by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Children, Faith, General, God, Love, Old Testament, Reverence — No Comments ↓
summer landscape. mountain path through the field turns uphill to the sky at sunset

The children of Israel found themselves at the doorstep of Canaan as a young nation established by Jehovah God. But Moses, their leader who saved them out of the hands of Pharaoh, would not be allowed to go with them. We find the final address of Moses to God’s people in the book of Deuteronomy. The overarching theme of the book is to remember God and His way so that their relationship will remain intact.

The most famous portion of this text is known as the Shemah, which means “to hear intelligently”, and is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-12. Moses begins with this admonition that impresses the importance of close attention to the word of the Lord. If they did not listen to the commands of God they would be sure to fail in their conquest of the land of Canaan. The same is true for us under the law of Christ. We cannot have saving faith without first hearing the word (Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6) But to listen intently to the words spoken of God’s prophet would not be enough.

Hearing the message of God was to lead Israel to love the Lord. This is a complete love with all of their heart. A complete love is an expected response at the message of God’s love because that love is so deep and complete. It is as John wrote in 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because He first loved us.” For Israel, God’s love was of physical protection. As long as they behaved as His people they would not have to worry over famine or attack from enemy forces. When God showed His love for us it was mainly of spiritual protection. Sending His Son allowed us to have salvation from sin and to be kept in the light (1 John 1:4-9).

Moses then commands that the children of Israel teach these statutes to future generations so that God would never be forgotten. This teaching was to be done consistently at all times of the day. This means that there would be a large amount of teaching and the importance of such would be impressed upon the children because they were being taught with regularity. If we hope to bring our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord our teaching must be the same (Ephesians 6:4). If these young ones do not see us living and teaching consistently they will get the idea that God’s word does not need to be a priority in their lives.

Finally, this teaching was to take place so that God would be remembered. Moses states, “And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” If God was not heard, loved, and taught unto the children of Israel they would forget Him and begin to think that by their own might they escaped Egypt and conquered Canaan. If we fail to follow this pattern we have left the way of the Lord and are doomed to forget Him.

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them” (Psalm 103:17-18).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Church, Doctrine, Elders, Evangelism, Faith, False Doctrines, General, God, Service, Worship — No Comments ↓

Vintage open sign on old wooden door

A lot of churches are classified as non-profit businesses for tax purposes but we know the truth. The church is not a business in the way we use the word today. Christ’s bride is not in the entertainment business, the education business, the child care business, or restaurant business. The church is in the business of saving souls, edifying the brethren, doing good works to glorify God, and worshipping His wonderful name. In short, the church is about the Father’s business. “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

God shows us that His house is not a business by revealing how the church gathers funds. Members of the church offer free-will offerings on every first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The collection can be supplemented by gifts at other opportunities (Acts 4:37). These funds are used to do the work of the church, stated above.

The Church is Not About Large Savings Accounts. Many seem to have lost sight of the simple pattern of the New Testament. When discussing the overall health of the congregation, leaders might reference how much money is in savings instead of spiritual growth. Looking at a profit and loss statement cannot reveal whether or not the congregation is doing well according to the Lord (Revelation 2:10). It’s right to be a good steward and save some for unexpected circumstances, but we must not put our faith in how much is in the bank (Luke 12:42).

The Church is Not About the Number of Givers. “How many members are in your church?” I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked that question and I suppose the next time it happens I will reply, “All of them.” If a church has more members (givers) that means they most likely have more money. However, God’s work can be accomplished despite the number of people or number of dollars that are associated with your congregation. While it helps to have money to spread the gospel to lost souls, that can be done without a dime (I Thessalonians 2:9). It’s easier to gather to worship in a large building, but that can be done in homes (Acts 2:46).

The Church is Not About Providing Services and Amenities. When a congregation focuses on how much money is being brought in, they make different decisions than they would normally. The focus changes from preaching the gospel to “What type of preaching is desired.” Instead of revolving around good works that are needed, conversations shift slightly to, “What services can be offered?” While this might not seem dangerous at first, it comes with drastic consequences. More services offered requires more funds, which requires more givers and therefore even more services to attract them. It is an endless cycle. Pastors must be focused on feeding the church of God, not the church treasury (Acts 20:28).

Unauthorized practices like bake sales and yard sales to fund the work of the church soon follow these changes in mindset. Members who are able to give a lot rise in prominence over members who cannot give as much. Unnecessary and extravagant expenditures are approved so that the red carpet can be rolled out for potential members. Every effort is made to impress them with fancy equipment and amenities. These services masquerade as the love of Christ when they only fulfill the pride and lust.

Christians will change their focus to follow the eyes of their shepherds under these circumstances. Instead of asking, “Which church will best help me and my family go to heaven?”  they ask, “Which church do we like best?” or “What do they offer a family like ours?” No longer do these Christians “press toward the mark” (Phil 2:14). Instead they beg to have their desires met. If turning a profit becomes a priority for a church, the standards of truth will be lowered and God’s people will suffer, whether they realize it or not. The best way to run the business of the church is God’s way.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, Faith, General, God, Grace, Love, Peace, Repentance, Salvation — No Comments ↓

How was your day? We have asked and answered that question a lot through the years. Young ones might smile a goofy grin and run away like it’s a game when you ask them. Teenagers will exhaust their vocabulary of one word answers using words such as “good” and “fine.” Your wife might tell you more than you want to know and your husband might not tell you as much as you want to hear or even the other way around. We might ask the question tentatively to those who are much older. As health and abilities decline there seem to be more and more bad days; fewer and fewer good ones.

You are probably aware that people complain too much. No doubt many have admonished you to be more positive and focus on the good things and not the bad. There are a lot of people worse off than you, you still have an abundance of blessings and if you’re a New Testament Christian you must count it all joy (James 1:2-4; Philippians 4:4). That does not change the fact that bad things happen and they still really hurt. Looking back on some of my bad days I remember that I was not strong enough to follow the example of Jesus and focus on the joy set before me (Hebrews 12:2). However, these bad days have not continued to hinder me. I believe it’s because these bad days were not that bad at all in light of the security and comfort that comes from being God’s child among the church of Christ.

The Day Somebody Special Died. This type of day can be especially hard. Part of that pain never really goes away. However I might also remember the way I was comforted by a loved one reaching out or how my church family provided for some of my needs. “…do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

The Day I Got Really Sick. Personally I have enjoyed relatively good health so far. The same is certainly not true for everyone. When a family member was critically ill I can remember how my family came together and grew closer. When I suffer illness there always seems to be encouragement from my brethren. “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

The Day I Felt Overwhelmed. Sometimes I get overwhelmed because there are a lot of smaller challenges to overcome all at once. Other times it’s one big issue to confront that causes me to lose my peace. Even when I go through a difficult time, there is still contentment to be found in a life full of blessings from God. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

The Day I Suffered Persecution. I am so grateful we do not face persecution in America the way the early Christians did in Rome. But there is still persecution I face. I might not be treated right at work because of my convictions to live a holy life (I Peter 2:9). Or I might even be persecuted by my own brethren for standing up for sound teaching when false doctrines seem to rule the day. Persecution is of benefit to the cause gospel therefore I will rejoice.

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel…” (Philippians 1:12).

The Day I Was Caught in Sin. I was so ashamed when my sins found me out (Numbers 32:23). When I realized I was lost in sin I made the blessed decision to obey the soul saving gospel of Jesus Christ by putting on the Lord in baptism (Acts 2:38; II Thessalonians 1:7-9; II Timothy 1:9). Though the word cut my heart and divided my “soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” because of my sin it was a good day that lead me to repentance (Acts 2:37; Hebrews 4:12; II Corinthians 7:9).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Evidences, Christian Living, Church, Doctrine, Faith, False Doctrines, General, God, Hermeneutics, Repentance — No Comments ↓

I have had great opportunities to travel in my life. My family took a lot of road trips growing up and as a result I’ve been to 21 of our country’s 50 great states. I’ve spent time in New Zealand and Mexico as well and have observed some significant differences between cultures abroad and at home. While I feel like I have seen a lot in my 27 years, my experience pales in comparison with many. I know people that have been to over a dozen different countries and nearly all of the US states. Still, when you consider their massive amounts of travel experience they have not come close to seeing everything.

By its very nature anecdotal evidence is not a reliable standard to ascertain truth. My personal experience is too small, clouded by my own biases, and impacted by my emotions. Whenever evidence is presented based only on personal experience the argument is weak and easily defeated. We must look for a more sure standard, and the surest of all is the word of God (II Peter 1:19).

Atheism argues that God cannot exist because He cannot be seen or touched today. Consider the flaws in that argument! Has the atheist seen everything that is or has ever been? What about the entire atheism movement collectively? We could also ask when the modern day atheist has ever seen or touched Napoleon Bonaparte. Of course history has verified his existence, but could we not say the same for God with the countless historical verifications of the historical Jesus or the events recorded in the Bible? The intra-biblical and extra-biblical evidence is astounding once compiled. The Christian understands that God has revealed Himself through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2), through creation (Psalms 19:1), and through His word (I Timothy 3:16-17). The atheist might also talk about his experience with Christianity. Many will claim Christianity to be divisive and the reason for the conflict of war. But this evidence is easily matched and superseded by the great good that biblical Christianity offers. Anecdotal evidence is just not sufficient to overthrow belief in the existence of God or the benefits afforded by Christianity.

Some try to argue for false doctrines with anecdotal evidence. You might be familiar with some who have become pessimistic about the usefulness of church discipline via the withdrawal of fellowship (Matthew 18:17; I Corinthians 5:4-5; II Thessalonians 3:6). They could talk about their experiences where these methods “were not successful.” Understand that whenever we follow a command of scripture as prescribed that endeavor is successful, whether the sinner repents or not! Others talk about the insistence of obeying God’s law regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage as doing more harm than good. They will talk about the families that are broken if we teach that one should leave an adulterous marriage (Matthew 19:9). In their experience it’s harmful to follow God’s law and so they prefer situation ethics in these cases.

These arguments are not logically sound and are motivated by extreme bias. When a brother walking disorderly is allowed to remain within the body of Christ with no withdrawal of fellowship the local and universal church suffers and is in danger of division. In the case of an adulterous marriage the sin is what breaks up these families, not the law of God. Short sighted leadership that relies on what they have seen instead of what the Lord has said will destroy the church and have to answer for souls they lead astray (Hebrews 13:17).

We must choose to speak as God has revealed (I Peter 4:11; II Peter 1:20-21). The heart’s emotions can be deceptive and if followed will lead to destruction (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 28:26; Matthew 7:13). If we follow God’s will we will stand on the firm foundation of the Rock that is Christ (Matthew 7:24).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Christian Living, Church, Doctrine, Faith, God, Salvation, Service, Worship — No Comments ↓

The story is told of a lawyer who had successfully handled a difficult law case for a wealthy friend. Following the happy outcome of the case, the friend and client called on the lawyer, expressed his appreciation of his work and handed him a new Moroccan leather wallet. The lawyer looked at the wallet in astonishment and handed it back with a sharp reminder that a wallet could not possibly compensate him for his services. “My fee for that work,” acidly snapped the attorney, “is five hundred dollars.” The friend opened the wallet to reveal ten crisp hundred dollar bills, removed five of them, and handed it back to the lawyer with a smile.

We all know arrogance when we see it. A friend is too sure of himself; a coworker only likes to talk about herself, never listening to what you have to say. Arrogance is all the more insufferable when an acquaintance constantly brags on himself and his accomplishments when it is clearly seen that he is not all that great. It makes matters even worse when he won’t admit a fault or flaw unless it’s to fabricate an appearance of self-awareness and ward off accusers.

We also know humility when we see it, but humility is a little harder to describe. We find it easy to think of examples of arrogance, but how do we imagine a humble person? Typically we think of people we know who are humble, but what is it that makes them that way?

Jesus is the perfect example of the humble servant. Jesus showed His humility when He entered Jerusalem the week of His crucifixion. The people praised Him by laying down coats and tree branches and shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:8-9). But Jesus’ entrance into the city was not like you would expect for a king, much less the King of kings. Where were the chariots and trumpets? Where was the great procession? Jesus could have had whatever entrance He wanted. Even though He is the greatest King, He chose to enter Jerusalem in a humble way: on a donkey. When we find ourselves in positions of authority in various roles in the church, home, or at work, let us follow the Christ’s example of carrying that power with humility.

Jesus also showed His humility when He washed the apostles’ feet. He knew that He had all authority (John 13:3). Still He decided to take a towel and basin of water and wash the feet of His apostles (John 13:4-5). He took the lowest of jobs to teach the disciples that they should serve one another (John 13:13-15). Our friends and brethren need to know our love for them through our service, not just our words. Jesus told the disciples, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12-13). Jesus showed His humility when He emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7-8). Could anyone argue that Jesus was not humble when He left heaven to die for sinful man?

Jesus showed His humility when preaching boldly. Jesus boldly warned His disciples about the hypocrisy of the Scribes and Pharisees. He describes them as children of hell and “blind guides” (Matthew 23:15-16). Some might confuse this boldness with arrogance, thinking that humility should require the Christian to avoid offending others by speaking out against sin. But Jesus was a perfect example of preaching and rebuking error. It was not arrogant for Jesus to know who He was while preaching on the earth, or to be confident in what He was doing. He had the authority to speak the truth and would say only what the Father commanded (John 8:28-29). Jesus said that He was eternal God, a claim so bold and controversial they sought to kill Him (John 8:58-59). Those who would confuse truth for arrogance have forgotten much of Jesus’ preaching. When we speak the truth in love today, we are following the example of the humblest servant, Christ!

We know humility when we see it and we certainly see humility in the man Christ Jesus. In a time of abundant arrogance it is refreshing and convicting to read about the humility of the Great I Am.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, Evangelism, Faith, General, God, Love, Repentance, Salvation — No Comments ↓

Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of the church, became a Christian. The Bible tells us simply that Saul spent certain days with the disciples in Damascus (Acts 9:19). These first days would have been eventful.

1. Saul showed fruits of repentance. We can only guess at how Saul was received by those he once persecuted. Later, in Jerusalem, Saul would have some difficulty because the saints were afraid of him. There is no mention of any such fear in Damascus however it is reasonable to assume there would be some trepidation on their part. Perhaps word had spread of the events on the road to Damascus from those who had come with Saul. Still, their story would have been incomplete, since they did not hear what Jesus said to Saul, and likely insufficient to sway the brethren in Damascus (Acts 22:9). Saul proved his repentance to the brethren with his works including preaching in the synagogues the gospel of Christ. We should not find it unreasonable to expect fruits worthy of repentance (Matt. 3:8). Likely Saul understood the fear his new brethren had towards him. Saul would have to show them that he had truly repented. It would not take long for him to get his opportunities.

2. Saul began to preach the gospel immediately. There is no need for a new convert to wait before he tries to convince others to obey the gospel. Some might argue that we should persuade new Christians to wait until they are more seasoned to try to study with their friends and family. Why would we want to quell their zeal? With that logic I should not study with non-Christians after being a Christian for ten years because I’ll be better prepared for it after my twentieth year. We should all do the best we can to spread the gospel at every stage of our Christian lives. Saul certainly had developed a reputation and it is no wonder that the people who heard his preaching were amazed that he would preach that Jesus is the Christ. Saul continued to grow in strength spiritually and mentally as he expounded the scriptures to the Jews in the synagogue.

3. Saul confounded the Jews. They were perplexed by the arguments given from the Old Testament scriptures. These Jews had been suffering from misunderstandings of scripture perpetuated by the rulers of the divided religious culture and the insufficient standards of the day. When God’s word is preached in its simplicity it can provide understanding and light, even for the simple (Psalm 119:130). Eventually the Jews decided to try and kill Saul. They watched the gates so that he wouldn’t be able to escape from Damascus. Saul’s brethren were kind to him, helping him escape by lowering him over the city wall in a basket. Saul would be allowed to continue his preaching in Jerusalem. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

Saul was a great Christian, even before he was the apostle Paul. How are you doing as a Christian today? “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (Hebrews 5:12).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, Doctrine, Love — No Comments ↓

Sadly, brethren will at times overly criticize, attempting to divide the church by binding matters of opinion. Whenever divisive brethren attack the church in a way that can only be reasonably seen as inappropriate, unloving, and damaging we would do well to remember:

I Should Evaluate Criticism. No matter how it came or where it came from self-reflection is good. I should ask myself, “Do they have a point?” The criticism might be valid (in whole or in part). My goal should always be to grow closer to God, never to defeat my critic. While evaluating the criticism I need to be careful not to overreact to it. The danger is that I might overcompensate for lack of love shown by a divisive brother and move too far in the other direction. “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies” (Psalm 119:59). “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” (II Corinthians 13:5).

I Should Love My Brother. While this individual is doing great harm, he is still my brother. Despite the errors in doctrine and judgment I must repay with love. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). I should not gossip about him. I should not slander him. I should hope for the best. I should be kind. Especially important to this discussion is the statement that love, “is not easily provoked” (I Corinthians 13:5). “Recompense to no man evil for evil…” (Romans 12:17).

I Should Use it for Good. Our brotherhood is divided. On everything. When divisive brethren attack you have just another example of what is obvious. Those who feel obligated to police the brotherhood will eventually offend the majority and find themselves nearly alone. I believe these occasions are opportunities. We can find common ground with brethren we might have felt divided from before for whatever reason. Let’s use these opportunities to reopen the lines of communication and endeavor to maintain unity with them (Ephesians 4:3). “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

It is very unpleasant to see the bride of Christ attacked in such a vicious way. But at the least let good be the final result by choosing to evaluate self, love others, and use the opportunities provided to seek unity.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Church, Doctrine, Elders, General, God — No Comments ↓

It has been a long time since I have heard anyone say, “Attend the church of your choice.” However, for most, finding a church home is still overwhelmingly about what makes them happy. For decades faithful gospel preachers have resoundingly opposed such a notion as unbiblical and we should be grateful for men who will oppose this pluralistic, denominational ideology. But couldn’t we say this is just as big of a problem among the New Testament church today?

Members of the church are quick to criticize those in denominations who choose a church according to their desires instead of Christ’s. But we can still be quick to move our membership at the drop of a hat for the congregation we want. Here are some of the top reasons:

The Preacher Is Not What I Want. He’s too loud, too quiet, too strong, too soft, too old, too young, too busy, or not busy enough. His sermons are too long, too short, don’t apply to me enough, or apply to me too much. He’s not a big enough name in the brotherhood or he’s too well known and therefore called away to speak elsewhere too much. Some have become too busy considering their desires for the preacher to ask what Christ wants. “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2). It seems that preachers today are judged according to everything but the qualifications of the New Testament.

The Members Are Not What I Want. Sometimes the complaint is about the elders. If some do not get their way with the elders they will quickly leave or stir up trouble. Other times the complaint is with the makeup of the congregation. Perhaps there are not enough young people. Some Christians with children want there to be other kids the same age in their congregation, repeating the lie they’ve been misled to believe: that Christian teens who grow up with a large youth group are more likely to remain faithful. The truth is many faithful Christians grew up without a youth group at all. Maybe the congregation is too big or too small to their liking. Maybe most of the members don’t have the right skin color. What type of local congregation does the Lord want? He does not judge by any physical differences (Galatians 3:28). Let’s be sure not to show partiality among God’s faithful.

The Doctrine Is Not What I Want. We live in a time when there are likely to be multiple congregations in a city of any size. Whenever differences arise some are quick to flee to another congregation which preaches a doctrine more in line with what they believe instead of working out the differences. I realize that there are times when faithful brethren need to leave a place that no longer teaches the doctrine of Christ (II John 9-11). But shouldn’t there be honest dialogue and study to try to correct small issues before they become larger ones? There are times when brethren leave a sound congregation because they allow their opinions to rule as doctrine in their own lives. Those who promote heretical doctrines seem to always be able to find a place to spread their lies — if not in one congregation, then in another. Division rules the day among churches of Christ because too many are no longer “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Instead of striving to teach and win these brethren back to Christ, we quickly dismiss them to the “liberal church of Christ” across town. The question should never be about what doctrine I want, but what the Lord commands.

I am a disciple of Christ if I forsake my desires and follow Christ (Luke 9:23). The correct response to title question is simple: I want a faithful church of Christ. That is all I need because it is all the Lord demands.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Christian Living, Church, Faith, General, God, Purity, Service, Worship — No Comments ↓

I love the song Take Time to Be Holy. It indicates that time and effort must be offered on our part for holiness to be achieved. Of course man cannot save himself by meritorious works (Galatians 2:16). However, my obedience is necessary to have the faith and love required by God (John 14:15; James 2:17). Unfortunately, many spend their time in sinful worldliness instead of walking in God’s light. It’s as if they wish to sing, “Take time to be worldly!”

How is your time spent? If you were to break down your week into hours spent certainly many of those would serve your basic needs. We spend time eating, sleeping, resting, and working to fulfill the needs of the body. Certainly God is pleased with these, for He created us with these needs and commanded His children to meet them (I Kings 19; Mark 6:31; II Thessalonians 3:12).

Where else would you find your time spent? Hopefully there would be time dedicated to worship and study, both public and private. God desires that we seek Him in these holy ways (I Thessalonians 5:17; II Timothy 2:15).

Are you spending time in fellowship with brethren? Some show up late and leave early, and barely utter a word to anyone in the assembly, missing a golden opportunity (Hebrews 10:24-25). Do you invite Christians into your home, or meet them in other places for edification’s sake? God certainly would have it be so (Hebrews 13:1).

Consider how much time the heathen spend in gossiping, drinking, gambling and viewing unholy content on the movie, television, or computer screen. God’s child abhors these things and chooses rather to seek that which is above (I Thessalonians 5:6-7; Proverbs 11:13; I Timothy 6:10; Job 31:1; Colossians 3:1-2).

It takes time, a commitment from each of us, to be holy. It also takes time to be worldly.  What will God find you doing upon the day of judgment? How are you spending your time? “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Christian Living, Faith, General, God, Service — No Comments ↓

From time to time we sing the wonderful words, “I have decided to follow Jesus.” What great sentiments to express! I always want to be known as the type of person that will put obedience to my Lord as my highest priority. However Satan tempts us to live a different type of life, one full of excuses.

Everybody else does it. The judgment is a very personal matter. Paul exhorts us to work out our own salvation (Philippians 2:12). Every man faces his own deeds on judgment day (II Corinthians 5:10). We mustfollow Jesus in spite of what other men may do. A great danger for the Christian is to be influenced by the world’s standard. Without even realizing it we can allow Satan to remove us from God’s will just by what the world is doing.

I don’t have time right now. Everybody has the same amount of time. What differs from person to person are the choices made to fill that time. Fill your time with God’s things first (Ephesians 5:16). The point is we always seem to be able to find the time to do what we want to do. This desire can be channeled toward spiritual goals and growth (Matthew 6:33).

I’m not very good at that. Many are guilty of refusing to memorize scripture claiming, “I don’t have a very good memory.” However I find that most of us can memorize the way to drive home from work without a map. Very few among us cannot recall the words to the pledge of allegiance or one of our favorite songs. Repetition, better known as hard work, is the key to memory. We might be tempted to apply this excuse to various areas of Christian service (Colossians 3:23).

I’m afraid. To fear is normal but to allow fear to keep you from doing what you know is right is abnormal. We should follow the example of the first christians and pray for boldness (Acts 4:29). We might be afraid of failure, rejection, pain, difficulty, inconvenience, being mocked by our peers, or any number of things. However these fears and more are recorded to be conquered by God’s people in His word. Remember that the excuse of fear is not accepted by our Lord (Matthew 25:25).

If you have decided to follow your Lord without turning back then don’t allow excuses to keep you from fully obeying His word. If you decide not to make excuses you can overcome any obstacle Satan puts in the path between you and God’s holiness. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:7-8).