The task of a servant of God is to speak the truth. Having love and compassion when speaking the truth is important, but we must remember the truth is often unpopular.
Living out our faith and speaking the truth in love is not always easy. We are not divisive when we speak truth in love in the church.
The divisive theologian wishes to keep the peace at all times. To steer away from any conflict at all costs. Often the most divisive people in the church are mistaken as peacemakers.
A true Christian peacemaker cares for the truth. To seek peace at all times regardless of truth is not Christian.
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace. Show all posts
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Peace
Peace is available to Christians. It's one of the fruits of the spirit. But the definition or look of peace sometimes is more of a question when our hearts seem restless or anxious and when it's simply only used as a way to say goodbye: "Peace, man."
In the Bible, Paul often used it in greetings. There's a great importance to something if it appears so often in the Bible.
Beyond the Holy Spirit's work in our lives (where we know it's not us but God working in us), how does a person get to this feeling or state of peace? First, so we're not too hard on ourselves or too anxious to get to a state of peace faster than is possible, we need to acknowledge that we're in a fallen world, where true perfection is not gained here but in Heaven, and we're also growing over time. We should aim to grow, because we love God, and we know this relates to him in some way.
Often Paul uses the term "peace" right next to "grace." The more often we think of the grace of God, in sending his son for us, the more often we feel at peace. Grace means we don't have to do anything to gain favor. We've been granted freedom. Freedom from death and sin. We are still sinners, but we're saved. And we're a part of God's family. We're not alone.
Another way to feel at peace is to study God's word and nature enough to know what God wants of his people. We know what our purpose is here on—which is to love God and enjoy him, and to also love others. We feel at peace when we know we're doing what our good Father wants us to do and he knows we're most happy when we do—loving him and being generous and loving to others. When we do things that are generous and loving, we see and feel some beauty in it.Of course it needs to be done in a wise way, where we don't cause unnecessary harm to ourselves in the process. An example is giving so much you run out of money yourself or being so tired you aren't a help anymore but need help.
Giving to and loving others helps us feel less alone and more connected. That can bring peace too.
In the Bible, Paul often used it in greetings. There's a great importance to something if it appears so often in the Bible.
Beyond the Holy Spirit's work in our lives (where we know it's not us but God working in us), how does a person get to this feeling or state of peace? First, so we're not too hard on ourselves or too anxious to get to a state of peace faster than is possible, we need to acknowledge that we're in a fallen world, where true perfection is not gained here but in Heaven, and we're also growing over time. We should aim to grow, because we love God, and we know this relates to him in some way.
Often Paul uses the term "peace" right next to "grace." The more often we think of the grace of God, in sending his son for us, the more often we feel at peace. Grace means we don't have to do anything to gain favor. We've been granted freedom. Freedom from death and sin. We are still sinners, but we're saved. And we're a part of God's family. We're not alone.
Another way to feel at peace is to study God's word and nature enough to know what God wants of his people. We know what our purpose is here on—which is to love God and enjoy him, and to also love others. We feel at peace when we know we're doing what our good Father wants us to do and he knows we're most happy when we do—loving him and being generous and loving to others. When we do things that are generous and loving, we see and feel some beauty in it.Of course it needs to be done in a wise way, where we don't cause unnecessary harm to ourselves in the process. An example is giving so much you run out of money yourself or being so tired you aren't a help anymore but need help.
Giving to and loving others helps us feel less alone and more connected. That can bring peace too.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Words to Edify
As Christians we should speak to edify. If we are more concerned with defending our self or being above criticism than we are about edifying others or up building the church and reaching out into the world then we are not speaking as Christians.
The gospel is radical. The Christian message is at times upsetting because it points out the hypocrisy and difficulties in the heart of mankind.
If as Christians our speech never meets with resistance we may need to consider the fact that we may have sold out. The gospel aims to bring peace among all mankind and between mankind and God. We would think that to preach Christianity and live Christianity might be easy.
But inside mankind there is a resistance to the truth. Often at the most beautiful moments of scripture where unity and peace is taught we find anger.
To teach Christ at times brings difficulty. We should not be concerned that we stray from the way if we are criticized.
If we are never wrongly critiqued by others we have not taught the Christian message. We had watered down the message of the gospel which has always meet resistance in one form or another into something less than the gospel.
The gospel is radical. The Christian message is at times upsetting because it points out the hypocrisy and difficulties in the heart of mankind.
If as Christians our speech never meets with resistance we may need to consider the fact that we may have sold out. The gospel aims to bring peace among all mankind and between mankind and God. We would think that to preach Christianity and live Christianity might be easy.
But inside mankind there is a resistance to the truth. Often at the most beautiful moments of scripture where unity and peace is taught we find anger.
To teach Christ at times brings difficulty. We should not be concerned that we stray from the way if we are criticized.
If we are never wrongly critiqued by others we have not taught the Christian message. We had watered down the message of the gospel which has always meet resistance in one form or another into something less than the gospel.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Peace Through Accepting Truth
One way to help with feeling more at peace and not overwhelmed by the busyness of life is to practice and grow in the wisdom of being humble and honest about limitations. There are countless opportunities and possibilities in life, but it's wise to keep in mind that limitations exist for every person. Every one has limits in hours available, physical and emotional energy, and money, whether or not they're honest enough to admit it.
That's what the Bible means by humility. It's realizing and admitting the truth about ourselves in order to respond appropriately and well and to be healthy, because we then see what we need to make the right choices.
One example is how many people approach friendships. They try to be close friends with everyone and in the end feel like they aren't friends with anyone. The reason is that with the amount of hours that person has, they really can't invest deeply into 15 people. Both that person and each "friend" are affected by desiring a close friendship but feeling like something isn't connecting, wondering why the friendship isn't getting deeper or knowing that the friend just doesn't have enough time for them.
It'd be much wiser for the person to acknowledge the truth of the amount of time and energy available, and that most likely will mean that only a small amount or even one person can be invested with quality time, while still meeting the many other responsibilities they have in life.
Another example would just be a very long day's to-do list of activities or tasks. It may be too long and a person may feel too overwhelmed because they aren't able or are stressing out about finishing everything, but they haven't really practiced discernment in thinking through how much really can be accomplished.
It may be hard to be humble enough to discern this because many people act like (pretend) they have an endless amount of energy and time. Also, each person has different amounts of time and energy depending on their giftings and life situation. So if a person is comparing themselves with others and not keeping that in mind, it might cause them to feel discouraged or set unrealistic expectations for themselves.
That's what the Bible means by humility. It's realizing and admitting the truth about ourselves in order to respond appropriately and well and to be healthy, because we then see what we need to make the right choices.
One example is how many people approach friendships. They try to be close friends with everyone and in the end feel like they aren't friends with anyone. The reason is that with the amount of hours that person has, they really can't invest deeply into 15 people. Both that person and each "friend" are affected by desiring a close friendship but feeling like something isn't connecting, wondering why the friendship isn't getting deeper or knowing that the friend just doesn't have enough time for them.
It'd be much wiser for the person to acknowledge the truth of the amount of time and energy available, and that most likely will mean that only a small amount or even one person can be invested with quality time, while still meeting the many other responsibilities they have in life.
Another example would just be a very long day's to-do list of activities or tasks. It may be too long and a person may feel too overwhelmed because they aren't able or are stressing out about finishing everything, but they haven't really practiced discernment in thinking through how much really can be accomplished.
It may be hard to be humble enough to discern this because many people act like (pretend) they have an endless amount of energy and time. Also, each person has different amounts of time and energy depending on their giftings and life situation. So if a person is comparing themselves with others and not keeping that in mind, it might cause them to feel discouraged or set unrealistic expectations for themselves.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Help with Stress: 3 Tips
One possible step to relieving stress is to truly think about the whole picture of the stressful situation. A person can be stressed about the thought of speaking in front of a group of people. This thought can consume their mind. But if they take a step back for a moment, they may see that however it goes, nothing much will change. For the brief moment in time during the presentation it could be difficult, but after it is over most people won't remember much of it or really don't require perfection of speakers.
Some people may think that stress is helpful in that it compels us to do necessary tasks. However, the reality is that often stress makes it harder to think and therefore the task might not be done as well, and not as much will be done because it's hard to take focus away from stress and put it on the next item on a to-do list.
It's the same with stress about life: Regaining perspective can help immensely. But it seems complicated, or how do you start? It can be scary, because part of it might be really seeing the reality of time and our place in it. Ecclesiastes says this over and over again. But there is the hopeful side. Unfortunately, you have to see the rough side before seeing the good news. It'll be quick though! I'll cover the rough side quickly, so no worries.
Step 1: Know that our lives, including what is stressing you out, are small pieces in God's great plan for the whole earth and time for his glory. It's humbling to think of this, but also can feel freeing when viewed alongside the following step that contains reminders of God's help in our lives.
Step 2: Remind yourself about these four facts about God:
I wish you all the best on your battle to be less stressed. God is willing to help and wants you to thrive and feel less stressed. We're still in this world and therefore will have to battle it at times. But keep up the good fight!
Some people may think that stress is helpful in that it compels us to do necessary tasks. However, the reality is that often stress makes it harder to think and therefore the task might not be done as well, and not as much will be done because it's hard to take focus away from stress and put it on the next item on a to-do list.
It's the same with stress about life: Regaining perspective can help immensely. But it seems complicated, or how do you start? It can be scary, because part of it might be really seeing the reality of time and our place in it. Ecclesiastes says this over and over again. But there is the hopeful side. Unfortunately, you have to see the rough side before seeing the good news. It'll be quick though! I'll cover the rough side quickly, so no worries.
Step 1: Know that our lives, including what is stressing you out, are small pieces in God's great plan for the whole earth and time for his glory. It's humbling to think of this, but also can feel freeing when viewed alongside the following step that contains reminders of God's help in our lives.
Step 2: Remind yourself about these four facts about God:
- God is powerful and not against using people who are weak or who aren't sure they will be able to accomplish a task given to them.
- God can and does work all things, even difficult, draining ones, together for your good (Romans 8:28). He allowed what has happened to happen, and in the future we may see how something is used for good that we can't see now.
- God is full of love for you. I've heard people say "God must hate me" when things aren't going well for them. But that's not the truth. If we are Christians, God loves us and wants the best for us ("best" doesn't always necessarily mean worldly goods).
- God is beautiful beyond measure. "Gaze upon the beauty of the Lord" (Psalm 27:4, ESV). To be a part of his plan is amazing, even if it's a small part of his plan for the whole earth and time.
- Are you eating enough food/calories? When we're stressed, it's easy to forget or not want to eat, but it will help us if we do.
- Are you sleeping enough? Lack of sleep could make it hard to think and feel happy.
- If there's a lot of clutter around you, I've heard it helps to clear the clutter around you. It's probably not possible to get rid of all clutter, but it's worth a try to fix that in a place or two.
- Hobbies can clear your mind and help you realize and remember that life can be fun and we shouldn't always be so serious about things.
I wish you all the best on your battle to be less stressed. God is willing to help and wants you to thrive and feel less stressed. We're still in this world and therefore will have to battle it at times. But keep up the good fight!
Thursday, July 10, 2014
The Three in One with the Christian
Post by
Michelle Dowell, Co-Contributor
A comfort to Christians is that when they feel weak and need help, they're far from alone. And it's not just God the Father who's there. The Trinity means that all three in one are on the Christian's side:
The Holy Spirit helps us each day through the process of sanctification, our daily growing stronger in the faith, in relying on God, who is the most important and powerful being in this world.
Jesus is at the right hand of the ever-powerful Father, interceding for us. And his recorded life on earth is a marvelous gift of words to guide us and assure us that he's on our side. Remembering his sacrifice for our salvation and repaired relationship with God the Father should allow us to see such value and hope in our purpose and life.
God the Father, all powerful and the creator--we have access to him through Christ. How wonderful. A torn relationship was repaired. And signs of his power and loving creativity are in the natural things around us. Such interesting and beautiful details and loaded potential are in all varieties and shapes around us. So much more than a human could ever imagine creating. We can only create reflections of most of these things.
The Christian is also a part of the body of Christ, the local church and other Christians. There are other Christians out there who care deeply if they know of a fellow Christian's need.
And God's common grace given to non-Christians, and his sovereignty, also helps non-Christians to help a Christian in need.
So, dear fellow Christian, for these many reasons, know you are not alone.
Michelle Dowell, Co-Contributor
A comfort to Christians is that when they feel weak and need help, they're far from alone. And it's not just God the Father who's there. The Trinity means that all three in one are on the Christian's side:
The Holy Spirit helps us each day through the process of sanctification, our daily growing stronger in the faith, in relying on God, who is the most important and powerful being in this world.
Jesus is at the right hand of the ever-powerful Father, interceding for us. And his recorded life on earth is a marvelous gift of words to guide us and assure us that he's on our side. Remembering his sacrifice for our salvation and repaired relationship with God the Father should allow us to see such value and hope in our purpose and life.
God the Father, all powerful and the creator--we have access to him through Christ. How wonderful. A torn relationship was repaired. And signs of his power and loving creativity are in the natural things around us. Such interesting and beautiful details and loaded potential are in all varieties and shapes around us. So much more than a human could ever imagine creating. We can only create reflections of most of these things.
The Christian is also a part of the body of Christ, the local church and other Christians. There are other Christians out there who care deeply if they know of a fellow Christian's need.
And God's common grace given to non-Christians, and his sovereignty, also helps non-Christians to help a Christian in need.
So, dear fellow Christian, for these many reasons, know you are not alone.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Beautiful Simplicity
Post by
Michelle Dowell, Contributor
One beautiful aspect of the gospel is its simplicity. Those who are in need of grace (which is everyone—although many people don't consciously acknowledge that about themselves), are told in the Bible to go to Christ, ask him for forgiveness and for him to be a part of their life, and he will stand in your place and make you strong in ways that matter.
What a reason for peace and joy. So much in life can be disappointing—the fact that we are not in total control of everything is hard to bear. But being reminded who really is in control, and his nature, is soothing.
A sermon that digs too deep into all the meanings of words in different languages in biblical texts or too deep into another topic that is true but not a message of hope in who God is, may miss an emphasis on what people really need to hear the most—that simple message of hope. That message is full of grace that's needed for people who know or see the depth of sinful nature.
Both new and old Christians need to hear that. The beauty of the gospel will never grow old, even when we do.
Michelle Dowell, Contributor
One beautiful aspect of the gospel is its simplicity. Those who are in need of grace (which is everyone—although many people don't consciously acknowledge that about themselves), are told in the Bible to go to Christ, ask him for forgiveness and for him to be a part of their life, and he will stand in your place and make you strong in ways that matter.
What a reason for peace and joy. So much in life can be disappointing—the fact that we are not in total control of everything is hard to bear. But being reminded who really is in control, and his nature, is soothing.
A sermon that digs too deep into all the meanings of words in different languages in biblical texts or too deep into another topic that is true but not a message of hope in who God is, may miss an emphasis on what people really need to hear the most—that simple message of hope. That message is full of grace that's needed for people who know or see the depth of sinful nature.
Both new and old Christians need to hear that. The beauty of the gospel will never grow old, even when we do.
Monday, April 28, 2014
A Time for Truth
Often we live in a world which does not care for truth. Unity is all that matters and we could not care of the details.
Often we can let anything go so long as there is peace. The bible meets this and tells us that there are some things worth fighting over.
Not every fact is worth fighting over, but some are. We can as Christians if we feel it is right have a disinterest in arguing fine points of exegesis or not coming to clarity on what a certain text is about. This is fine.
But in many central things such a disinterest is sin. We cannot have disinterest in the central and essential.
Errors related to Justification, the Trinity, the fully divine and fully man nature of Jesus, and other central issue cannot be easily passed over. There can be grace in these debates for people with doubts, but the debates cannot be passed over.
Sometimes we feel not apt to speak in debates. Often the errors are expounded by people of great rhetoric or intellect. But it is not we who win debates but God.
If God is for us no one can be against us. On a number of occasions I have entered debates on important topics I was sure I could not win.
Sometimes I was right and sometimes I was wrong and won the debate which I felt I had no ability to win. You see it is never we who win debates, but God who wins when he chooses to work through us.
Often we can let anything go so long as there is peace. The bible meets this and tells us that there are some things worth fighting over.
Not every fact is worth fighting over, but some are. We can as Christians if we feel it is right have a disinterest in arguing fine points of exegesis or not coming to clarity on what a certain text is about. This is fine.
But in many central things such a disinterest is sin. We cannot have disinterest in the central and essential.
Errors related to Justification, the Trinity, the fully divine and fully man nature of Jesus, and other central issue cannot be easily passed over. There can be grace in these debates for people with doubts, but the debates cannot be passed over.
Sometimes we feel not apt to speak in debates. Often the errors are expounded by people of great rhetoric or intellect. But it is not we who win debates but God.
If God is for us no one can be against us. On a number of occasions I have entered debates on important topics I was sure I could not win.
Sometimes I was right and sometimes I was wrong and won the debate which I felt I had no ability to win. You see it is never we who win debates, but God who wins when he chooses to work through us.
Friday, August 19, 2005
How We'd Live Differently If We Really Understood that "All Things Work Together for the Good of ..."
Some pondering on how we would live differently if we really understood
that, "All things work together for the good of those who love God and
are called according to his purpose."
1) This should be a source of major comfort to us in times of trials. If it isn't it is a sign that we need our relationship with God and the way we think about him mended.
2) We would have a way to really comfort our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering. Something that goes past, "Oh I'm sorry... or That Sucks..." It adds something deep and bring the focus back to God where it should be in the first place. It gives real comfort if taken to heart by one who loves God loves and is loved by God.
3) It should be a source for great risk taking. If all things work together for my God why shouldn't I say a loving, but very hard thing for a person to hear, it indeed it is something that should be said. If relationships are shatter or friendships weakened, or money given away it is for our good. You could argue that if relationships are made firm or kept safe, and if we hoard money or just guard the little we have then it also works for our good. I think its safe to answer like Paul here. Shall we not take risks for the kingdom of heaven so that God will work them for our good. May it never be.
4) We should wish for others to see the brilliance of this truth and tell others not to just settle with this one promise but to search high and low and far and wide to learn and savor the many additional promises that flow from the beauty of God.
5) We should remember this promise and turn our hearts to thank God at all times and in all situations for his goodness to us.
6) Our love for God would be greatly increased. If we really took it to heart that everything worked together for our good we would be filled with awe at the awesome wisdom and power of God. Today I was filled with that wonder as I accidently dropped a peanut butter filled cracker and spent a while mashing it around on the floor (without realizing it only to have to clean up the mess) Yes mashed peanut butter and cracker bits all over the bottom of my shoe and all over the floor is working for my good and I remember it!
7) We would be more conscious in our effort to try to make everything work for the maximum good possible. If we focus on that everything works for our good and focus on God we will want to work everything for as much good as possible.
A lot more but lunch time is over...
1) This should be a source of major comfort to us in times of trials. If it isn't it is a sign that we need our relationship with God and the way we think about him mended.
2) We would have a way to really comfort our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering. Something that goes past, "Oh I'm sorry... or That Sucks..." It adds something deep and bring the focus back to God where it should be in the first place. It gives real comfort if taken to heart by one who loves God loves and is loved by God.
3) It should be a source for great risk taking. If all things work together for my God why shouldn't I say a loving, but very hard thing for a person to hear, it indeed it is something that should be said. If relationships are shatter or friendships weakened, or money given away it is for our good. You could argue that if relationships are made firm or kept safe, and if we hoard money or just guard the little we have then it also works for our good. I think its safe to answer like Paul here. Shall we not take risks for the kingdom of heaven so that God will work them for our good. May it never be.
4) We should wish for others to see the brilliance of this truth and tell others not to just settle with this one promise but to search high and low and far and wide to learn and savor the many additional promises that flow from the beauty of God.
5) We should remember this promise and turn our hearts to thank God at all times and in all situations for his goodness to us.
6) Our love for God would be greatly increased. If we really took it to heart that everything worked together for our good we would be filled with awe at the awesome wisdom and power of God. Today I was filled with that wonder as I accidently dropped a peanut butter filled cracker and spent a while mashing it around on the floor (without realizing it only to have to clean up the mess) Yes mashed peanut butter and cracker bits all over the bottom of my shoe and all over the floor is working for my good and I remember it!
7) We would be more conscious in our effort to try to make everything work for the maximum good possible. If we focus on that everything works for our good and focus on God we will want to work everything for as much good as possible.
A lot more but lunch time is over...
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