Christ’s Gift to Each of Us

I have heard the question, “If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?” Wouldn’t it be great if each of us was gifted with the ability to hit the high “C” while singing and be given a record deal to boot. What about the gift to create works of art to stimulate the mind. What about amazing athletic ability and were able to display that every day. It would be great if we all had this one gift. Where I do think it is a good discussion to have from the standpoint of just discussion and generating conversation, what would be results of everyone having superpowers.

It is important that we each understand that we are each given a gift from God. That gift is for us and was specifically chosen for each of us.

“⁷But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” — Ephesians 4:7 (ESV)

These gifts were not given for us to use as a display of how great we are, they were given to build up the church. Sometimes physical gifts like carpentry or landscaping. And sometimes not as physical like compassion and caregiving. Each of us were given different gifts, based on what God has in His plan for us to advance the gospel.

I want to go back to the first paragraph I wrote and talk through the gifts or talents mentioned. Yes, it would be great to have those gifts to display for all the world. And superpowers, you bet. Here is the rub as I see it. If we all were the phenomenal athletes, who would care for the sick. If we all were amazing artists, who would construct houses of worship. If we all had the same gift, nothing else would get done. God gave each of us gifts, that are different and unique to each of us to do our part in the spreading of the gospel and carrying out His plan.

It would be great to have the gift of those of others that I see as that seems to garner the kind of social recognition that us as humans crave. We only want to be revered as we see others are. The challenge comes in that we have to be doing the work of Christ and not the work of society. The gifts we may revere in the world may not be serving to advance God’s plan and may only be a focal point for selfish gain.

Christ provides each of us a gift to do the work He has for us. For some, it may be the gift of song, and others the gift of empathy. It may be to simply plant seeds of love of God for others to cultivate. I have to remember that my gift is mine provided by Christ and to be used for His glory. The gifts given to others were done so for their advancement of the gospel for Christ in the arena they are to be in.

What gifts do you already have? Are you using those for yourself and your standing in society? What if you took it that the gift was given by God for His glory and to complete His plan and is fully unique to you?

Christ’s as Promised

The promise of belonging to Christ is upheld from the beginning. Hear me out here. Abraham was chosen and blessed by God to be the father of nations. Remember that Abraham belonged to God. As a descendant of Abraham, therefor I belong to God. Jesus was a descendant of Abraham and therefor Jesus and I are brothers. As Jesus is Christ and Christ is God, I therefor belong to Christ.

“²⁹And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” — Galatians 3:29 (ESV)

I know that was a bit much to go through and believe me, there is a lot more to it, but that is the basics. I belong to Christ and that all was promised from the time of Abraham. I am Christ’s through the lineage of Abraham. It was promised to Abraham that his offspring would be numbered as many as the stars.

“⁴I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed,” — Genesis 26:4 (ESV)

Abraham (who belonged to God) was promised to have a lineage that was virtually infinite. I am in that lineage and therefor through that lineage belong to God as well. It was foretold and promised and God’s promises are kept and unchanged.

I have to look backward to move forward. My wife, as a teacher of history, harps on the idea that we look to the past to avoid the same mistakes in the future. We should also look to the past to understand our own future. Here, in looking back at my belonging in the lineage of Abraham, I know that I belong to Christ as he did and therefor I know my future with Christ will be great and rewarding.

I belong to Christ through promises of God. As God’s promises are unchanged and will always be fulfilled, I am confident in my future.

What promises have you had in your past? Are you trying to make sense of something “someone” told you as a promise and then were unable to keep it? What if you placed your faith in the promises of God, beginning with the promise of belonging to Him?

Share All in Christ

It should go without saying that when one belongs, they belong to all. That goes for our relationship with Christ as a paramount to our belonging to Him. I have to share all in Christ.

“⁵For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” — 2 Corinthians 1:5 (ESV)

As Paul addresses the Corinthians, he points out that he and Timothy (especially) share all in Christ, the sufferings and comfort alike. He wants the people to know that it is not always what is wanted, it is sharing all. He also points out that all that he and Timothy share in Christ is taken on for the people and for others.

“⁶If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.” — 2 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV)

It is in all that Paul and Timothy are committed for others. They are serving for others. They are doing for others. They have taken on all of Christ to share with others and make things easier for them to bare. Yet, they are also aware that the people will share all with them and in Christ so that things are easier for them to bare.

“⁷Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.” — 2 Corinthians 1:6 (ESV)

Paul and Timothy shared all in Christ and we are to do the same. For me that means that I am part of the inner circle of Christ’s and He walks with me everywhere I go and we share in the afflictions and comforts together. I am loved by Christ so much that He does not allow for me to walk alone. He is with me all the way and not just watching, but engaging in all with me.

I share all in Christ. I share in the persecution, the afflictions, the ridicule, but also the love, care, and comfort. Christ is my partner through it all and what I experience He has already experienced and will guide me through it. As Paul states above in verse six, “If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort,”. Paul and Timothy were just doing the same as Christ did for them and sharing all in Christ. I have to remember to do the same with those around me, share all in Christ for the better of everyone.

What are you sharing in Christ? Are you looking to share only that which is deemed good for you? What if you shared all in Christ and followed His lead and that of Paul and Timothy and did it for the benefit of others and not just for you?

Different When Christ’s

As I am Christ’s, I am different than society. I act different. I respond different. I proceed different. I am seen as different. I am different.

“⁹For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.” — 1 Corinthians 4:9 (ESV)

In the above, Paul is writing to the Corinthian Church and is discussing the ministry of the apostles. He is pointing out in this verse the reality of being seen as completely contrary to society. Notice the word used, “spectacle” which is defined by Merriam-Webster Online as: “something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining, especially: an eye-catching or dramatic public display”. So as a member of the body of Christ, I am something to behold, and gawk at as seen by the world.

“¹⁰We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. ¹¹To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, ¹²and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; ¹³when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.” — 1 Corinthians 4:10-13 (ESV)

I am different than the world and that is not accepted, despite the fact that we are currently in a society that wants to celebrate differences. The thing that I see is that the differences are celebrated only when those differences make me like everyone else. My differences are not accepted by the world since they are contrary to the world.

Belonging to Christ is not much different today than 2000 years ago. I am treated as the outcast and the one who is separated from reality. I have not embraced the world and gotten with the times. I am to see and do things like the rest of the world in order to be a part of the world. I am to be “different” and yet the “same” because the world says so.

Doing things in the world different than the world is seen as counter, yet expected. Let me explain. I am to be different in my service to others, as long as it benefits “me”. It is okay to serve others, yet if the world does not agree with who is being served, then my service is wrong. I am to serve one and not the other. As of today world it is not right to serve the pro-life groups, the nation of Israel, the non black or brown groups, the Christian community, as well as others. What would be considered okay would be the service of whatever group the world is on fire for “in this moment”. I am different and vilified for not serving the “right” groups, regardless of how many or how much service is provided.

“¹⁴I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.” — 1 Corinthians 4:14 (ESV)

Belonging to Christ is a being love. I am to, as noted in another writing, wear the badge of Christianity. I am to love all and provide for all and be accepting of all that comes with that badge. I am here to do the work of Christ and if that make me different, then so be it. I am and will persevere and will be provided for by work as that work is for Christ and not the world. As I belong to Christ, I accept being different.

What is it that you do in this world that makes you different? Are you even aware that you are different or are you preoccupied with trying to be the same? What if you wore the badge of Christianity and accepted all that comes with the badge and understood that belonging to Christ makes you different?

Badges as a Christian

Who wears a badge, law enforcement, emergency personnel, generally officials of some kind, whether a true badge or name plate. What about us as Christians?

As I continue my study into my Christian identity, I have come to another passage in 1 Peter that I have been to many times. This passage is titled “Suffering as a Christian” in my ESV Bible. The basics are this, as a Christian, we are going to suffer and that should not be surprise as it should be expected. We should also rejoice in our suffering as we are able to find ourselves in the company of Jesus as He suffered similarly.

I would add one additional thing that I have taken away from the passage and that is the badge of honor I should be wearing as a Christian. I have to remember that the suffering is expected and that I should be proud to suffer. Just as law enforcement, emergency personnel, and officials wear their badges and receive all that come with it (good and bad), I should do the same.

“¹⁶Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” — 1 Peter 4:16 (ESV)

Everyone wants to be a part of something when it is going great, only the true want to be a part of something meaningful. I remember in high school, I was a part of athletics and played all the big sports. In Texas, football is the king sport and my high school had a reputation for being great, except for when I was there. We were not very good and in fact did not have a winning season while I was part of the team. Support in the school was waning and someone (I know who you are) posted on the walls their support, even in the bad times they were and called out those who were losing the focus on the badge worn as a member of our high school. I am proud of my school and all it represents and will support them good times and bad.

As a Christian, good times and bad times will abound. It is part of the gig. Thanks to salvation, I am always a member of the team. We will celebrated when we do what society feels we are supposed to do and will be vilified when we are seen as counter to the societal norms. In each case I have to remember to wear the badge of Christianity with honor and be proud to represent Christ in all that I do.

What badges do you wear and when? Are you wearing the badge of Christianity in good times and bad? What if you found comfort in Christ and proudly put on your badge of Christianity every day and represented Him in all that you do?

Bring the Gospel, as Long as it Takes

How long does it take to bring the gospel to others? Well that is a bit of a loaded question and the only answer that I can think of to get it right would be, as long as it takes.

“²⁸And Agrippa said to Paul, ‘In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?’ ²⁹And Paul said, ‘Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.’” — Acts 26:28-29 (ESV)

Paul was doing the work of Christ and time was on his side. Whether he would work for a few minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, etc… he was putting in the work for the LORD. I have to be willing to do the same. I have to put in the work and not give up at the first sign of challenge or resistance. I have to take the time that is needed to get the job done.

Now, there are times when my work is not to get to the end. My role may only be to set the stage or plant the seed and someone else will be there to cultivate and complete the work. I think of those that lead at camps. Their role is to get things started and then someone else continues the work. When kids attend sports camp, they are introduced to drills to build their skills. The same is said for those who attend band camps, or adult who go on a Walk to Emmaus. The purpose is to begin the process and then take it further when you go away or back to where you come from. The work is completed later and the result is realized.

There are also times when the work is not completed due to the person receiving was not receptive at all. Even Jesus did the work and the receiver was not willing to accept and simply walked away, as seen below:

“²¹Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ ²²When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. ²³And Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.’” — Matthew 19:21-23 (ESV)

Jesus did not pursue the man for it was clear that he was not willing to do that which was necessary to belong to Christ. The man was not receptive and walked away. I have to remember that there are times when it is the right thing to do to simply move on and not through good work after a situation that will not reach the end. I have to go back to the idea that maybe my role is to simply plant the seed and allow the work to be completed later when the receiver is ready and willing to accept.

And all of this brings me back to the idea of taking as long as it takes when bringing the gospel. I have to not give up, but understand when I am speaking to the wall and not being received. As the questions keep coming, I continue providing answers. When the other is not questioning and they are arguing, then the time has come to allow for others to complete the work. Questions are asked by those seeking answers and knowledge. Arguing comes from those who have already decided and are simply wanting you to capitulate to their way of thinking and anything said contrary to their thought is rejected or not heard. I have to remember to stick to the gospel and take the lead of Paul and continue as long as it takes when those receiving are receptive.

What is your timeline for bringing the gospel? Are you saying the words and moving on? What if you were to stay with those who are receptive for as long as it takes to complete the work?

Christians Belong to Christ

What a morning for me as I read and study. I have been a Christian for a good number of years and have followed Him and the direction He had for my life. This morning I was reminded of something that I frankly had forgotten and may have just put in the back of my mind as I have traversed this world, I “belong” to Christ. Yes, I belong to Him, I do not just follow Him.

“²⁵So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” — Acts 11:25-26 (ESV)

I want to take a moment to talk about this Saul noted above. Saul was the Jew persecuting individual who was converted to Christianity and went on to lead a life of discipleship for the LORD. At this point, he was not known to all as Paul (which we more commonly know him as). He was “new” to the field of apostles and yet, at this point in his life as he was teaching in Antioch, was referred to as a Christian along with others.

Now, the word “Christian” is used three times in the New Testament, and this is the first of them. Notice who it is referring to, those who were the followers of Christ and not just everyone who heard of Him or just seemed to go to church. Those who followed Christ were those who “belonged” to Him and were not just around some of the time. I have to take a deeper look at myself and determine if I am a follower who belongs to Him or someone who just says they are.

When Paul was converted to Christ, He went to study Him and the Word of God. He did not just jump in claiming to know all. He devoted himself to God to “know” Him and be able to spread the gospel as Jesus had. Paul (as Saul noted here) was only focused on the one thing and that was spreading the gospel of Christ and that demonstrated his belonging to Christ.

I look to my inward and outward self to see where I fall in the following of Christ. Am I just a person who is calling on Him in my time of need, or do I belong to Him to spread the gospel as Jesus had. Am I able to confidently say that I belong to Christ or am I here for others to literally “see”. Am I concerned with how God sees me or the way the world sees me.

As a Christian, it is my goal to follow Christ wherever He would have me go and do whatever He would have me do. I do for Him and not for me. I study to know Him and bring Him to others and not for my own enjoyment. I belong to Him and will do as I am instructed to carry out His work.

How do you see yourself in your relationship with Christ? Are you one who shows up to the events of Christ or one who belongs to Him? What if you were to fully belong to Christ and follow Him wherever He would have you go and do whatever He would have you do?

Sinners, Hearts at Odds

I hear all the time about the squirrels out there that bounce from item to item as they are distracted by the next shiny thing. It is our focus as man that gives us the ability to complete tasks efficiently and effectively. The challenge we have as man is that our mind is one place and our hearts are another and that puts us at odds.

“¹What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?” — James 4:1 (ESV)

Here I see that we as man are sinners as we are not following one path, but multiple ones and that may be the thing that causes us to sin as we are not focused on the one thing in our heart that is righteous. It is the heart that should be directing me. I have long said and will continue to do so as relates to a career, “do what you love doing and find a way to monetize it”. Well, finding what you love requires the heart, and that is where we have to begin to remove that which is at odds.

“⁸Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” — James 4:8 (ESV)

Alignment and focus of purpose. I have to start with my heart and then align the rest of me with my heart. What better place to align than with Christ. I have to go through the process of purifying my heart to Christ. Once I have done so, I will have the opportunity to align the rest of me there.

I have been given the gift of salvation, and where that does not remove the sin from me, it does give me direction and alignment. I am still a sinner and always will be, but I have to do the work to avoid sin. It starts in my heart. I have to remember that I have been given this salvation and forgiveness and I have to embrace that salvation and forgiveness to move forward with God’s plan for me. I have to focus on Him and the work for Him and that will aid me in avoiding the sin that plagues me. I have to remain vigilant with the work and not allow myself to become idle so that my mind can wander into the desires of the world as it those desires that lead to sin.

“¹⁴But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. ¹⁵Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” — James 1:14-15 (ESV)

I have to remember to stay aligned. I have to start with my heart that has been given to God. Once I am focused there, I must bring my mind into the work to guide my actions that are done with my hands. All of this will then work to remove the “at odds” in me and I will be more able to actively avoid sins. I will still sin, but my sin will not be active and will be greatly reduced and, I am still responsible for the repentance of those sins that I was unaware.

What is the status on your inner self? Is your heart, head, and hands pulling you in different directions? What if gave your heart to God and aligned the rest of you there?

Paul and Me, Sinners Saved by Grace

God sent His son Christ Jesus to save sinners. He came for me and the worst of us. Paul was one of the worst.

“¹⁵The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” — 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)

I am a sinner yes, and all of my sins are egregious as all sin is. Whether little white lies or those that are in direct disobedience to the ten commandments, all sin is terrible in the eyes of God. At this moment, I want to talk about in the eyes of man. Make no mistake, I am not condoning any sin and know that God looks at things much differently than man.

Paul (at the time known as Saul) was one of the worst sinners in this world. He was a direct persecutor of those who followed and believed in Jesus as the Messiah. He tracked them down and stoned or killed them just for what they believed. In the eyes of man, Paul was an awful person.

“¹²I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, ¹³though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, ¹⁴and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 1:12-14 (ESV)

Jesus came for Paul and in His great wisdom and plan, provided the grace needed for Paul to turn to Him and become one of the greatest advocates and apostles to the gospel. Paul was seen as a sinner by God, no different than me. I have every opportunity to do the same or at least to the work that God has for me and in the eyes of man, am not as awful as Paul, so I should have even more opportunity.

Now I want to shift back to the grace of God and share my thoughts on His perspective. Paul and I are the same. We are both sinners who need the grace God has to provide. We both are not deserving, yet God provides for us despite our sin. Whether persecuting followers of Christ or lying to a neighbor, both of us find ourselves in the same room as sinners in need of grace.

God looks at the man (or woman) not the sin. He has to or else He would not be able to look at any of us. He takes us for who we are warts and all. He love us and came to save us despite what we have done and/or will do. Paul and I, where in the eyes of man are vastly different, in the eyes of God, we are the same. And that is what and where it counts. God loves me and came for me, the sinner.

What is your belief in the grace that is provided by God? Is one deserving of grace more than another based on the sins committed? What if you were to recognize that we are all the same in the eyes of God, sinners, and we all receive grace despite the sin we have or will commit, and we only need to accept?

The Law is for Sinners

“⁸Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,…¹¹in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.” — 1 Timothy 1:8 & 11 (ESV)

Except for those policy making outliers, the law is constructed for those who are sinners to adhere. I am a sinner and am therefore subject to the law in my actions in this world. I do have a caveat to go along with that as I am not subject to the law of man as I am a follower of Christ and am therefor held to the law of God instead. The law of God is greater than the law of man and when following the law of God, I will certainly follow the law of man except where it is at odd with God.

The law, as noted in verse eight above, “is good, if one uses it lawfully”. Lawfully in this instance I believe means in accordance with God’s law as noted in verse 11 above. As a sinner saved by grace and forgiven, I choose to follow the law “in accordance with the gospel”, and therefore will by extension follow the law of man. The law of man was made for those who need guidance and are not in line with God.

“⁹understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,” — 1 Timothy 1:9-10 (ESV)

I know what may be thought when reading the above and comparing those “crimes” listed to those who profess to be Christians, “so ‘Christians’ are not held to the same crimes as others, there are plenty ‘Christians’ that have been found guilty of those exact crimes”. Yes, it is true that Christians have been caught up in the crimes identified above, and for that they are to be disciplined for those crimes. Christians are sinners like everyone else. And yes, there will be those times when we fall to the traps of the evil one. The difference is that I know that I am a sinner and should be doing all that is within me to avoid those crimes knowing that they are outside the law of God. When I am following the law of God, I should not be actively committing those crimes, remember the ten commandments at a minimum.

The law is for sinners like me. No matter that I have accepted Christ as my savior or not, I am still a sinner and am subject to the law of this world, except where that law is at odds with God. I am held to the standard of God’s Law and as His law is greater than the law of this world, by following His law I will by extension follow the law of this world.

What laws are you following? Are you looking to be good according to the law of this world? What if you were to confess, repent, and accept Christ as your savior and follow God’s Law, knowing that His law is greater than the law of this world?