01/17/2020
Have you heard people say that our faith is dynamic and is ever changing with the world? Do you watch as the very tenets of our faith are confronted, and churches adjust them to suit the ebb and flow of society’s whims? Well that reasoning is not truth, and places our will, and the world’s views above God’s will, and the teaching of Jesus Christ.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
When children form clubs as part of their friendship it begins loosely as a way of having fun, but soon adopts rules that deal with making it exclusive. If you have ever watched the old television show ‘Spanky and our Gang’ you will see immediately that the boys have formed a club that includes certain boys, but not bullies, and excludes all girls. These are social clubs and as such they change easily with society, but our faith is not a social club... it is meant to be the exposition of God’s will for us, and teaches us the core beliefs He wants us to live Our lives by. In God’s Word there is no provision for change.
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:16-17 ESV
When we face challenges in the world we look for ways to solve them, to make dealing with them easier, to bypass them, or to do away with the challenge altogether... we go about adjusting the world to suit our desires. So it is understandable that people of faith might want to treat God’s commandments the same way as they treat social clubs, and governments, when they make them uncomfortable, or convict them, but God’s Word is not the world, nor is it subject to our will. God steers the world... the world does not steer God.
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”
Psalms 33:10-11 ESV
It is human nature to dominate, subdue, and conquer the things that surround us. we want to win the game, be the best, have the prize, assert our will over others, and it undoes us when we run up against something that won’t bend to our will. Sure, we say such things as “They put their pants on the same way that you do!” when we see people who think they are better than us, but what happens the minute the tables are turned... maybe you are elected to high office, or invited to join an exclusive club? When this happens it doesn’t take long before you become just as condescending, or superior in your actions. it takes a very special person to overcome that tendency, and the ones who do are either venerated, or deemed to be unsuitable... depending on the audience. The rules of God break down those divisive tendencies in us, and teach us such unchanging behaviors such as humility, loving your neighbor, not coveting... well you know them all. The Commandments of the Lord, and teachings of Jesus are fundamental building blocks for us... unchangeable.
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them. He will not be slack with one who hates him. He will repay him to his face.”
Deuteronomy 7:9-10 ESV
So if we do not believe in God’s will, and obey His commandments and Word, then what are we? Who are we? We most certainly are not His children. And likewise, if we do not abide by the commandments and teachings of Jesus how is it that we can still call ourselves Christians? Today let’s take stock of who we really are, and determine whether we are indeed who we claim to be, or just pretenders... people of the world.
“The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law. All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me! They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.”
Psalms 119:85-88 ESV
Prayer:
Father thank you for your unchanging truth that leads me righteously through my life. Thank you Lord for guiding me when I stray, or wander, so that I return to the straight path of your will. Teach me your ways Holy Father so that I will be pleasing in your sight, and called your child. Let your Holy Spirit give me understanding of your ways, your truth, and the courage to abide by your commandments. Help me Holy Spirit to abide in Christ, and open my heart so that He will abide in me, and see that I follow His gospel in every way. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who rules over all, and orders the world and all your creation. Great are you who never changes, but in whom all truth remains firm, and steady. I praise you for making me in your image, and never wavering in your love for me! I thank you for the rest and comfort I take in knowing who you are today, and forevermore. In your Word I know which way to lean that I can find understanding of your will. Praised be your name always, and all glory be yours eternally.
“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.”
Psalms 119:89-93 ESV
Rich Forbes