WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part III)

WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part III)

As the mourner enters the third stage of the grieving process known as BARGAINING, there is a major adjustment in what s/he is now thinking and feeling. 

Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross uses an insightful illustration to paint a picture of this emotional transition:

“If we have been unable to face the sad facts in the first period and have been angry at people and God in the second phase, maybe we can succeed in entering into some sort of an AGREEMENT that might change things. Typically, it goes something like this: If God has decided to take me or my loved one and did not respond to my angry pleas, HE MAY BE MORE FAVORABLE IF I ASK MORE NICELY.  We parents are familiar with this reaction when we observe our children first demanding, then subsequently asking for a favor.  They may not accept their parents ‘NO’ when they want to spend the night at a friend’s house.  They may be angry and stamp their feet.  They may lock themselves in their bedroom and temporarily express their anger by rejecting us.  But they also have second thoughts.  They may consider another approach.  They will come out eventually, volunteer to do some tasks around the house, which normally we would not succeed in getting them to do, and then tell us, ‘IF I AM VERY GOOD all week and wash the dishes every evening, THEN will you let me go?’  They feel sure that there is a chance that we could accept their bargain and they will get what was previously denied.” [“On Death and Dying” – page 94]

MOUIRNERS (who could be either terminally ill patients or people who have lost loved ones) often act in similar fashion.  Following the initial phases of DENIAL and ANGER, there is a typical tendency to start BARGAINING with God.  The underlying thought process is that GOD will somehow better my situation if I enter into a solemn agreement to DO or BE that which I have not done or been heretofore.

People of faith, and/or those who have been exposed to faith earlier in their lives, are especially prone to try to STRIKE A BARGAIN WITH GOD after we have been angry at Him for ‘allowing’ us to experience such major losses.  We, who believe we have covenant relationships with Him, somehow feel that our Creator is indebted to honor our past fidelity and service with Hezekiah-like blessings. (II Kings 20:1-6) Whether our heart’s desire is to extend our own lives (in the case of terminal illness) or to get on with our lives with some semblance of peace (following the death of a loved one), we intuitively feel that God will be more responsive to our petitions IF WE OFFER MUTUAL BENEFIT TO HIM.

However, this is a distorted representation of the nature and character of God.

Jesus Christ admonished us, “Do not fear…for IT IS YOUR FATHER’S GOOD PLEASURE to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Exactly what does that mean?  The Apostle Peter suggests that the unchanging and unfailing love of God and “His divine power has [ALREADY] given to us ALL THINGS that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him.” (II Peter 1:3) Therefore, there is no need to embrace fear, anxiety, or stress; and, certainly there is no need to bargain with GOD, who is the personification of love and The One who loves us “with an everlasting love.” (I John 4:8 and Jeremiah 31:3) In the words of the Apostle James, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is NO VARIATION or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) 

In other words, GOD NEVER CHANGES.  GOD NEVER FAILS.  This is irrefutable truth, no matter what we are facing or feeling.  WHEN WE CANNOT TRACE HIS HAND, WE MUST TRUST HIS PLAN. 

Stay tuned…more to come in our next devotional.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part II)

WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part II)

It’s important to note that the grieving process is not restricted to the loss of a loved one through death.  Grieving also arises from other life crises which produce substantial personal pain, such as receiving a negative health report and prognosis, or experiencing a relationship break-up or divorce.

These life situations can trigger the same grieving process, or a slight variation of the same:

-DENIAL
-ANGER
-DEPRESSION
-BARGAINING
-ACCEPTANCE

We should also be aware that these stages may not appear in this exact order, and, they may overlap.  Also, once experienced, any or all of them may reoccur.  This is one way that 'outsiders' should seek to understand and minister to the powerful ups-and-downs of the emotional healing process.  Some days might feel like the mourner has achieved emotional balance.  The very next day (or the following week) could feel like the pain has started all over again.  Grieving is an emotional roller-coaster.  And the ‘passenger’ is left wondering, ‘When will it ever end?’

The unpredictable nature of the grieving process produces strong feelings of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and/or confusion.  These feelings are heightened in the presence of significant others who seem to suggest (verbally and non-verbally), ‘Why can’t you just move on and put all of this behind you?’

Yesterday’s devotional briefly alluded to the first two stages of the grieving process, DENIAL and ANGER. Let’s take a brief look at the next one.  It is likely that DEPRESSION is the most dangerous phase of the entire process.  It produces considerable physical and emotional unbalances, which are both chemical and spiritual in nature.

I clearly recall an overwhelming sense of depression following the death of my wife in 2002.  Clearly, those closest to me were concerned as they inquired about my welfare: “Are you alright?  How are you feeling?’  Like many others, my cut-and-dried response was simply, “Fine.  I’m o.k.”  However, the truth was that I felt like climbing into the bed, covering my head with a blanket and never getting up.  I was more quiet and reserved than usual.  At times, ordinary communication felt absolutely painful.  This is a dangerous place for any person to be.

I am a believer and an optimist by nature.  Therefore, I am happy to report that suicidal thoughts never knocked at my door.  But for many people, such a time of deep depression can become a deadly force.  So, what can be done about it?  First, surrounding one’s self with the community of faith is mission critical to overall health.  Also, participating in grief counseling can mobilize ‘ownership’ of one’s feelings - while laying out a process for working one’s way back (or forward) to a NEW NORMAL.  Life will never be the same.  But that’s not necessarily a terrible or tragic thing.  Here is the good news: LIFE CAN AND WILL BE BETTER!  The Lord rescued me in so many ways, but the ‘best part’ was a wonderful woman named Belinda, who would become my wife, best friend and ministry partner.  Remember: God always has a ‘Plan B’ – even if you don’t.  Wait for it; wait on Him.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part I)

WORKING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GRIEVING PROCESS (Part I)

As we begin this series, allow me to state the obvious.  It is never ever easy to lose a loved one.  Of course, the Word of God will be our ultimate guide as we consider this topic, but we will also draw heavily upon the works of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D., a recognized expert in the research of death and dying.

According to Dr. Kubler-Ross, following the initial shock that one experiences when learning of the passing of a loved one, there are FIVE STAGES IN THE GRIEVING PROCESS:

-DENIAL

-ANGER

-DEPRESSION

-BARGAINING

-ACCEPTANCE

Dr. Kubler-Ross found that all people react to the initial news of death in nearly identical ways, namely with shock and disbelief.  This is the beginning of the DENIAL process, which lasts from a few seconds to many months, varying from individual to individual.  This denial is never a total denial.  After all, the individual typically ‘believes’ that a death has occurred, but there is also a veneer of disbelief that their loved one is gone, even in cases of acute or terminal illness, where death seems to be possible or probable.

After the initial denial, anger or rage tend to dominate the emotions of those who lose loved ones.  Sometimes this anger is justifiable due to the responses of medical staff, family, or friends, who unknowingly ‘trivialize’ loss and grief by employing empty platitudes, or by trying to control an individual’s response to such a major loss.  Sometimes the anger is irrational, and grieving individuals cannot wrap their brains around the reasons why they are feeling that way.  However, when others can tolerate these outbursts of anger, its duration is much shorter and more moderate in temperament and tone.

The Word of God instructs the believer: “Do not cast away your confidence” in Christ’s ability to intervene and address any area of our lives. (Hebrews 10:35) You can accomplish this as you are in the process of “casting all your care upon HIM, for HE cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

GOD'S GRACE...IT'S AMAZING!

GOD’S GRACE…IT’S AMAZING!

God’s unmerited favor bestowed lavishly upon us is revealed in a powerful array of scriptural portraits.  I love the spectacular story of Mephibosheth because it is so characteristic and revealing of our Father's nature.  How special it is for God-in-Christ to touch and transform us through agape love, thereby making the ultimate sacrifice for our safety, security and salvation.  And how marvelous it is that the He encounters us in the places in which we reside, and transports us to providential palaces of peace and provision.

Although David was a bona fide champion of Israel, he had become increasingly despised by King Saul.  The king was motivated by a fierce jealousy; and, the Word declares that “jealousy is cruel as the grave.” (Song of Solomon 8:6) It fueled his dark determination in Saul to seek David’s destruction.  However, the principles of sowing and reaping apply in every arena of life.  The Word declares, “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Thus, Saul’s animus toward David eventuated in his own death, and even in the death of Prince Jonathan, Saul’s beloved son and David’s closest friend.  There is a definite correlation between our deeds and the welfare of those connected to us; this spiritual truth we should never forget.  Nevertheless, I find it entirely fascinating that God provides refuge for His own in the least likely of places.  Who would have thought that David would experience such a remarkable friendship, freely bestowed upon him by the offspring of his chief enemy?

I Samuel 19:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Now Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David; but Jonathan, Saul’s son, delighted greatly in David.  2 So Jonathan told David, saying, “My father Saul seeks to kill you.  Therefore please be on your guard until morning, and stay in a secret place and hide.  3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you.  Then what I observe, I will tell you.”

In the aftermath of King Saul’s death, agape love motivated David to ask an unlikely and unexpected question: “Is there anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” (II Samuel 9:1) In response, Ziba, one of Saul’s stewards, informed David of a surviving heir, the grandson of Saul and the son of Jonathan.  He bore a rather strange sounding name, Mephibosheth [mah-FIB-oh-sheth].  Not only was this lad dwelling in the god-forsaken city of Lodebar, he was physically handicapped as well.  Question: Why would the son of the prince of Israel dwell in such a terrible place?  Answer: FEAR is the ultimate mind-killer and the destroyer of destiny.  Mephibosheth’s fear of retribution, coupled with anxiety regarding his physical state, moved him away from (not towards) the place of his heritage.  When summoned by King David, he arrived with great trepidation and trembling.

Remember this: Fear aggressively distorts the image of God in us.  It is a highly effective satanic strategy that encases our perceptions within perverted prisms of doubt and despair, through which we come to view ourselves, others and the world around us.  Nevertheless, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” (II Timothy 1:7)  

The key to understanding Mephibosheth’s state-of-mind is the fact that his adverse life circumstances were caused by the negligence of others.  At the age of five, his nurse dropped him while fleeing in haste, resulting in his permanent disability.  So, Mephibosheth arrived (with a limp) for his audience with the newly-crowned king.  Incidentally, whenever GOD CALLS US TO HIS ROYAL COURTS, He is totally aware of OUR LIMP, that is, He knows all about our sins and deficiencies.  Mephibosheth was profoundly shaken because he knew his grandfather had been King David’s archenemy.   He had the expectation that he would become a victim of revenge, based upon his unfortunate lineage and his obvious physical challenges.  Isn’t it characteristic of satanic deception to motivate us to LOOK ONLY AT WHAT IS NEGATIVE OR WHAT IS lacking, as opposed to the power or potential that IS present?  Mephibosheth’s fear caused a curious strain of spiritual amnesia.  He totally forgot that the newly-crowned king and his father, Jonathan, were the best of friends!

As Mephibosheth bowed before the king, his very first words were a self-debasing question: “What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?”  What an incredibly distorted self-portrait he had mentally and verbally painted!  Always remember that your first step toward spiritual liberation and blessing is to start seeing yourself as GOD sees you!  However, instead of pursuing any course that was punitive, the king offered what I call a GRACE-REWARD.  Summoning Ziba, King David decreed that Mephibosheth would inherit all the lands that had belonged to Saul and Jonathan.  Ziba, along with his fifteen sons and twenty servants, would be held accountable to farm those lands and to pass along all profit to the self-proclaimed “dead dog,” Mephibosheth.  And from that moment onward, Mephibosheth would live rent-free in the palace and dine daily with the king.  King David proclaimed, “He shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.” (II Samuel 9:11) What a miraculous manifestation of God’s grace!

What is the application of this story?  Although your former spiritual captivity in this world system of sin and shame might make you feel at times like a “dead dog,” THE KING OF KINGS WILL “RESTORE” YOUR SOUL (your mind, will, intellect, imagination and emotions) and extend to you His matchless, inimitable, everlasting and amazing grace. (Psalm 23:3) And from that point onward, you COMMUNE DAILY AND FELLOWSHIP JOYFULLY IN HIS PRESENCE.  David had received such amazing grace from his HEAVENLY FATHER, and he paid-forward that same grace-legacy by demonstrating mercy and kindness to his ‘apparently undeserving’ NEWLY-ADOPTED SON.  Here’s how David would have scripturally visualized those twin miracles of God’s grace: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11) GOD’S GRACE…IT’S ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!

THE GOSPEL OF GREED - Part IV

THE GOSPEL OF GREED – Part IV

The key question for today is “What is the litmus test for determining whether (or not) we are utilizing church or personal funds appropriately?”  According to the Time Magazine article, “Does God Want You To Be Rich?” the Christian church is largely ‘split’ on the issue of prosperity teaching because (from the authors’ perspective) the scriptures are vague or inconclusive regarding money matters.  Co-authors, David Van Biema and Jeff Chu, state the following:

“Scripture is not definitive when it comes to faith and income.  Deuteronomy commands believers to “remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth,” and the rest of the Old Testament is dotted with celebrations of God’s bestowal of the good life.  On at least one occasion—in the parable of the talents---Jesus holds up savvy business practice (investing rather than saving) as a metaphor for spiritual practice. Yet he spent far more time among the poor than the rich, and a majority of scholars quote two of his most direct comments on wealth: the passage in the Sermon on the Mount in which he warns, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth ... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,” and his encounter with the “rich young ruler” who could not bring himself to part with his money, after which Jesus famously comments, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Both statements can be read as more nuanced than they at first might seem. In each case it is not wealth itself that disqualifies but the inability to understand its relative worthlessness in contrast with the riches of Heaven.  The same thing applies to Paul’s famous line (as most people erroneously quote it), i.e. “Money is the root of all evil,” in his first letter to Timothy.  The actual quote is, “The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.”

So, the Bible leaves plenty of room for an honest discussion on the role (positive or negative) that money should play in the lives of believers.  However, it’s not a discussion that many pastors are willing to have. “Jesus’ words about money don’t make us very comfortable, and people don’t want to hear [them]” notes Collin Hansen, an editor at Christianity Today.” [This concludes the Time article quote].

From my perspective, the message of scripture is never muddled or unclear.

All the teachings of Jesus emphasize advancing the Kingdom of God.  John the Baptist, the cousin and forerunner of Jesus, declared prior to Christ’s public ministry, “Repent…for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2) It is no accident that Jesus echoed these same sentiments (for they are originally His): “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) Fact is, most Jesus’ parables focus on establishing the Kingdom of God in the earth. (Matthew, chapter 13) Even The Lord’s Prayer (The Disciples’ Prayer) emphasizes this concept.  “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” was the model prayer of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 6:10)

At this precise point, the so-called ‘prosperity preachers’ skid off the tracks and collide with eternal truth.  Their emphasis on ‘the here and now’ directly contradicts the Pauline prescription for true Biblical prosperity: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2) For in the words of Jesus Christ, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

While some Church leaders busily tout and display material success via burgeoning bank accounts, palatial mansions, private jets, helicopters, etc., there is a veritable host of hurting and dying people that we fail to serve!  I am not a ‘hater’—not at all—as some readers could conclude from my commentary.  However, sometimes I scratch my head and wonder aloud: ‘How much is too much?  Do we really need to line our pockets and live in the lap of luxury to affirm our worldly status or to confirm divine blessings?  Are we more about ego gratification than about serving fallen humanity and ushering lost souls into the Kingdom of God?’

A few decades ago, I was the Minister of Outreach at a large urban church in a southern state.  One day, an elderly and infirmed lady called the church and asked for help.  Her caretaker (an adult daughter) was traveling on business and had forgotten to buy groceries.  The caller needed someone to assist her by driving her to the bank and supermarket to pick up necessary food items. I responded affirmatively and was on the way out the door when the senior pastor called out: “Where are you headed?”  I explained the elderly lady’s dilemma and my intended mission to help. The pastor’s response totally shocked me.  “We don’t do things like that,” he remarked rather casually.  So, I returned to my office and decided that my wife and I would respond to this woman’s urgent need (on our own dime and time) at the end of the workday.  John, the apostle of love, stated it more eloquently that I ever could: “Whoever has this world’s good(s), and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17)

I must pose two serious questions to the leaders and laity of The Church:

1)        What is the biblical reason for our existence…Kingdom-building or personal empire-building?

2)       If our greedy quest for wealth sacrifices the salvation of even one soul…what will CHRIST say to us?

This is entirely a matter of motives and priorities, i.e. what we decide to “seek first.” (Matthew 6:33) Christ indeed promised to add overflowing blessings to His people, whenever and wherever we seek the good and growth of His Kingdom.  Nevertheless, at the beginning of this devotional, I posed a strategic question: “What is the litmus test for determining whether (or not) we are utilizing church or personal funds appropriately?”  The Answer: If whatever we are doing with our blessings builds God’s Kingdom (not ours), we are most assuredly on the right track. 

If there is indeed to be an end-times redistribution of wealth, as many prophets and prosperity preachers emphatically decree, what will the church DO with it?  Bottom-line: We are divinely blessed…to BE a blessing!

Why not let Jesus Christ have the last word? 

Matthew 6:19-20

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust do corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust do corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

As God honors and favors your life with GENUINE PROSPERITY (inclusive of spiritual, material, physical, emotional and financial components), PLEASE REMEMBER TO USE YOUR BLESSINGS TO BUILD THE KINGDOM OF GOD.  In the process, you will be demonstrably and doubly blessed.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

THE GOSPEL OF GREED - Part III

THE GOSPEL OF GREED – Part III

Christ commands us to exercise sound scriptural stewardship.  (Luke 16:1-2 – I Corinthians 4:1-2) In fact, He commissions, commends and ultimately confers compensatory crowns upon all believers who do so. (Matthew 25:14-40) To wit, the scriptures suggest a strong causal connection between funds garnered through tithes and offerings and tangible opportunities to harvest lost souls for the Kingdom of God.  That being the case, the following question is begged: ‘Since there is a direct connection between funds the church receives and the ability to finance its soul-winning mission, is it reasonable or right to spend even the smallest sum on self-gratifying or frivolous endeavors?’  Indeed, this is the mission-critical question that we must ask ourselves as we systematically raise and appropriate funds within the institutional church.

Time Magazine published a relevant article on Sunday, 10 September 2006, which implicitly highlights the foregoing question.  That article – entitled Does God Want You To Be Rich? – was authored by David Van Biema and Jeff Chu.  Key excerpts of the article are/will be reprinted here (today and tomorrow) for your prayerful consideration:

“In three of the Gospels, Jesus warns that each of his disciples may have to “deny himself” and even “take up his Cross.” In support of this alarming prediction, he forcefully contrasts the fleeting pleasures of today with the promise of eternity: “For what profit is it to a man,” he asks, “if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” It is one of the New Testament's most challenging teachings, yet generations of churchgoers have understood that being Christian, on some level, means being ready to sacrifice---money, autonomy or even their lives.

But for a growing number of Christians, the question is better restated, “Why not gain the whole world plus my soul?” For several decades, a philosophy has been percolating…that seems to turn the Gospels’ message on its head.  It suggests that Christians should keep one eye on Heaven. But the ‘new’ good news is that God doesn’t want us to wait. Known (or vilified) under a variety of names--Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, Prosperity Theology--its emphasis is on God’s promised generosity in this life and the ability of believers to claim it for themselves, here and now.  In a nutshell, it suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke. Its signature verse could be John 10: 10: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” In a TIME poll, 17% of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61% believed that God wants people to be prosperous. And 31% agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money.

“Prosperity” first blazed to public attention as the driveshaft in the moneymaking machine that was 1980s televangelism. Now, after some key modifications (which have inspired some to redub it ‘Prosperity-Lite’), it is booming. Of the four biggest mega-churches in [the USA], three of them--Joel Osteen’s Lakewood in Houston; T.D. Jakes’ Potter’s House in Dallas; and Creflo Dollar’s World Changers near Atlanta--are Prosperity or Prosperity-Lite pulpits (although Jakes’ ministry has many more facets). While they don’t exclusively teach that God’s riches should be in believers’ wallets, it is a key part of their doctrine. And propelled by Osteen’s 4 million--selling book, “Your Best Life Now,” this belief has swept beyond its Pentecostal base into more buttoned-down evangelical churches, and even into congregations in the more liberal mainline denominations.

The movement’s renaissance has infuriated a number of prominent pastors, theologians and commentators. Fellow mega-pastor Rick Warren, whose book “The Purpose Driven Life” has outsold Osteen’s by a ratio of 7 to 1, finds the very basis of ‘Prosperity’ laughable. “This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy…there is a word for that: baloney. It’s creating a false idol. You don’t measure your self-worth by your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who live in poverty. Why then isn’t everyone in the church a millionaire?”

Advocates note Prosperity's racial diversity--a welcome exception to the American norm--and point out that some Prosperity churches engage in significant charity. And they see in it a happy corrective for Christians who are more used to being chastened for their sins than celebrated as God’s children. “Who would want to embrace something where you’re miserable, poor, broke and ugly and you just have to muddle through until you get to heaven?” asks Joyce Meyer, a popular television preacher and author often lumped in the Prosperity-Lite camp. “I believe God wants to give us nice things.” If nothing else, Meyer and other new-breed preachers broach a neglected topic that should really be a staple of Sunday messages: Does God want you to be rich?” [This concludes today’s excerpt from the Time article: “Does God Want You To Be Rich?”]

In closing, there is a serious question that we must ‘chew on’ while considering the will of God regarding the fiscal affairs of churches and individuals.  That is, “WHAT IS THE LITMUS TEST FOR DETERMINING WHETHER (OR NOT) WE ARE UTILIZING CHURCH OR PERSONAL FUNDS APPROPRIATELY?”  We will engage this key question in tomorrow’s devotional.  But here are four ‘teasers’ for your critical thinking and prayerful reflection: 1) Are our financial decisions Kingdom-driven or ego driven? 2) Do our financial decisions serve US or THE MISSION OF SOUL-WINNING? 3) Since our primary focus is on eternity, how much money or material goods do we need (personally) in this present world? 4) If even one soul is lost because the gospel is not fully extended due to misuse or misappropriation of funds for self-serving ends, what will GOD have to say about that situation when we stand before Him in judgment?

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!

THE GOSPEL OF GREED – Part II

THE GOSPEL OF GREED – Part II

We began this devotional series with the following question: “How have we, the leaders and adherents of Christianity, allowed the central teachings of our faith to become infiltrated and diluted by an overarching emphasis on material gain and prosperity?”  We opted to utilize five referential or experiential resources to effectively address this rather controversial issue: 1) an article recently reprinted on Facebook by a pastor in South Africa, “Was Jesus Rich/Wealthy?” 2) a Time Magazine article entitled, “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” published September 10, 2006, 3) the teachings of selected Christian leaders, 4) my personal observations and insights, and most importantly, 5) the teachings of scripture, i.e. pertinent Kingdom Principles that describe the Christian’s rightful attitude and actions regarding possessions and prosperity.

Kingdom Principle Number One: PROSPERITY IS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL WORD.  All too often, the term “prosperity” is understood in a one-dimensional manner.  In a word, many equate prosperity (solely) to material or financial gain.  Scripturally speaking, prosperity pertains to all three dimensions of our being: body, soul and spirit.  The Apostle John’s prayer reveals this biblical truth.  “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” (III John 1:2) 

Inclusive in the biblical concept of the soul are one’s mind, will, intellect, imagination and emotions. Therefore, when we conceive prosperity (solely) as the accumulation of property or currency, we fail to perceive abundant life from Heaven’s point of view.  In the words of Jesus, “a man’s life consists not in the abundance of the things which he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) Jesus admonishes us in that same scripture to “take heed, and beware of covetousness.”  Dictionary.com defines “covetousness” as being “inordinately or wrongly desirous of wealth or possessions; or greedy.”  Unhappily, the spirit of greed has captivated the souls of many leaders and laity alike, and in turn, it has wrought terrible violence against the Kingdom of God.  The world’s typical reaction is criticism and cynicism.

Kingdom Principle Number Two: KINGDOM PEOPLE MUST NEVER EMPHASIZE MATERIAL PROSPERITY TO THE EXTENT OF DEVALUING OR EXCLUDING THE PEOPLE THAT GOD LOVES.  Consider Jesus’ admonition to his disciples regarding all things material: “Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what you shall eat; neither for the body, what you shall put on.  The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.  Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them: how much more are you better than the fowls?” (Luke 12:22-24) Let’s make sure that we are “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) Exactly what was Christ’s intention underlying such a powerful statement? Apparently, it was His concern that we would set proper priorities.  Of course, He did not mean that we should have little or no concern about our financial conditions and circumstances.  Bottom-line: Jesus was teaching us that material matters should never be OUR PRIMARY FOCUS, or a cause for anxiety and worry.  This is of critical importance.  For whenever the institutional church gives the world the impression that money matters are main matters, we do grave disservice to the Kingdom of God.  The resultant cynicism causes the gospel, for all practical intents and purposes, to be “hidden to them that are lost.” (II Corinthians 4:3) The world becomes so ‘turned-off’ by our actions, that Jesus is virtually ‘tuned-out’ of their attitudes!  Kingdom people must always be about the “Father’s business” which, unequivocally, is soul business!  (Luke 2:49 – Matthew 28:19-20 – Acts 1:8) In fact, the church really has no business other than soul business!  

It goes without saying that the mission of the Kingdom must be advanced…AND FINANCED…since we live within the confines of a material world system.  However, God prescribes specific methods to accomplish this end. (Malachi 3:8-10) But nowhere do the scriptures suggest that we enjoy sumptuous lifestyles in pristine palaces while others languish in the throes of abysmal poverty. Shame on many of us for misinterpreting the message of Christ and misappropriating the funds that are sown (generously and sacrificially) into HIS KINGDOM!  Jesus knew this would be the state-of-affairs within the end-times institutional church.  That’s one reason why Jesus declared (whether we like it or not, or accept it or not), “Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24-25) 

Considering this, the Apostle Paul advised his young protégé, Timothy, “having food and raiment let us be therewith CONTENT.  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (I Timothy 6:8-10)

Christian leaders and laity, whenever we live like LORDS-OF-THE-CASTLE and passively ignore the legitimate needs of our fellowman, we have inadvertently excluded “the least of these” from direct access to the visible and tangible love of God, and we will certainly be held accountable in the judgment. (Matthew 25:45) “But whosoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17)

Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!