The Bible says that God created man in His own image.  Why would God do this?  What does this actually mean?  Do we look like God?  Do we act like God?  If we are created in His own image, why don’t we have God’s powers?   These are questions, along with countless others, that have been pondered for thousands of years by men from all walks of life.  For this article, let’s focus on just one question:  Why would God create man in His own image?

Scripture:

Genesis 1:27 (KJV) - So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.

Discussion:

Ever since his creation, man has attempted to describe and represent God in words and images that are based on man’s perspective and man’s physical/fleshly nature.  Master artists have even portrayed God as some sort of super human with a physical likeness to and the characteristics of man.  Countless writers have described God in human terms with which man can more easily identify and understand.  However, I am quite sure that man’s images and word descriptions of God don’t come close to adequately portraying Him and His true nature.

So, let’s look at the creation of man from God’s perspective.  God created man in His spiritual and moral image … not His physical image.  Man can think and reason.  Man has an inner sense of morality.  Man can grasp deep concepts.  Man has the ability to appreciate beauty and purity.  Man can make choices … right or wrong.

The Bible teaches that God wants a close relationship with man and desires to fellowship with him.  Revelation 3:20 says “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. I believe that this is the primary reason that God created man in His image … so that man may commune with God.  When Christians commune with God on a spiritual level, they share their most intimate thoughts and feelings with God.  God cares.  God understands.  God provides comfort, direction and leadership.  God communes with man.

Reflection:

Being created in His own image is such a wonderful gift!  Along with this gift God gave man a sacred responsibility to commune with Him.  I have to admit that far too often my relationship with God has been one-sided.

God sent His Son Jesus to die for me and save me from my sins.  Since accepting Jesus as my Savior, God has provided opportunity after opportunity to commune with Him on a personal basis.  God has favored me throughout my life.  He gave me Christian parents, a wonderful Christian wife, a devoted Christian son and Christian daughter-in-law, and loving Christian grandchildren.

Far too often I have either been too busy or too lazy to take my responsibility to commune with God seriously.  How about you?  Christian, as we enter a new year of opportunity, let’s take God’s promise seriously and eagerly open the door to commune with God!

Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of “Christ” Jesus … not Santa Claus, not giving and getting, not friends, not even family.  Not to say that the traditions that surround Christmas are unimportant.  But when our traditions interfere with or take the place of the true purpose of celebrating Christmas, we miss the whole point of Christmas.  The focus for Christians at Christmas should be on Christ and not traditions.  When Christ entered the world as a human baby He came from heaven to earth as the very specific living expression of His Father God.  In reality, God became Flesh through His Son Jesus.  This was God’s gift to man.  Through the life of Christ, God would show us and even speak to us all that He ever wanted us to know about Himself.

Scripture:

John 1:1-5, 10-12, 14 (NKJV)

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

 ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹ He came to His own and His own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Discussion:

The “Word” referred to by John is Jesus.  The Greek word for “Word” is “Logos.”  John also refers to God as the “Word” using the term “Logos.” The personhood of Jesus was there from the beginning along with God, as was the Holy Spirit.  So God=Jesus=Holy Spirit!  Christians refer to this three-personhood nature of God as the Holy Trinity.  The enormous gift from God was thus the gift of Himself.  The gift of Jesus was (and is) personal to each of us as individuals.  Through Jesus, God revealed (and continues to reveal) Himself to us.  As the source of all wisdom and knowledge, God communicates Himself to us through Jesus.  He is the Creator of all that was made.  He dwelt among us so that we could behold Him and His glory.  He alone is full of grace and truth.

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you have the personhood of the Holy Spirit indwelling you.  There is no comparison of God’s gift of Jesus to any other gift.

Reflection:

Christian, as you celebrate Christmas don’t forget that the Word, Jesus, is the very specific living expression of His Father God.  As you give and receive gifts and enjoy your family and friends keep the focus on Jesus and the fact that The Word Became Flesh!

Has your life been transformed by the living Word, Jesus?  God still speaks to us today through His Son Jesus.  Are you plugged in?  Is Jesus your Lord and Savior?  If not, He can be!  Refer to this link for help in accepting Jesus personally:

http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/how-to-become-a-christian/

One of my pastor friends, Dr. Terry Fields, once preached a sermon the gist of which was “we don’t know how good we have it.”  Paul wrote from prison to the church at Phillipi which he had visited on his second missionary journey (Acts 16).  Yes, Paul was in prison … wrongly accused … yet he wrote his letter of thankfulness for an offering that had been provided by the members of the church at Phillipi. As Paul closed his letter he related that Christians can rejoice even when steeped in turmoil and immense anxiety because Christ is the root of their strength.

Scripture:  (all KJV unless otherwise noted)

I have chosen three specific verses from chapter 4 for the purpose of this article, but the entirety of the chapter is rich and worth the reading.

Philippians 4:11; 4:13; 4:19 - ¹¹Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  ¹³I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. ¹⁹But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Discussion:

These verses in particular remind me of Christ’s sufficiency to strengthen and sustain us no matter the circumstances.  Christ lives and indwells the Christian through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Verse 11 closes with the phrase “to be content.”  The state of contentment means a state of satisfaction … to be pleased, in the state of peaceful happiness.   Hebrews 13:5 (WBT) reads “Let your manner of life be without covetousness and “be content” with such things as ye have; for He hath said I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.”  What an eternal promise from a changeless Christ!  Why would I question this promise?

In verse 13 Paul confidently says he can do ALL things through Christ’s strength.   ALL doesn’t mean some, or part, or nearly everything … in the words of my current pastor, Dr. Keith Pisani, “ALL means ALL and that’s ALL that ALL can mean.”  Even in the toughest situations, Christ’s strength is sufficient. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5 – I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.).  The emphasis in this verse is not on “I”, nor “my” strength.  Rather it is through “Christ” Jesus and “His” strength that we can accomplish ALL things.  When we take on situations with our own strength, we are basically defenseless against evil and the wiles of the devil.  Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:9 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  You see, we can’t do it, but God can!  And He should receive the glory … not us.

In verse 19 Paul adds his final encouragement to his beloved brothers saying that God will supply everything they need.  No matter how impossible situations may seem God is able to overcome.

Reflection:

God, and God alone, is due ALL of the glory for what He accomplishes through the Christian.  Glory heaped on the Christian for his accomplishments is grossly misplaced.  Paul is clearly saying that God is the “source” and “provider” for all our needs.  We are only the “pipeline” through which God works. The believer has sufficiency in Christ … and there is sufficiency in none other.  Why would we depend on ourselves when we have the promise of the Master of the Universe that He alone is sufficient?

So in closing, do you agree with Dr. Fields bold statement that “we don’t know how good we have it.”  I, for one, can truly say that I identify with this truth.

I recently wrote another article titled “Do!” based on selected verses in Philippians 4 that you can read by following this link: https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/do/

We find it so easy to thank God for the flowers, the springtime, the gentle winds, and the good health we enjoy.  Very few of us, however, find ourselves thanking God, also, for the storms, the wintertime, the nighttime, and the sickroom experiences along the way.

Yet, these latter experiences are likely to have wrapped up within themselves life’s richest blessings.  In thanking God for “all things,” have you thought to thank Him, too, for the hard things of life?

Fanny Crosby’s greatest blessing came through blindness; John Bunyan’s greatest contribution was made possible by imprisonment; Beethoven’s sublimest compositions were impelled by deafness.  Many of our most useful inventions were born from direct experiences.  The world’s greatest gift, salvation, would never have come except Gethsemane, Golgotha, and the open grave.

Let us search for the hidden blessing of every such experience.

Father, help me accept life’s storms as rich blessings.

*Source:  Open Windows – Author:  Chester Swor – deceased; evangelist and popular speaker at students; dean of men and assistant professor, Mississippi College; author.  Originally published November 21, 1941 – reprinted in Open Windows in Fall, 2011 edition for November 25, 2011 daily devotion.

Reflection:

I often use the Open Windows (http://www.lifeway.com/Open-Windows-Magazine/c/N-1z1407u) devotional guide as an inspirational resource for my personal daily devotion.  I’ve reproduced one of these devotions above because it says so much in such a few words.  It has indeed inspired me to be thankful for ALL things.  At times I have been so focused on “asking” in my prayer life that I have often neglected to thank God for “the storms, the wintertime, the nighttime, and the sickroom experiences” that my wife and I have faced over the years.

On this Thanksgiving day 2011, as you gather around your table with your family for a prayer of Thanksgiving will you also include thanks for the Blessings in Disguise that God has used to shape and mold your life?  I certainly intend to do so!!  Thank you “Open Windows,” and thank you Chester Swor, for this short but powerful devotional gem.

Father, forgive me for focusing so much of my prayer life to asking and so little to thanking you for the blessings of life’s storms.

Use the following link to read my recent blog “Do!”:

https://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/do/

What a simple two letter word … “do” … yet it seems that to “do” what is right is one of the most difficult things for man to achieve.  “Do” can take on so many meanings so let’s narrow it down to three basic definitions:

1. perform – practice, accomplish, act, put into action, complete, achieve, make, execute, carry out, get something done
2. fix – prepare, organize, ensure, see to, sort out, look after, make sure of
3. solve – resolve, work out, figure out, puzzle out

Why is it so hard for man to “do” what is right?  An easy answer is that while God created man in His own image, He also gave man the ability to choose.  One can conclude that it’s by choice that man makes most of his own decisions and turns those into his own actions.  The choice to “do” the easy thing, the convenient thing, the popular thing, the tempting thing, the thing that seems right unto man … almost always results in a poor choice.  On the other hand, the choice to “do” what is right, what is Godly, what is scriptural, what is tough, what is not convenient, what is not popular … always results in a good choice.

Paul was so thankful for his friends at the church at Philippi.  They had provided him a special offering to support him while he was in prison.  Though Paul was undergoing such tough circumstances he wrote a powerful and positive letter of thankfulness to the Philippians encouraging his dear friends to put into action those Godly things that they had recently experienced.  His words to the Philippians ring true in my ears even today.  They are God’s words and are inspired by God Himself.

Scripture:

All scripture is KJV unless otherwise noted:

Philippians 4:8-9 – ⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  ⁹Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do, and the God of peace shall be with you.

Discussion:

Let’s break down these two verses by doing a word study to discover the full meaning of Paul’s advice.  In the context of these verses, each of these words describes an attribute of Christ that His followers are to emulate as His children who are created in His image.

• true – true as to fact; true and in accordance with God’s Word; not man’s perverted and selfish view of what is true; God is the final test of what is true and what is right;
• honest – the focus is on what is “right” in God’s sight … honest based on God’s honesty, not man’s; not determined by man’s definition of honesty which is so often clouded by situational ethics and/or convenience.  2 Corinthians 8:21 says in part … “not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of man.”
• just – “… that which is altogether just shalt thou follow …” Deuteronomy 16:20; “just” as defined by God who wants what is best for man; man’s justice is often perverted by man’s desire for vengeance and getting even; God sets the standard; see 1 John 3:7-8 – “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”
• pure – not tainted with foreign matter; highest in quality; unadulterated; refined; holy; see James 3:17 – “… wisdom that is from above is first pure.”
• lovely – what is pleasing, agreeable, attractive; in the context of Phil. 4:9, pure and attractive as in Jesus is “lovely”; the root of the word is love (charity) which is so well-defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  Lovely means much more than good looks.  It encompasses the idea of long-suffering, kindness, unselfishness, wanting the best for the one who is the object of the affection; this type of love never fails, is full of hope, and endures to the end.
• of good report – speaks well of someone; a deserved reputation. 1 Samuel 2:24 relates that a lack of good report leads to sin and transgression; God alone is good; we will stand before Him and be judged according to God’s standards and His mercy; “There is none that doeth good, no, not one” (Romans 3:12b).
• virtue – excellence as in moral virtue; what else needs to be said?
• praise – not the praise of men; every attribute and act of God is praiseworthy; Isaiah 38:19 “The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness”; see also Psalm 22:25, Romans 2:29, and John 12:43.
• think – think as in “program your minds” by consistently recalling these attributes; incorporate them into your every response; concentrate on clean thoughts.
• learned – acquired by experience; read or observed in another.
• received - incorporated into one’s own self; to receive into one’s mind.
• heard – to understand; to perceive; to give ear to a teaching; to comprehend.
• seen in me – seen in action in the life of Jesus; observed in another (in this case Paul) and know that it is right.
• do – to act with the mind of Christ in you; to practice continuously; done with the idea of getting better at it overtime; to perfect; to exercise.

Reflection:

In Philippians 4:8-9 Paul exhorts Christ’s followers to develop a Christian thought life and then “Do!”  Paul’s focus is not at all on the flesh.  The focus is on Christ and Christians emulating Him through their actions.  Christ put God’s Word into action in every aspect of His life.  All power belongs to God (Psalm 62:11), the Master and Creator of everything.  “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).  Man had no part in God’s creation.  The power belongs totally to God.  He gives power to man for His reasons … not ours.  And He admonishes us through his servant, Paul, to “think” and “Do!”

In closing, Paul’s teaching is diametrically opposed to that of the “the power of positive thinking” gospel popularized by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and countless others.  Neither is it akin to the “health and wealth” and “name it and claim it” movements commercialized by so many TV evangelists.

Consider these lessons derived from this brief scripture passage:

• As a disciple and pupil of Christ, things are learned by devoting one’s self to the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ.
• Guard what goes through your mind and comes out in your actions.  Keep it clean and pure.
• Do!  Put into practice the things you have learned and know to be true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, are virtuous, and result in praise of and to the Lord God Almighty.

How does your thought life stack up with that described in this passage?  What kind of things do you think about?  What kind of actions do you regularly “do”?  Are your choices based on doing what is right in the sight of God?

Final note:  Friend, if you find yourself unable to “think” and “Do!” as it is described herein, perhaps it is because you haven’t yet taken the first step by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and the Lord of your life.  I invite you to follow this link for advice on how to do so:  http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/03/05/how-to-become-a-christian/.

Related articles

• Seven Keys to Successful Christian Living (jimdavenport.wordpress.com)

Paul wrote the first of two letters to the Thessalonians soon after his rather short stay in Thessalonica where he preached in the local Synagogue on three successive Sabbaths.  Paul preached that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, that so many had long been seeking.

Luke provides a brief synopsis of Paul’s Thessalonian ministry in Acts 17:1-10.  As a result of Paul’s convincing preaching “Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women (Acts 17:4 NIV).”  Disagreeing vehemently with Paul’s teachings, some jealous Jews “rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city (Acts 17:5 NIV).”  Under darkness, Paul and Silas were sent away to Berea by their new-found Thessalonian brothers for their personal safety.  Because of his brief stay Paul was moved to write his letter to commend the Lord’s followers for standing steadfast in their faith in the midst of such turmoil and ridicule.  Paul explicitly reminded them of the Godly truths he taught them while they were together.

As Paul closed out his letter, he seized the opportunity to clear up some doctrinal questions the church had regarding Christ’s return.  Paul provided  seven keys for successful Christian living that applied so well in that day and still do for modern-day Christians who are living in the turmoil and ridicule of today’s society.

Scripture: 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (KJV)

¹⁶Rejoice evermore.  ¹⁷Pray without ceasing.  ¹⁸In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  ¹⁹Quench not the Spirit.  ²⁰Despise not prophesyings.  ²¹Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  ²²Abstain from all appearance of evil.  ²³And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  ²⁴Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Discussion:

Key #1 – Rejoice evermore.  Be positive and enthusiastic in our faith and actions.  Be joyful as Christians have no reason to be sad.

Key #2 – Pray without ceasing.  Pray continuously and not sporadically or just in times of trouble.

Key #3 – In everything give thanks.  It is God’s will that we give thanks.  We don’t have to pray for His guidance here.  Giving thanks is His will … even in tough situations!!

Key #4 – Quench not the Spirit.  This is key to the other rules.  Quenching the Holy Spirit has dangerous consequences.  Quenching interferes with the successful application of the other six rules.  Quenching is like putting out a fire abruptly.  Christians at all levels have a special responsibility to protect the “spirit” of the church, the Christian school, Christian institutions of higher learning such as colleges and universities, and other Christian organizations.  Let the Holy Spirit do His work.  Don’t try to do it for Him.  It is His work … not ours!

Key #5 – Despise not prophesyings.  The prophets were inspired to preach and to teach.  Their teaching was inspired directly by God … not man.  At the time of this writing, the New Testament was not yet available.  “Despising” the preached word of God (as so many choose to do) in and of itself would quench the Spirit.

Key #6 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  To prove is to test.  We are to choose “right” no matter the cost.  What is “right” is defined in God’s Word and is not subject to man’s definition.  We should NEVER, repeat NEVER, support decisions of convenience that are in conflict with God’s Word.

Key #7 – Abstain from all appearances of evil.  As my pastor regularly says, “All is all, and that is all that all can mean.”  The Christian is to stay away from places and practices where it could appear that we agree with some form of evil and/or sinfulness in opposition to what the Word teaches.

Reflection:

Christian, are you going through turbulent times because of your beliefs?  Persecution is inevitable when you stand for what is right in the Word of God.  Paul’s advice to the church at Thessalonica rings true for you as well.

Verse 24 provides the Christian absolute assurance that God will not let you down … under any circumstances!  Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it! You can be positive that God has called you for a purpose.  He is the source of your strength and power.  You are simply the conduit for God to work in this world.  There is no need to question any of God’s promises.  Why not plug into these seven keys for successful Christian living as we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Our modern 21st century society is in a dangerous downward moral spiral.  The definition of what is right and what is wrong has become a situational and individual decision.  Sadly, this is true of not only our general society, but agonizingly true of so many Christians.  Unfortunately, otherwise Godly Christian leaders have fallen prey to believe in situational ethics by supporting lifestyle choices that are diametrically opposed to what God’s Word teaches.

Discussion:

Man has always tried to tell God what to do with lifestyle choices. In nearly every case this has led to disaster (i.e., the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the great flood, the Babylonian captivity, etc.).  Man seems to think that he knows better than God what is right, what is wrong, and how he is supposed to act.  In effect, man has determined his own set of rules and his own definition of sin.  So, never mind that God gave man the Bible as His guide for men’s lives.

Absolutely nothing regarding the definition of sin is left out of the Bible and little is subject to misinterpretation if a born again Christian seeks the leadership of the Holy Spirit for His understanding.  But man has insisted on making his own set of rules, many of which contradict God’s rules.  For example:

• The Bible teaches purity in our speech, yet I regularly observe Christians acting like society in general by using profanity, passing along lewd jokes, and profaning the name of God.  Our movies, radio and TV are full of cursing and the FCC even allows seven acceptable curse words. What are we teaching our youngsters?  James 3:9-12  (NIV) ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
• The Bible has so much to say about drinking alcohol in verse after verse.  I believe that the Bible teaches that abstinence is the proper way for a Christian to handle alcohol.  I realize that I am going against what a lot of even many of my devoted Christian friends believe.  But I would ask you to consider the impact that drinking alcohol has on our children and our society in general.  I will spend more time on alcohol and the use of illegal drugs in a future post.  That is not the primary point of this article.  For now refer to Proverbs 23:29-35 for significant Biblical advice from Solomon on the subject by clicking the following link. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023:29-35&version=NIV
• The Bible teaches purity in our sexual relationships. Hebrews 13:4 (ESV) Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Society in general and even some misguided Christians accept premarital sex and co-habitation prior to marriage as normal behavior.  More than 50% of “couples” now live together and engage in sex prior to wedlock.  In addition, the family unit is falling apart as marriage partners are not faithful to each other and engage in adulterous acts.  Proverbs 6:32 (ESV) He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.  Children suffer economic, social and spiritual deprivation in single parent homes because of the infidelity of their parents.
• The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin, yet USA law says that homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle that should not be discriminated against in any way form or fashion.  Man says it is a lifestyle choice.  It has become an acceptable way of life even to many Christians. 1 Timothy 1:8-11(NIV) ⁸ We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. ⁹ We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine ¹¹ that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
• The Bible teaches that abortion is a sin and that the sanctity of life (including that of the unborn child) is precious, yet man has decided that abortion is not a sin and has legalized the genocide of countless millions.  On the one hand, man has agreed with God that murder is a sin and a punishable crime even unto death here on earth . Yet man has also decided that aborting (in my opinion murdering) an unborn child is not murder and thus not a sin and is legal (see my article on sanctity of life at this link for additional discussion - http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/on-the-sanctity-of-life-and-abortion/).

Scripture:

The Bible speaks very specifically to those who reject its Truth and lean on their own preferences and understanding with regard to lifestyle choices.  Consider these representative scriptural passages which condemn wrong choices and encourage Christians to stand firm against the persecution they will receive for choosing to do what is right:

• Proverbs 14:11 (NASB) – There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
• Jude 1:17-25 (NASB) – “But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” 
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB) – Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Reflection:

Those who stand for what is right in the sight of God are often ridiculed and persecuted for holding to their convictions and what the Bible teaches. Have you observed the outcry when churches and other Christian based institutions take a stand for what is right and speak out against non-Biblical lifestyle choices?  The opposition unites and moves into high gear and loudly and collectively attacks the character of those standing for right living.  At times, even well-meaning Christians fall into the trap of ridicule as they condemn the stand in order to support their friends and family members to “keep the peace” or “not rock the boat” or elevate their idea of morality above that taught by Bible.  In every case, ignoring or passively supporting man’s poor lifestyle choices over what God’s Word teaches eventually leads to the general decay of our morals and the degeneration of our society.

I believe the Bible is indeed God’s inerrant and infallible Word and that it provides the blueprint for how man should make his lifestyle choices.   Man will surely suffer the consequences when he disobeys God’s Word.  Christians should set the example by standing firm on God’s Word and by doing what is right to the glory of God before their family, their church, and their community regardless of the opposition and public opinion.  Rest assured that the persecution of the Christian will come, but God will provide the strength to withstand ALL of the opposition.

As Christians, we should point people to Jesus whenever we are given the chance.  We should not use profanity.  We should avoid the snares of alcohol and drugs.  We should remain sexually pure, oppose homosexuality, and oppose abortion.  We should seek to glorify God in all of our lifestyle choices.

Since I wrote and posted my original blog “On Christians Spreading Rumors and Gossip in the Church” in early June, 2011, (http://jimdavenport.wordpress.com/2011/06/09/on-christians-spreading-rumors-and-gossip-in-the-church/) it has by far become the most visited article in my collection. That tells me something … the problem of spreading rumors and gossip in the local church must be very troubling to a significant number of people.  So I have decided to add some additional insight and scriptures on the topic for those who are seeking guidance on how to best deal with such a problem in their local church.

Based on feedback I have received regarding the post some seem to be a little confused as to what actually constitutes “gossip” and “rumors”.  The Hebrew word for “gossip” is lashon hara which means an evil tongue and generally refers to a making a critical/derogatory remark or statement about someone.  Even if the gossip has an element of truth, the Bible clearly teaches we should guard our tongues and intentionally refrain from spreading that gossip.  Lashon hara is serious business to Jews and it is serious business to God Almighty.  Gossip is related in many aspects to slander and even man’s laws treat the act of slander and defamation of character very seriously.  The Bible is chock full of condemnation and advice on spreading rumors and gossip.  It is an age-old problem and it can destroy the mission and witness of the local church.

Scriptures (all NIV unless otherwise noted):

Below are some additional scriptures not addressed in my previous post.   In these verses Solomon repeatedly provides advice for his son Rehoboam and to us in the book of Proverbs;  Moses expounds on how spreading false reports violates the Law; Paul provides advice to the new converts in the church at Thessalonica; Nehemiah relates how his enemies used twisted lies to attempt to subvert him while he led the successful rebuilding of the walls of the city of Jerusalem in just fifty-two days; David repeatedly shows his heart toward lying and guarding our tongue in his Psalms.

• Proverbs 20:19 – A gossip betrays a confidence;   so avoid anyone who talks too much.
• Proverbs 16:28 – A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
• Proverbs 18:7-8 –  The mouths of fools are their undoing, and their lips are a snare to their very lives.  The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.
• Proverbs 21:23 – Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
• Exodus 23:1 – Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 – and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
• Nehemiah 6:12-13 -  ”I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had prophesied against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. ¹³ He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.”
• Psalm 5:9 – Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice.  Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies.
• Psalm 15:2-3 – The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others.
• Psalm 34:12-13 – Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.
• Additional verses for those wishing to dig further into the topic: Psalms 17:3; Psalms 59:12-13; Psalms 101:5; Prov 8:13; Prov 15:4; Prov 16:28; Prov 20:19

Discussion:

The above verses speak for themselves.  But I am also reminded of an additional situation faced by one of God’s champions.  In Genesis 37:2-36; 39:1-23 the Bible records a remarkable event in the life of young Joseph in Egypt.   Joseph’s spotless reputation and character was stolen as a result of the intentional gossip and lies by Potiphar’s wife and her servants.   Yet, Joseph remained faithful and obedient to God rather than become angry and vindictive.  Do you identify with this?  If this happened to you would you follow Joseph’s example or would you work to get even?   Just look at the results of Joseph’s choice to be obedient in honoring God.  God’s favor remained with him and stayed on him though he was wrongly imprisoned and over time Joseph continued to prosper.

Let’s face it, when we gossip, listen to gossip and/or spread rumors we are knowingly participating in and condoning a destructive purpose that can result in character assassination.  Could it be that the gossiper has a need to feel good about themselves by disparaging the character and reputation of others?  I most certainly think so!

Reflection:

Jesus faced and dealt directly with the Pharisees in their attempts to trap him with His own words.  Matthew (22:15-22) and Mark (3:1-6)  record these events in their gospels.  Jesus called them hypocrites in Matthew and Mark says that Jesus “looked around at them in anger and (was) deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts …”  I believe this is how Jesus looks at us when we participate in spreading gossip and rumors.

If you didn’t read my first post on this subject, then I encourage you to do so by clicking on the link mentioned in the first paragraph of this blog.

The October 16, 2011 devotional in Open Windows, (the 75th year of publication by Lifeway, an SBC entity) dealt with the topic of fear. It was timely for me and prompted me to share my thoughts on the verses through my blog.  Admittedly, I needed these verses today and I believe God pointed me to them through the devotional for just that reason.  Hopefully it will be meaningful to you as well.

Scripture:

Isaiah 41:10-13 (NIV)

10 So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

11 “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced;  those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. 

12 Though you search for your enemies,  you will not find them.  Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 

13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;  I will help you.

In these verses God very specifically deals with His children’s (and my) unnecessary fears.  Whether those fears are real or imagined, God says He is with us … even in the darkest and toughest of times.  We should not be “dismayed” because He is in control and will “strengthen you and help you.”  It is through God’s righteous right hand, His power, His might, His righteousness, that we will be delivered through our trials.

Reflection:

Trusting in our own strength in perilous times is such a feeble approach to life when we have the All Powerful Jehovah God as our protector.  God tells us very emphatically do not fear and I, for one, intend to trust Him for that promise.  I like the wording for Proverbs 3:5-6 found in the Good News Translation (GNT) of the Bible.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart.  Never rely on what you think you know.

6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.

Oh Lord, forgive me for letting myself fall prey to unnecessary fear.  I know that You are in control, you know my every need, and You will guide and protect my every step in accordance with Your plan and Your will for my life.  Amen.

Webster defines “friend” as: one attached to another by affection or esteem; an acquaintance; one that is not hostile; one that is of the same nation, party, or group.

With the advent of modern social networking programs such as Facebook, the word “friend” has taken on another new meaning … one that actually distorts the traditionally accepted meaning of the word, particularly for our younger community.  A “Facebook Friend” is loosely defined as someone added to your social network.  A “Facebook Friend” may or may not be someone you have previously met.  They could be someone you simply allowed to join your network.  It has become a game for many to accumulate as many “friends” as possible on Facebook.  You will often hear of celebrities who have hundreds of thousands, even millions, of such “friends.”  Even teenagers often boast of thousands of friends.  But are they really “friends”?

How is it that someone can have so many “Facebook Friends” but few, if any, true friends?  The Bible provides a basis for understanding the nature of true friendship.  It is my purpose here to help you gain a greater appreciation for your friends and to ultimately become a better friend.

Discussion:

Friendship is something that is often taken for granted. But real friendship comes at a price.  Can you imagine for a moment what life would be like without friends? What would your life be like without your best friend?  What would you miss if you did not know your best friend? To many, life would be lonely without a friend.  At the same time, a false friend is a liability (take the Prodigal son, for example).  False friends will not help in times of trouble.  When God allowed Satan to test Job with problems and plagues, his friends deserted him. Job finally wished his three friends would go home and not add to his suffering. So, let’s discover together some of the answers to the question “What is a Friend?”

All scriptures listed herein are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.

1.  A friend knows you. … someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway … the one who steps in when the whole world steps out … someone who never gets in the way, except when we are on the way down.

• Prov. 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
• Prov. 18:24 (NASB) - A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

2.  A friend is someone who loves you.

• John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
• I John 3:16 – This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
• Colossians 3:12-14 (RSV) - Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
• Prov. 17:17

3.  A friend has things in common with you.

• 2 Kings 10:15 – After he left there, he came upon Jehonadab son of Rekab, who was on his way to meet him. Jehu greeted him and said, “Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?”  “I am,” Jehonadab answered. “If so,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he did, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot.

4.  A friend protects you.  Consider Jonathan‘s unquestionable loyalty to his friend David as an example of how a friend will protect you.

• 1 Sam. 19:1-7 – ¹ Saul told his son Jonathan and all the attendants to kill David. But Jonathan had taken a great liking to David ² and warned him, “My father Saul is looking for a chance to kill you. Be on your guard tomorrow morning; go into hiding and stay there. ³I will go out and stand with my father in the field where you are. I’ll speak to him about you and will tell you what I find out.” ⁴ Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. ⁵He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?” ⁶Saul listened to Jonathan and took this oath: “As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death.” ⁷ So Jonathan called David and told him the whole conversation. He brought him to Saul, and David was with Saul as before.
• 1 Sam. 20:1-42 – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Sam.%2020:1-42&version=NIV
• 1 Sam. 23:16-18  – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Sam.%2023:16-18&version=NIV

5.  A friend makes you happy.

• Prov. 27:9 – Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.
• 2 Tim. 1:16 - May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
• Phil. 1:3-5 – ³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now

6.  A friend helps when you are in trouble.

• Luke 10:25-37 - Consider the parable of the good Samaritan who had little to do with Jews, yet helped the wounded Jewish man on the road to Jericho as two Jews passed by and did nothing. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2010:25-37&version=NIV

7.  A friend is loyal, unswerving in allegiance.

• Prov. 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
• Prov. 27:10 – Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family, and do not go to your relative’s house when disaster strikes you — better a neighbor nearby than a relative far away.

8.  A friend brings out the best in you.

• Prov. 27:17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
• Luke 17:2 – It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.
• Acts 9:13-14, 26 (Barnabas) – ¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” … ²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
• 2 Tim. 4:11 – Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

9.  A friend is interested in your spiritual well-being.

• Job 16:21 – on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.
• Job 42:10 – After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.
• Deut. 13:6-8 – ⁶ If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, “Let us go and worship other gods” (gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known, ⁷ gods of the peoples around you, whether near or far, from one end of the land to the other), ⁸ do not yield to them or listen to them. Show them no pity. Do not spare them or shield them.
• John 5:1-9 - The healing at the pool near the Sheep Gate -  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%205:1-9&version=NIV
• Luke 5:17-26 – Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%205:17-26&version=NIV

Reflection:

Let’s do a little self-evaluation on friendship. Think of your friend as you ponder these questions:

• What common interests do I have with my friend?
• Would my friend be offended if he or she knew what I said behind his or her back last week?
• Do I listen to my friend when he or she comes to me with a problem?
• When was the last time I prayed for my friend’s needs?
• Am I certain my friend is saved? Have I ever taken the time to present the plan of salvation to him or her?

The Bible teaches a friend loves at all times.  A friend is one who makes you feel good inside; is there when no one else cares; sees your good points when everyone else sees your failures; but most importantly spends time before God in prayer for you.  Remember, friendship is a two-way street.  The question is, “Am I that kind of friend in return?”