to consider the person in need of guidance. Is this person a fellow Christ-follower? Or is this someone who never signed up for Jesus’ walk of faith?

These two situations demand different responses. As Christ-followers, we must hold ourselves to much higher standards of behavior. And on the flipside, we must let God be the judge of others outside the faith. He knows the whole story; we’re hardly in the position to condemn anyone.

But in all cases and with all people, love must be our motivation. Regardless of what the world tells us, it’s love – not tolerance – that’s our core value.

Knowledge is Power

Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.
-- Psalm 119:65-67

Consider him the Albert Einstein of his day. Scottish physicist Lord Kelvin was the dominant figure in science in the second half of the 19th Century. He published more than 600 scientific papers and filed 70 patents. He was the president of the Royal Society from 1890 to 1895, and introduced the world to the term thermodynamics .

Kelvin was obviously brilliant by the world's standards. But as it turned out, his knowledge was limited to the information that was available at the time. For instance, he famously declared that "heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible." The Wright Brothers proved him wrong just eight years later. And in 1900, Kelvin said, "There is nothing new to be discovered in physics now. All that remains is more and more precise measurement." The renowned genius also asserted that "X-rays are a hoax."

So goes the power of knowledge.

It's ironic that so many otherwise intelligent people regard Christ-followers as weak or uninformed because they accept the Bible on simple faith. After all, they say, knowledge is the answer to freedom and a better world. If everyone would think like them, peace and prosperity would multiply!

The problem with this viewpoint is that worldly knowledge is constantly changing and correcting itself. On the other hand, the wisdom and knowledge that God gives us through the Bible is rock-steady. But that hasn't stopped people over the centuries from trying to discredit Jesus and the Bible. There are even organizations, books and movies that are dedicated to the pursuit. (Remember the Da Vinci Code ?) But their efforts always fail. In 2004, Biblical truth struck again when archeologists discovered the Pool of Siloam - a site of one of Jesus' miracles of healing. And to think there were some cynics who had up until then claimed the pool to be an imaginary place!

The lesson here is that for all its prowess, human knowledge is inherently untrustworthy and limited. God's Word - by contrast - is proven to be all-powerful, reliable and true. We can and should trust it. After all, the Bible is God's owner's manual for living a productive life and making a positive difference in our world. It's also a dependable roadmap for finding our eternal home through faith in God's own Son, Jesus Christ. There's a very good reason why the Bible is called The Good Book.

Don't misunderstand: education and human knowledge can be quite valuable. And learning new skills and earning college degrees are definite career-builders. But as Christ-followers, we must remember our Source of real knowledge and the words of true life. We're to trust Him with a simple, child-like faith. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me," invites our Teacher, "for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Can there be a more powerful lesson worth learning?

Who's the Boss

For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field,

God's building.

-- 1 Corinthians 3:9

The old saying goes that if you love what you do for a living, you'll never work another day in your life. That's when a run-of-the-mill job has become a passion.

So are you one of the fortunate few who absolutely love their jobs - or do you keep one eye on the time clock and live for the weekend? TGIF indeed!

Whether you're thrilled by your career or simply put in your hours for a steady paycheck, the Bible has some words of wisdom that help put things into perspective: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart," advises the Apostle Paul, "as working for the Lord, not for men."

In other words, whatever you do - whether you're the CEO of a multi-national corporation or a 9 to 5 ditch digger, you need to do your job for the glory of God. That means you should consider your workplace to be as much a place of worship on Monday through Friday as a church is on Sunday.

Unfortunately, that can be a difficult proposition. After all, churches are usually filled with Christ-followers - or at least people checking out the faith. They're eager for the message. But the workplace is most often where spiritual discussions are avoided for fear of alienating fellow employees. No one wants to be known as the office Bible-thumper or some sort of Jesus freak.

But demonstrating your faith in the office doesn't have to mean cornering the bookkeeper in the break room. Instead, you can show God's Spirit at work in you by consistently doing your job with excellence and enthusiasm, demonstrating honesty and integrity, and going out of your way to serve your fellow employees. Your co-workers will notice the difference. And if someone asks what keeps you ticking, be prepared to tell them.

As Christ-followers, God wants us to be lights to the world - and that world includes your place of employment. Pray through your workday that God will use you to make a positive difference on the job. And whatever you do for a living, approach each day as an opportunity to show Him living through you.

Yes, it's OK to thank God it's Friday. Just don't forget to do the same on the other six.

For Better or For Worse

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives

as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

-- Ephesians 5:25

One of the great things about the Bible is what it's definitely not: an unpractical book of rules and regulations delivered to humankind by some distant, unknowable power.

In fact, the Bible is quite the opposite. It reveals that God is Love, and He will go to any lengths to bring His creation back to a healthy, growing relationship. And to make His mission even more personal, He sent His Son - Jesus - to live among the people to experience all the joys and sorrows of life, and then pay for your way and mine for an eventual eternity of joy. How better could God explain His ways than by coming to live and teach among the lowly, the abused and the oppressed?

God understands the human experience because He lived it Himself through Jesus. And Jesus' teachings and principles - available to us today through the Bible - draw a roadmap for how we're to live our lives and grow among friends, family, neighbors - and even our enemies. The Bible is really God's owner's manual for our lives. In its pages we find practical guidance on topics that are just as relevant today as they were 20 centuries ago.

Marriage happens to be one of these timeless topics. But since Jesus never had a wife, just how much first-hand advice can he give us?

Quite a bit. It's true that Jesus never got married, cut a wedding cake or went on a honeymoon to Niagara Falls. He had no wife to keep up the homestead as he preached, healed and saved. But the Bible tells us that Jesus actually does have a bride - the entire body of Christ-followers around the world known collectively as the Church.

And this is where Jesus teaches us some important lessons about marriage. First - like He did during His earthly ministry - husbands and wives need to submit to each other. This involves voluntarily relinquishing some of our rights while honoring and affirming the husband's leadership in the family. As Jesus explained about Himself, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

A related Biblical lesson about marriage is that husbands should show sacrificial love toward their wives - just as Jesus showed for His Church. That's unlikely to mean that husbands will literally need to die for their wives (although it could), but it does point to an intentional sacrifice of time and a genuine commitment toward a Christ-centered life together.

Both lessons reveal a critical insight that our modern culture chooses to hide: successful marriages demand work, vision and commitment. And there's much more truth where that came from. From the first passages of Genesis to the last verses of Revelation, the Bible teaches volumes about love, marriage and relationships.

But let's step back and consider Jesus' attitude toward His bride -- the Church. How much stronger would our own marriages become if we adopted His principles of submission and sacrifice -- and then put them into action?

Bodybuilding

Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.

-- Hebrews 10:25

Ask a dozen people what comes to mind when you say the word church, and you’ll likely get several different answers. Their responses will likely range from little white clapboard country churches to impressive Northeastern stone and stained glass churches to massive European cathedrals. Others might take a different approach with answers citing the small home churches that are common in China and Cuba. And believe it or not, some might even talk about churches meeting in movie theaters (imagine that!).

The common denominator is that these answers equate church with a location or style of physical building. But that’s not the way the Bible defines church. Rather than an impressive structure filled with pews and crowned by a soaring steeple, the church is really people – all the people on Earth who have accepted and trust 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.

That’s a remarkable concept because it means you’re a part of a literal body of believers spread all over the globe. We speak different languages, are of different races and come from different cultures. But we’re all united by Jesus’ death on the cross as payment in full for all the wrong we have done (and continue to do) in our lives. As different as we are, we’re a single family that has accepted Jesus’ free gift of forgiveness.

But like all families – even the best and most stable – differences, disagreements and disappointments are bound to arise among the siblings. And the fact is that the church isn’t perfect. And why should it be: it’s made up of imperfect people who do very imperfect things.

This all leads to another key Biblical truth about the church: It’s not about us – it’s all about Jesus. Everything we do as Christ-followers ought to 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 all the 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 blood. So whether we worship Him in a massive cathedral, a quaint country church or even a multiplex movie theatre, we’re ultimately one body joined through a common faith.

Let’s strive as Christ-followers to make it a body that’s healthy, strong and worthy of His sacrifice.

School Daze

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

-- Proverbs 22:6

A mother escorting her tearful child to the bus stop or classroom. The mom and dad saying goodbye to their uncertain (but hopeful) 18-year-old at the college freshman dorm. They're scenes that were repeated thousands of times last week across the nation as public and private schools opened for the new year.

If you've been a parent long enough, these familiar scenarios might evoke some bittersweet memories and mixed emotions. Letting your child leave the nest - if only for a few hours a day - might have been a difficult step. But it was also a critical milestone. And both you and your child grew up a bit in the process.

But these same steps can lead to dangers - particularly for the children of Christ-followers. That's because many public school systems and secular colleges and universities teach a world view that denies God's truth as it's revealed through the Bible. Think of it as the gospel of relativism. It's a philosophy that promotes the tolerance of dubious viewpoints on what were once steadfast issues. Relativism also shuns the notion of morality and absolute truth because teaching what's right and wrong could denigrate different cultures, religions and belief systems. After all, no one wants their feelings hurt. And shouldn't everyone succeed and aren't all viewpoints equally valid?

(In one extreme case, a school system actually banned its teachers from using red pens for grading papers because the vivid ink was deemed too intimidating for the students!)

This perspective is much more than silly. It can become a serious issue for Christ-followers and their children because God teaches that there indeed are right and wrong ways to live, treat our neighbors and see the world. And the problem is often greater in colleges and universities. In these environments that are largely free from parental guidance, secular classmates and professors often downplay or even mock Christian beliefs. Defying these same professors - the same ones who determine grades and ultimately graduation - is obviously intimidating. It's no wonder that these powerful influences can cause some students to compromise their faith, change their behavior or even turn their back on the Biblical truths that they once embraced.

So what's the answer? Christ-followers of all ages need to resolve to do what's right in all situations and regardless of the consequences. Of course, resisting certain temptations could mean losing some friends along the way. But as the saying goes, with friends like these, who needs enemies?

Second, there's real strength in numbers. It's therefore important for Christ-followers to seek out and surround themselves with others who share their faith and support their viewpoints. And finally, Christ-followers need to know, trust and apply the power of God's Word - the Bible. It's God's proven user's manual for living a successful life.

Let's be clear that there's nothing wrong with education - particularly education that brings about healing and positive change. But as Christ-followers in the classrooms and in the boardrooms, we also need to be agents of change - those who Jesus calls the Light of the World.

Lonely at the Top

His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

-- Matthew 25:23

You’ve heard that old saying about success: It’s lonely at the top.

And for some people, achieving success and celebrity status can turn out to be a little too lonely. Let’s look at Howard Hughes’ example.

If you’re unfamiliar with him, Hughes was one of the richest men in the world when he died in 1976. An extremely successful businessman and founder of Hughes Aircraft Company, the Houston, Texas native was also an aviation pioneer, movie producer and real estate developer – and that’s not to mention his considerable financial stakes in mining and communications.

In so many ways, he was a man of the world.

And he was no doubt a huge success by the world’s standards. But during his final years, Hughes became a recluse plagued by paranoia and even an extreme fear of germs. Wracked with pain caused in part by the injuries suffered in a devastating plane crash, he eventually died of kidney failure. Perhaps it was no accident that this man of the world left his worldly existence while flying to Houston!

Obviously, Hughes’ story isn’t typical. And it’s unlikely that most of us will become billionaires any time soon. But his example does point to the pitfalls of living for worldly success.

Striving to climb the proverbial ladder of success seems to be engrained in many of us. We want a bigger house, a better job and a fancier car. And above all, we need to impress others. It comes down to our own little world of power, fame and personal advancement.

We want it all and we want more of it. Ultimately, it’s all about US.

It’s hard to believe that we have it all so backward. According to the Bible, there’s no such thing as a self-made man or woman. Everything that we have – our money, possessions, job and health – is all due to God’s generosity. He gives it freely and can also take it away without notice.

God has a totally different definition of success. Instead of living self-centered lives, Christ-followers need to celebrate Him by doing the most good with the resources we’re given. Our motivation needs to revolve around doing what’s best for others. It’s our faithfulness to God that’s the real gold standard of success.

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” Jesus asked His followers. “Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Those are tough questions we all need to answer. But from God’s perspective, having it all in this world can turn out to mean having absolutely nothing.