A Dash of Salt

Give God's Peace a Chance: Pray

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ^And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)

The Lord's Day and Election Day: Duties of Dual-Citizens

Today is Sunday, the Lord's Day, and this coming Tuesday is Election Day (for those in the USA).  These two dates remind us Christians that we possess a dual-citizenship: We are citizens of an earthly country, and in Christ we are citizens of the heavenly one.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.  (Philippians 3:20-21, NIV)

An earthly kingdom will never be the heavenly one until the Lord Jesus Christ returns and establishes his kingdom, so there is no political party or government that can truly speak for Him and his agenda.  In the United States of America, none of the political parties get it right when it comes to God's plan.  All of this talk about evangelical Christians being loyal Republicans or Democrats or whatever is silly.  Our allegiance must be to Jesus Christ alone!  His platform is clearly spelled out in Scripture, in places like the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), and the New Testament letters. 

Citizens of heaven may pledge allegiance to their nation's flag, but their ultimate loyalty must be as it is expressed in these words of Jesus:

"'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.'"  (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV)

The most important thing a citizen of heaven can do for his or her country is to pray for its leaders, but the next most important thing to do is to vote wisely.  Remember your heavenly citizenship as you vote on Tuesday. 

Let me offer you a few bits of advice for how to vote. Voting a straight ticket or the party line doesn't make sense if you want to vote heaven's agenda.  Take the time to understand the issues and positions of the candidates and compare where they stand with the Bible.  Read the paper, but beware of slick and slanted political ads, and you cannot trust the media to present the facts in an unbiased manner.  Discuss election with those you trust.  Pray for wisdom, and the Lord will give it.  Put your faith in God and not in any government.  After all of this, go and vote.  Then trust God whatever the outcome.  Our God reigns!

"That I May Know Him"

What do you want to accomplish with your life?  Do you have an ambition that is driving how you spend your time and energy?  Paul writes that his ambition is, "That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, while being conformed to his death, if some how I may attain the out-resurrection from among the dead ones" (Philippians 3:10-11).  More than anything else, Paul wanted to know Jesus Christ.

"To know Christ" is not an intellectual pursuit, though you and I certainly need to fully engage our minds in knowing Jesus.  But it's not just knowing about Christ; it's knowing Him.  Knowing Christ is having a growing relationship with Him. 

How can we know Christ?  By walking with Him through the joys and sorrows of daily life.  By meeting with Him as we meditate on his Word.  By seeing Him work in and through the lives of his followers.  By turning away from our sins and obeying Him.  By taking risks to serve Him that require faith.  By learning to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind..." (Matthew 22:37, NIV)

How well do you know Christ?

Do vs. Done

What's the difference between the good news of Jesus Christ and the religions of the world?  You  can boil down the contrasts to simply this: It's a matter of Do vs. Done.

The world's religions teach that human beings to need to do something to earn God's (or the gods') favor.  Some how, by either working for it or thinking ourselves into it, we can gain God's acceptance and forgiveness.  The apostle Paul was a model of religious doing (Philippians 3:4-9).  His heritage and religious efforts were impressive.  Surely, if any one could earn a right standing before God it was Paul. 

The trouble was, while Paul's religiosity impressed others, it didn't sway God.  In fact, after an extended time of personal reflection, Paul became convinced that all of his self-efforts to earn God's acceptance had utterly failed.  He came to consider them a total loss, and used rather crude language to describe his works to impress God as not just trash, but "a stinkin' pile of manure."  (Morgan's Paraphrase.) 

What Paul had come to realize was that Jesus Christ has already done all the work necessary for people to receive God's favor and blessing.  This is the gospel of Jesus Christ.  By his death on the cross for our sins, and his resurrection, He has won God's unconditional forgiveness and acceptance for those who trust in Him.

If you try to "do" to earn God's righteousness, you'll never be able to "do" enough (Titus 3:4-7, Ephesians 2:8-9).  That's why God offers it to you and me as a gift, a gift that Jesus Christ purchased for us on the cross.  He has "done" all that needs to be "done" for us to become God's children.  We can take the gift of God's forgiveness and acceptance by trusting in Christ. 

So, what'll it be for you...Do or Done?

Heroic Service for Jesus

One of Paul's heroes was Epaphroditus, the messenger the Philippians had sent to the apostle to  deliver their financial gift for his ministry.  In Philippians 2:25-30 Paul lauds Epaphroditus' faithful service and calls attention to his personal sacrifice.  Epaphroditus nearly died due a severe illness while serving Paul.  Thankfully, God spared Epaphroditus' life by healing him.  Paul sent Epaphroditus back to the church at Philippi with a letter and asks the believers there to honor Epaphroditus and people like him because he had risked his life to serve the Lord.  One way to show such brave and selfless servants how much they mean to us is to follow their example.

Epaphroditus' example convicts me.  It's easy to serve Christ when there is no opposition or hardship, yet Epaphroditus ministered even though it nearly killed him.  Am I willing to take such a risk to obey Jesus and do His will?  Lord, give me the courage to take the risks necessary to do your will.

There are missionaries on various fields whom I know and love that act very much like Epaphroditus.  Malaria, exhaustion, robberies, threats, intense loneliness, and financial poverty are just a few of the hazards they've gladly endured because they love Jesus and the people they're trying to reach.  You probably know people who have sacrificed themselves to take the gospel to other cultures and lands.  God bless these faithful, fearless servants.

But I also think of several modern-day folks like Epaphroditus who have taken risks and suffered much to help me grow in Christ.  My parents sacrificed much financially to send my brothers and I to a Christian school, and later helped pay for me to attend Bible college.  Pastors like Bruce Dick, Ralph Wenger, and Gerald Carbaugh stuck out their necks for me when I was quite young and woefully inexperienced in the ministry and gave me a chance to serve, even recommending me to other pastors.  They certainly laid their reputations on the line for me.  There were friends like Bruce, Glenn, Steve, and Craig who had the courage to say hard things to me for my correction and betterment as a pastor.  Harvey could have given up on our friendship long ago, but he pursued me and our mutual accountability.  And then there's Dawn, my dear Dawn, who has forgiven and loved and forgiven and loved me some more.  She of all people has suffered like Epaphroditus to help me grow more like Christ. 

Take a careful look at your life.  Who has taken a risk to help you become more like Jesus?  Be sure to honor them.  What will you do when a risk is required to help some you know grow up in Christ?  Will you step forward to the challenge or fall back in fear?

Are You a Sensitive Seeker?

What are you looking for in life?

Timothy earned Paul's trust because he continually looked out for the things Jesus Christ cared about (Philippians 2:20-21).  His desires were very different than the other Christians around Paul in Rome, for they cared only about themselves.  John Calvin wrote centuries ago concerning these self-centered believers that they "were so warm in pursuing their own interests that they were cold in the work of the Lord." 

To seek the interests of Jesus Christ means that you care that He be glorified everywhere. 

This kind of seeker wants to see his Word spread, believed, and obeyed. 

This kind of seeker desires to see people connect with God through faith in Christ. 

This kind of seeker prays, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" and means it.

Everybody is a seeker.  What are you seeking for in life?

Team Work Takes Trust

Paul identifies two men as prime examples of how to live lives of unselfish service for the Lord and others: Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30).  The outstanding characteristic of both men was that they had proved that they were trustworthy.  Timothy's integrity could be seen in how he worked with Paul in a son and father relationship to advance the gospel, while Epaphroditus risked his very life to help Paul while he was in Rome.  By commending these faithful servants, Paul is not-so-subtly reminding his readers of what it costs to serve Christ together as unselfish teammates.

Are you trustworthy?  Can others depend upon you no matter what happens?  Try these tips for building trust:

• Keep your promise even if it costs you.
• Practice consistent behavior no matter what group you're with.
• Be on time.  (I've got to work on this one!)
• Stay within your moral boundaries.
• Resist addictive behaviors that lead to compromise.
• Avoid erratic swings in mood or behavior.
• Look out for others rather than yourself.
• Be honest but discreet about your faults.
• Let others teach you.
• Be a "thermostat" not a "thermometer" when it comes to influence.
• Practice what you preach.  (Amen, preacher!)

Can you think of other trust-building attitudes and actions? 

Is Your Church Showing That It's Saved?

When Paul urges us to "work out your salvation" he is commanding us to do it as a group (Philippians 2:12-13).  It's a corporate salvation the apostle is referring to, not merely an individual's.  Yes, God saves individual believers, but those who believe become part of the Church, the body of Christ.  This is the community Jesus is saving.

How does corporate salvation work?  How can a local church put its salvation on display for others to see?  Mutual care and mutual accountability are essential.  But I also think there are at least five specific ways a local church can demonstrate the reality of its salvation in daily life before the watching culture:

In its worship, a church works out its salvation as it reveres the Lord by giving him the place of honor and authority in both their hearts and minds, and in their words and deeds.  A church like this fears the Lord to such a degree that it does not fear men.

In its discipleship, a church works out its salvation by obeying God's Word whether or not such obedience is easy, beneficial, or popular.  Alignment with God's Word in faith and obedience is easier said than done, but it must be done.  Do we really believe God's Word if we don't obey it?

It its service, a church works out its salvation by using its gifts and abilities together in the power of the Lord.  Serving the Lord will make a tangible difference in the community only when a church recognizes that God is working in them and through them for his glory. 

In its fellowship, a church works out its salvation through cultivating harmony with one another by eliminating rivalry.  Commitment to a cause larger than "me" fosters teamwork, focuses our energy, and funnels our resources toward fulfilling God's will rather than our shallow, selfish interests.   

In its outreach, a church works out its salvation when it shines the light of the gospel in the dark culture around them.  For the local church each day is "show and tell" as it creatively and persuasively proclaims salvation through Christ.  It tells the Story and shows the Way as it works together.

Who is helping you work out your salvation?  Who are you helping to work out their salvation?  Can you work out your salvation without being connected to a local church?

Salvation Workout

Our salvation was never intended to be a private matter.  In Philippians 2:12-13 Paul makes it clear that salvation is to be worked out, not kept to ourselves.  P. T. O'Brien calls this command a demand to "make salvation fruitful in the here and now" and F. F. Bruce described it as the "continual translating into action the principles of the gospel" we have believed.  In other words, to work out our salvation is to show that we are saved by letting salvation affect all areas of our lives.  It is to be displayed not just in church settings, but in all areas of our lives.  Thankfully, we are not alone as we put our salvation on display, for God helps us work it out by giving us the desire and power to do what is pleasing to Him.

Where does our salvation need to be worked out?  In the church, where salvation helps us honor and prefer one another in humble service.  In the community, where salvation motivates us to obey Christ and so makes us shine brightly like stars on a dark, clear night.  In the our individual lives, where salvation should shape our character and lead us to practice holiness in the fear of God.

Is your life any different now because you are saved?  Without you telling them, can others see that Christ has saved you?

Our God, the Servant King

I thought I understood Philippians 2:5-11, but, boy, was I in for a surprise.  It's a familiar passage to many Christians, and I've read it, studied it, and preached it on numerous occasions.  I guess that's why it was a bit of a shock to me to reflect on v. 6 and realize for the first time that Jesus humbled and emptied himself, not in spite of his privileged position as God, but because of it.  His nature as God-the-Son compelled him to give himself freely to save us sinners. 

Our God is a God who serves.  Though it may seem like it, this truth about God in no way diminishes his authority, glory, power, or majesty as God.  That being said, this fact is what distinguishes the God of the Bible from all the other gods of the nations.  The true and living God serves his creatures!  And the sacrificial service of Jesus Christ brings glory to God as much as the displays of his sovereign power.  Graham Kendrick captured this idea so well in his beautiful worship song, The Servant King (you can listen to it at this site).

The Servant King
By Graham Kendrick
© 1983 Kingsway's Thankyou Music.

From heaven you came, helpless babe,
Entered our world, your glory veiled;
Not to be served but to serve,
And give Your life That we might live.

(Chorus)
This is our God, the servant king,
He calls us now to follow Him, to bring our lives
As a daily offering of worship to the Servant King.

There in the garden of tears,
My heavy load He chose to bear;
His heart with sorrow was torn,
'Yet not My will But Yours,' He said.

Come see His hands And His feet,
The scars that speak of sacrifice;
Hands that flung stars Into space
To cruel nails Surrendered.

So let us learn How to serve,
And in our lives Enthrone Him;
Each other's needs to prefer,
For it is Christ We're serving.

When we choose to relinquish our rights to humbly serve others, we are most like our God, the Servant King.