March 22, 2015

Stop Copying Others

 

When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?"

Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me."

-- John 21:21-22

What is it that we are so intent on fixing ourselves by being like someone else? We are each unique, with a different path to take. Why can't we embrace that?

I do understand the need sometimes to research options and study what others have done. It helps us keep from making unnecessary mistakes and it helps us get a feel for what we like and what we don't. But there comes a point in time when you really have to push all that aside and do whatever it is that God has called you to do.

I realize it's easier to copy someone else than it is to spend time in prayer and reflection to determine God's will for your life. It also can be difficult to push aside our pride to admit that maybe we're headed in the wrong direction. That's especially true when what we're doing involves a group of people. We'd rather stay on the wrong path than admit we're on the wrong path.

We can't understand why other people, other churches, make it work. From the outside, the efforts of others look so easy. Maybe it really was. When we are in God's will, things have a way of falling in place. When we are putting Him first, He tends to clear our path.

Or maybe we just can't see the years of hard work that has gone into what seems easy and successful today. Remember everything starts with a dream but that dream almost always brings hard work before it brings success.

What is your motivation? You can't build success for God when you are doing it for your glory instead of His. And you can't draw people in when you're trying to draw people toward you instead of toward Him. Denial doesn't work. Neither do excuses. Remember that God sees the heart. What is your heart telling you?

None of us will ever take a perfect path to where we want to go. As much as we may want to follow God exactly right, we'll miss the mark again and again. But copying someone else isn't the answer. Look inside, find God's will for your life, and move in that direction instead.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Tithe From Your Heart

Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” -- Genesis 4:6-7

Why do you tithe? Really. Of course, I’m assuming that you tithe. We’re supposed to. The Bible is pretty clear about giving back to God a portion of what He has given to us.

My question, though, is more about motivation. Do you tithe because the Bible tells us to give back to God? Do you tithe because the church needs electricity and the pastor needs to eat? Or do you tithe because it’s expected?

Sometimes we get lost in all the reasons and forget the basics: We tithe because God has blessed us and, in return, we give back to Him a portion of what He has given to us. It is a moment of honoring God for all He does for us. It is acknowledging that without Him we have nothing. We are nothing. It is showing respect and honor to our Creator.

The contemporary services at our church started a new practice today for collecting tithes. Instead of having ushers pass baskets, offering containers are placed at the front and back of the fellowship hall where we meet. After the sermon, the band begins to play and we have the opportunity to place our tithes in the containers and, if we desire, stop and pray at the kneeling benches up front.

The difference is subtle but real and poignant. It is a reminder that our offerings are for God. How He uses that money is for Him to decide. But our hearts are honoring Him.

At least, they should be. God doesn’t want us grudgingly giving anything back to Him. He wants our love and respect. He wants hearts filled with gratitude for the many blessings He brings to us.

Why was Abel’s offering to God acceptable and Cain’s was not? Perhaps it has to do with the heart. God can see past the outward signs of obedience and look into our hearts to see our true motivation.

Does that mean we’re forever condemned if what we offer God isn’t done with love and a glad heart? No. We have the opportunity to change our attitudes and be restored to God. Jesus saw to that.

But God also didn’t condemn Cain forever, even after Cain murdered his brother Abel. God punished Cain but He also made sure that no one would harm him. Cain went on to have children who would do wonderful things. (see Genesis 4:20-22)

Our tithes shouldn’t be a burden. They shouldn’t feel like an obligation. We are merely giving back to God a portion of what He has graciously given to us. Show your gratitude. And watch your blessings grow.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Don't Give Up

"Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us."

-- Hebrews 12:1

I used to see this printed on motivational posters, pens and mugs. It wasn't until I start reading my Bible daily that I stumbled on it. Go figure. It's been there all along. It didn't come from some smart copywriter. Or, maybe it did. It came from God.

I always liked it and used it to motivate employees. It's just so easy to get started. It's the staying power that is difficult. It's continuing forward when Satan throws obstacle upon obstacle in your path. It's knowing that we will find strength and guidance from God. It's right there along with His protection.