"The fool has said in his heart, 'there is no God".
I don't think about or address atheism very much. Why? Over 90% of Americans, and probably about that same percentage of people around the world believe there is a God. Atheism is not much of a threat to Christianity. Never has been, and never will be. Historically, wherever atheism has been the official "religion", like China or Russia for instance, eventually Christianity makes a comeback and is stronger and more vibrant than before. Atheism as a system of belief has several problems. First of all, it is basically a negation of a positive, life-giving concept. People will embrace a negative for a time. But after a while, they want something positive to stand for, not just something to be against. Atheists have tried to build a positive case for their perspective. But ultimately, it is still a negative, and the positive contributions of atheism are illusionary. The negatives, on the other hand, are huge and a matter of historic record.
Sometimes I hear that tired, old, mistaken canard that more people have been killed in the name of religion than any other cause. The truth is a lot of people have killed others in the name of religion, even Christianity. I admit that, and it is a terrible shame. But I am happy to say that when people kill innocent people in the name of Jesus, they are going against His book and His explicit teachings (see Matthew 5:21,22,38,39, 43,44). However, when people kill in the name of atheism, it fits perfectly with a totally godless system. Afterall, if there is no God, there are no moral absolutes, and logically, anything is acceptable, including murder, especially mass murder.
Stalin, one of the most consistent atheists who ever lived, said that "if one person is killed it is a tragedy. If a million people are killed, it is a statistic." He alone killed millions more people than were ever killed by those claiming religion, and that's not even counting Mao Tse-tung and Pot Pol. A lot of people like to call Hitler a "Christian" but as someone who has literally read thousands of pages about him, I can tell you with great certainty, he was at best an occultist. He was not in any way a Christian. He did in fact put many fine Christians to death.
The truth is that atheism has killed many more people than all religions combined. It's not even close. That's the natural, logical outcome of atheism. This is one of the biggest problems that atheism has, but it is not the biggest. The biggest is that atheism which proclaims itself so rational, so intelligent, so logical, actually is foolish. As Psalm 14:1 points out, the person who says "there is no God" is a fool. Why? Because as someone so accurately pointed out to me years ago, atheism cannot be proven with any degree of certainty. When a person says "there is no God", how does he or she know that? In order to state that with certainty one would have to know everything. Really, this is a statement of faith. Unless someone knows everything and has been everywhere in the universe, one cannot say with certainty, "there is no God". Therefore, logically, rationally, intelligently, the best one can say is "I don't think or believe there is a God." One can be an agnostic. But no mere mortal knows enough to say, "there is no God". That is foolishness.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Lessons from John 11: Part Three
When my brother Graham was about ten he went to camp for a week in northern Michigan. There are two things I remember to this day about his return. First, my mother was appalled to discover he hadn't changed his clothes during the entire time, and even worse, when he was given the assignment to memorize any verse in the New Testament, he chose John 11:35. In case you are not familiar with John 11:35, it is the shortest verse in the New Testament, and in fact, the whole English Bible. It simply says, "Jesus wept".
As I write this post I am happy to report that although Graham's health is still very precarious, he is feeling better and about to be discharged from the hospital. I am very thankful that today I am not mourning his loss. This brings me to John 11:35.
Jesus deliberately delayed coming to Lazarus' house so that Lazarus would die and He would raise him from the dead. Jesus knew that Lazarus was going to die. There was no doubt about it. As the God/Man, Christ knew this with perfect certainty. And yet, Jesus did not grieve this loss ahead of schedule. He talked with the disciples about the death of Lazarus without emotion (see vs.11,15). He spoke to Martha with hope, not tears (vs. 23-26). It was not until he saw Mary weeping along with their Jewish friends that He was "deeply moved in spirit" and then proceeded to the tomb where He wept openly.
Two truths I see here in the life of our Lord. First, there is "a time to weep" (Ecclesiastes 3:4). There should be no doubt in any Christian's mind that grieving the loss of a loved one is not only acceptable, but encouraged, given our Lord's example. Yes, I know that some scholars think that Jesus wept because He was grieved about the lack of faith on the part of the mourners. Verse thirty-three could be interpreted in that way. But I believe that Jesus was empathizing with those who were profoundly affected by this sad situation. Based on verse thirty-six; "see how He loved him", and the nature of our Lord, I believe that Jesus was grieved by the pain and suffering of his good friend, even knowing that within minutes he would be alive and well again! Grieving is a Christian response to death. Yes, the person is better off if he or she knows Christ as Savior. Yes, we will see him or her again if we are trusting in the Lord. But grieving the death of a friend or loved one is good, right and appropriate for Christians. Our Lord is our best example. We don't need to make excuses, apologize or be ashamed of our tears.
Having said that, it is also clear to me that the time for grief is not until someone has died. While there is life, even though death is certainly coming, we need to enjoy our time with the person who is leaving us. We need to speak of life, not death. We need to focus on God's goodness and purpose. We must not bury people too soon.
Last week some folks had my brother all but buried. But he is still kicking and hopes to keep doing so for a while longer. I am rejoicing that He is still with us, and I will be happy for every day he can remain with his family and live for our Lord. There is a time to weep, but not yet...not yet.
As I write this post I am happy to report that although Graham's health is still very precarious, he is feeling better and about to be discharged from the hospital. I am very thankful that today I am not mourning his loss. This brings me to John 11:35.
Jesus deliberately delayed coming to Lazarus' house so that Lazarus would die and He would raise him from the dead. Jesus knew that Lazarus was going to die. There was no doubt about it. As the God/Man, Christ knew this with perfect certainty. And yet, Jesus did not grieve this loss ahead of schedule. He talked with the disciples about the death of Lazarus without emotion (see vs.11,15). He spoke to Martha with hope, not tears (vs. 23-26). It was not until he saw Mary weeping along with their Jewish friends that He was "deeply moved in spirit" and then proceeded to the tomb where He wept openly.
Two truths I see here in the life of our Lord. First, there is "a time to weep" (Ecclesiastes 3:4). There should be no doubt in any Christian's mind that grieving the loss of a loved one is not only acceptable, but encouraged, given our Lord's example. Yes, I know that some scholars think that Jesus wept because He was grieved about the lack of faith on the part of the mourners. Verse thirty-three could be interpreted in that way. But I believe that Jesus was empathizing with those who were profoundly affected by this sad situation. Based on verse thirty-six; "see how He loved him", and the nature of our Lord, I believe that Jesus was grieved by the pain and suffering of his good friend, even knowing that within minutes he would be alive and well again! Grieving is a Christian response to death. Yes, the person is better off if he or she knows Christ as Savior. Yes, we will see him or her again if we are trusting in the Lord. But grieving the death of a friend or loved one is good, right and appropriate for Christians. Our Lord is our best example. We don't need to make excuses, apologize or be ashamed of our tears.
Having said that, it is also clear to me that the time for grief is not until someone has died. While there is life, even though death is certainly coming, we need to enjoy our time with the person who is leaving us. We need to speak of life, not death. We need to focus on God's goodness and purpose. We must not bury people too soon.
Last week some folks had my brother all but buried. But he is still kicking and hopes to keep doing so for a while longer. I am rejoicing that He is still with us, and I will be happy for every day he can remain with his family and live for our Lord. There is a time to weep, but not yet...not yet.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Lessons from John 11: Part Two
When Jesus finally arrived at the home of Lazarus after delaying His coming, the following dialogue took place between Martha and Jesus,
"Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give You. Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again'. Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day'. Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?' She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God...'" (John 11:21-27)
Here is Martha believing that Christ could heal her brother of a terminal disease. She believes that her brother would be supernaturally resurrected sometime in the future, and she believes that Jesus is "...the Christ, the Son of God..." And yet, she doesn't completely comprehend who she is talking to. Everything she believes is true, but she doesn't fully understand all that Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of God" means. She "believes", but her belief is incomplete. Even after Christ tells her that "I am the resurrection and the life" (that just blows me away every time I read it!), she still doesn't get it! (see verse 39). Jesus is not just "the Teacher" (v. 28), not just a person who can "ask of God", He is God! He can do anything, at any time, because He is God in the flesh!
Now I am not just picking on Martha. There are a lot of people even today who say, "I believe in Jesus!" People that even say "I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." But what do they mean by that? They do "believe". I am not denying that they "believe". The question is what is the the context of that belief and is it sufficient to save? (See my post on Luke 8 for more on this subject).
The point is that Jesus delayed his coming so that Lazarus would die (Jesus did not cause him to die, by the way), and He could raise Lazarus from the dead and give Martha and others an opportunity to fully understand and believe who He is. As a result "many...believed in Him" (v. 45). But "some of them", in spite of what they saw did not believe (v. 46). Instead, they went to the religious leaders who heard from eyewitnesses what Jesus had done, and "they planned together to kill Him" (v. 53).
This is one more interesting truth from this passage. People could accept that Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, and yet not believe that He is "the Christ, the Son of God".
The bottom-line is that people can "believe" a lot of things about Jesus, but still fall short of complete belief. Complete belief involves trusting in Christ as the God/Man who died in our place for our sins and rose from the dead (see I Corinthians 15:3-4). Anything less may be belief, but not saving faith.
"Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give You. Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again'. Martha said to Him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day'. Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?' She said to Him, 'Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God...'" (John 11:21-27)
Here is Martha believing that Christ could heal her brother of a terminal disease. She believes that her brother would be supernaturally resurrected sometime in the future, and she believes that Jesus is "...the Christ, the Son of God..." And yet, she doesn't completely comprehend who she is talking to. Everything she believes is true, but she doesn't fully understand all that Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of God" means. She "believes", but her belief is incomplete. Even after Christ tells her that "I am the resurrection and the life" (that just blows me away every time I read it!), she still doesn't get it! (see verse 39). Jesus is not just "the Teacher" (v. 28), not just a person who can "ask of God", He is God! He can do anything, at any time, because He is God in the flesh!
Now I am not just picking on Martha. There are a lot of people even today who say, "I believe in Jesus!" People that even say "I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." But what do they mean by that? They do "believe". I am not denying that they "believe". The question is what is the the context of that belief and is it sufficient to save? (See my post on Luke 8 for more on this subject).
The point is that Jesus delayed his coming so that Lazarus would die (Jesus did not cause him to die, by the way), and He could raise Lazarus from the dead and give Martha and others an opportunity to fully understand and believe who He is. As a result "many...believed in Him" (v. 45). But "some of them", in spite of what they saw did not believe (v. 46). Instead, they went to the religious leaders who heard from eyewitnesses what Jesus had done, and "they planned together to kill Him" (v. 53).
This is one more interesting truth from this passage. People could accept that Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, and yet not believe that He is "the Christ, the Son of God".
The bottom-line is that people can "believe" a lot of things about Jesus, but still fall short of complete belief. Complete belief involves trusting in Christ as the God/Man who died in our place for our sins and rose from the dead (see I Corinthians 15:3-4). Anything less may be belief, but not saving faith.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Lessons From John 11: Part One
Right now the hearts and minds and prayers of my extended family are focused on my youngest brother, Graham. He is apparently in the last stages of his fight with cancer. I say apparently because just a little over a week ago he felt well enough to come to America from Australia for an extended visit. Very suddenly he took a turn for the worse and now we are being told that he will not live more than a few days to a few weeks. I am still praying for the miracle that I have prayed for from the beginning of this ordeal. I know that God can say the word and Graham would completely healed. Along with that prayer, I am also asking God to spare him at least until my parents and brother can arrive in Australia tomorrow. Some may see this as a lack of faith on my part, but I don't see it that way. I believe very strongly that God still heals people today. But I also believe just as strongly that God has a perfect plan for each of our lives that will ultimately benefit us and glorify Himself. How our ultimate benefit fits together with God's glory is often difficult for us to understand and accept, but God is able to weave both together in supernatural fashion.
I have heard people say that Jesus healed everyone he met who needed healing. I don't believe you can prove that from scripture. I know of at least one occasion when He definitely did not. When Jesus heard that his very good friend Lazarus was extremely ill, He said;
This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it" (John 11:4).
The bottomline is that Jesus allowed Lazarus to die so that He could come along in a few days and raise him from the dead. There is no doubt as one reads John chapter eleven that the disciples, along with Mary and Martha, had difficulty understanding why Jesus did not heal Lazarus. They all knew that He could. They all knew that Jesus loved Lazarus very much.They put these two truths together and assumed that Jesus would heal him, but He didn't. And when Jesus didn't, it was very disturbing for all involved.
The answer to why Jesus did not heal Lazarus is, first of all, that in every situation of our lives, God seeks to glorify Himself. His glory is the most important thing in this universe. Nothing is greater than that. And not only that, but God is always doing what will ultimately, in the end, glorify Himself the most. Healing Lazarus would have no doubt brought glory to God, but raising him from the dead brought even greater glory to God.
In addition to bringing glory to Himself, God is, at the very same time doing what is ultimately best for us. It may not appear in our best interests at the time, and that is why we struggle with it, but God, because He is God, is able to accomplish both. By not healing Lazarus, and then raising him from the dead, Jesus brought the greatest glory to God, and He also increased the faith of the disciples and Lazarus' sisters. Lazarus suffered for a little while, but then had the opportunity to live again.
I know that God can heal the sick, and even raise the dead. I know that God loves my brother infinitely more than I do. In my mind and heart, this adds up to God healing my brother, even now. But I have to understand and accept that God is going to do what glorifies Himself the most and what is ultimately best for Graham.
If Graham dies in the next few days or weeks, it will be one of the saddest situations for our family and his church family that I can imagine. Only God will be able to sustain us in our grief. But I have no doubt that God will bring incredible glory to Himself, and Graham will live again, only better. May your will be done, O Lord, and give us the grace to accept it!
I have heard people say that Jesus healed everyone he met who needed healing. I don't believe you can prove that from scripture. I know of at least one occasion when He definitely did not. When Jesus heard that his very good friend Lazarus was extremely ill, He said;
This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified by it" (John 11:4).
The bottomline is that Jesus allowed Lazarus to die so that He could come along in a few days and raise him from the dead. There is no doubt as one reads John chapter eleven that the disciples, along with Mary and Martha, had difficulty understanding why Jesus did not heal Lazarus. They all knew that He could. They all knew that Jesus loved Lazarus very much.They put these two truths together and assumed that Jesus would heal him, but He didn't. And when Jesus didn't, it was very disturbing for all involved.
The answer to why Jesus did not heal Lazarus is, first of all, that in every situation of our lives, God seeks to glorify Himself. His glory is the most important thing in this universe. Nothing is greater than that. And not only that, but God is always doing what will ultimately, in the end, glorify Himself the most. Healing Lazarus would have no doubt brought glory to God, but raising him from the dead brought even greater glory to God.
In addition to bringing glory to Himself, God is, at the very same time doing what is ultimately best for us. It may not appear in our best interests at the time, and that is why we struggle with it, but God, because He is God, is able to accomplish both. By not healing Lazarus, and then raising him from the dead, Jesus brought the greatest glory to God, and He also increased the faith of the disciples and Lazarus' sisters. Lazarus suffered for a little while, but then had the opportunity to live again.
I know that God can heal the sick, and even raise the dead. I know that God loves my brother infinitely more than I do. In my mind and heart, this adds up to God healing my brother, even now. But I have to understand and accept that God is going to do what glorifies Himself the most and what is ultimately best for Graham.
If Graham dies in the next few days or weeks, it will be one of the saddest situations for our family and his church family that I can imagine. Only God will be able to sustain us in our grief. But I have no doubt that God will bring incredible glory to Himself, and Graham will live again, only better. May your will be done, O Lord, and give us the grace to accept it!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
A Reminder from My Brother to Run the Race with Endurance - Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
As every old year comes to a close and the new year begins I go back to this scripture again and again. As 2010 is winding down and 2011 is about to start up, I am once again pondering the message of Hebrews 12:1. But this time something else is prompting me to take a fresh look.
As I write this, my beloved brother, Graham, is fighting an insidious disease in a hospital in Australia. I don't know how much longer he will be with us. At age fifty he is far too young to be struggling for life. Just a year ago he seemed to be the picture of health. Even a few short months ago, when I last saw him, he was convinced, and so was I, that he would prevail at least for a while in the battle against cancer. Now that is very much in doubt.
As I was seeking the Lord in this matter today, I am not in this moment angry about how unfair this seems for his church and his still young family. Nor am I yet grieving our loss of him as I am still holding out hope that he will rally against this terrible foe and stay with us a while longer. But what I recognize afresh today is that the Christian life is a long distance race that can be over at any time.
The race we are in is not a sprint. The writer of Hebrews says we should "run with endurance". It is much more like a marathon. It can be extremely long like my grandmother's race which went on for over one hundred years. But the difference is that with a marathon we know that the race will be over in a little over twenty-six miles. No matter how grueling, we can pace ourselves in a marathon. We know where the finish line is. In this life, we don't know. Graham's good friend, Sandy Ford, ran over the finish line in his early twenties. This is why we must fix our eyes on Jesus and run as hard as we can for as long as we can. Using a different but related metaphor Jesus said, "we must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day, night is coming, when no man can work." (John 9:3).
My brother Graham has certainly run the race hard. He has been busy with ministry in a number of places around the world, in addition to his labor of love at Subiaco Church in Perth, Australia. Many times I have marveled at his endurance and wondered how and why he keeps going so hard. Maybe he knew something we did not. For sure God knows what His earthly plan is for Graham, and when it will end.
I still pray daily that Graham's race will continue for a season. But regardless, I have been reminded that the race, though long, can be over very quickly. So we need to be about our Father's business. We shouldn't be in a frenzy. There is no reason to panic. God is still on the throne of the universe. But everyday we need to run the race as if today the race will be over. We never know when we will see the finish line.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that we must not "grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:3). Though greatly fatigued, Graham has never given up. Thanks, Graham, for your example! Your older brother is one of your many witnesses! Keep running with endurance the race that is set before you! We love you very much!
As every old year comes to a close and the new year begins I go back to this scripture again and again. As 2010 is winding down and 2011 is about to start up, I am once again pondering the message of Hebrews 12:1. But this time something else is prompting me to take a fresh look.
As I write this, my beloved brother, Graham, is fighting an insidious disease in a hospital in Australia. I don't know how much longer he will be with us. At age fifty he is far too young to be struggling for life. Just a year ago he seemed to be the picture of health. Even a few short months ago, when I last saw him, he was convinced, and so was I, that he would prevail at least for a while in the battle against cancer. Now that is very much in doubt.
As I was seeking the Lord in this matter today, I am not in this moment angry about how unfair this seems for his church and his still young family. Nor am I yet grieving our loss of him as I am still holding out hope that he will rally against this terrible foe and stay with us a while longer. But what I recognize afresh today is that the Christian life is a long distance race that can be over at any time.
The race we are in is not a sprint. The writer of Hebrews says we should "run with endurance". It is much more like a marathon. It can be extremely long like my grandmother's race which went on for over one hundred years. But the difference is that with a marathon we know that the race will be over in a little over twenty-six miles. No matter how grueling, we can pace ourselves in a marathon. We know where the finish line is. In this life, we don't know. Graham's good friend, Sandy Ford, ran over the finish line in his early twenties. This is why we must fix our eyes on Jesus and run as hard as we can for as long as we can. Using a different but related metaphor Jesus said, "we must work the works of Him who sent Me, as long as it is day, night is coming, when no man can work." (John 9:3).
My brother Graham has certainly run the race hard. He has been busy with ministry in a number of places around the world, in addition to his labor of love at Subiaco Church in Perth, Australia. Many times I have marveled at his endurance and wondered how and why he keeps going so hard. Maybe he knew something we did not. For sure God knows what His earthly plan is for Graham, and when it will end.
I still pray daily that Graham's race will continue for a season. But regardless, I have been reminded that the race, though long, can be over very quickly. So we need to be about our Father's business. We shouldn't be in a frenzy. There is no reason to panic. God is still on the throne of the universe. But everyday we need to run the race as if today the race will be over. We never know when we will see the finish line.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that we must not "grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:3). Though greatly fatigued, Graham has never given up. Thanks, Graham, for your example! Your older brother is one of your many witnesses! Keep running with endurance the race that is set before you! We love you very much!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Why Shepherds? Why Me? Luke 2:8-14
On this Christmas Day I am reflecting on why God chose to reveal the identity of His Son to a bunch of shepherds? (See Luke 2:8-10 for the entire account)
As scholars like Leon Morris have pointed out, shepherds were widely perceived as thieves, helping themselves to whatever they needed, whenever they wanted. They were also considered ceremonially unclean because of their profession which kept them away from performing the expected spiritual duties. Only tanners who handled dung and worked with animal skins were lower on the occupational totem pole. Most telling is that the testimony of the shepherds in legal courts was deemed inadmissible or unreliable. In short, while shepherds are viewed favorably and with great sentiment today, at the time of Christ's birth their reputation made them the most unlikely recipients of this divine announcement.
But God did send His angels to shepherds to announce the birth of His Son. He did graciously chose them to testify about the identity of the newborn King. He did allow them to be privy to one of the most important events in the history of this world. Why?
The answer is simply 'grace'. As Paul says in I Corinthians 1:26-29.
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God."
The truth is that just as the shepherds were unworthy and undeserving of their great privilege, so are you and so am I. We did not deserve God's revelation to us about His Son. But He chose you and me in His grace. This truth on Christmas Day is both humbling and a cause for great rejoicing! Thank you Father for Your Son! And thank you for choosing us to know Him!
As scholars like Leon Morris have pointed out, shepherds were widely perceived as thieves, helping themselves to whatever they needed, whenever they wanted. They were also considered ceremonially unclean because of their profession which kept them away from performing the expected spiritual duties. Only tanners who handled dung and worked with animal skins were lower on the occupational totem pole. Most telling is that the testimony of the shepherds in legal courts was deemed inadmissible or unreliable. In short, while shepherds are viewed favorably and with great sentiment today, at the time of Christ's birth their reputation made them the most unlikely recipients of this divine announcement.
But God did send His angels to shepherds to announce the birth of His Son. He did graciously chose them to testify about the identity of the newborn King. He did allow them to be privy to one of the most important events in the history of this world. Why?
The answer is simply 'grace'. As Paul says in I Corinthians 1:26-29.
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God."
The truth is that just as the shepherds were unworthy and undeserving of their great privilege, so are you and so am I. We did not deserve God's revelation to us about His Son. But He chose you and me in His grace. This truth on Christmas Day is both humbling and a cause for great rejoicing! Thank you Father for Your Son! And thank you for choosing us to know Him!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Bearing One Another's Burdens - Galatians 6:2
The Christmas season is a wonderful time as we celebrate the birth of our Lord. For a lot of people Christmas lightens their load and brightens up their life. Children especially love Christmas for all the gifts, unusual foods and love ones coming together (plus no school). Many adults love Christmas as well for a number of reasons and look forward to it each year. But for some people, including some Christians, Christmas brings added pressures to buy expensive gifts, see people they would rather not be around, and it can bring back painful memories from the past. In short, Christmas which is and should be wonderful, can be a burden to people.
Now I am not saying that Christmas itself is the problem! If not, what is? As people enter into the Christmas season they bring their problems and concerns with them. Life is difficult these days, and life goes on, even at Christmas time. Some people are still unemployed. Some have serious illnesses. Others have relational issues, and a lot of people are struggling to stay afloat financially even if they do have a job.
The bottom line is that even though Christmas should be an encouraging time of the year, because of the burdens that people bring into it, it can be especially difficult as they realize the gap between their dreams and their reality.
What can and should we as Christians do to help one another? Paul says that we should "bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ."
The word "burden" here refers to any problem or issue that is too heavy for one person to reasonably carry. Some things in life are so horrific or so weighty that we need someone else to help us carry them.
Sometimes we need someone to talk with about painful memories so they can share our grief and heartache. Sometimes we need someone to help us out financially, especially at Christmas when there are greater expectations and expenses. Sometimes we need someone to help us out with things around our house when we are physically ill. A burden can come along in many different forms and require creative ways to help carry it.
The point is that we as Christians have been commanded by our Lord to "love one another" (see John 13:34), and we fulfill that "law" as we help each other carry those things that are simply too heavy for one person.
Now having said that, in the same context there is a command for "each one [to] bear his own load" (Galatians 6:5). This "load" refers specifically to the pack that each Roman soldier was expected to carry each day. There was a certain amount of equipment that every soldier had to carry whether he felt like it or not. In a similar way, God expects us to carry a certain amount of responsibility each day. We all have daily responsibilities for relationships, work, service to God, etc., and the Lord expects us to carry this load each day without help or complaint. The problem is discerning when a "load" becomes a "burden".
This is something that requires prayer and searching the Scriptures. We should not ask others for help with our load, nor should we help them with their load. But when we discern that someone truly has a burden, God calls on us to help in whatever way we can.
This Christmas season, we need to be alert to those with burdens so that God can use us to be a blessing to others for Christ's sake. This is the best present we can give to our Lord on His birthday.At the same, we need to be discerning, because we are not obeying God's Word, or doing anyone a favor if we carry the load God has given to them.
May God help us to know the difference, and to make a difference in someone's life this Christmas!
Now I am not saying that Christmas itself is the problem! If not, what is? As people enter into the Christmas season they bring their problems and concerns with them. Life is difficult these days, and life goes on, even at Christmas time. Some people are still unemployed. Some have serious illnesses. Others have relational issues, and a lot of people are struggling to stay afloat financially even if they do have a job.
The bottom line is that even though Christmas should be an encouraging time of the year, because of the burdens that people bring into it, it can be especially difficult as they realize the gap between their dreams and their reality.
What can and should we as Christians do to help one another? Paul says that we should "bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ."
The word "burden" here refers to any problem or issue that is too heavy for one person to reasonably carry. Some things in life are so horrific or so weighty that we need someone else to help us carry them.
Sometimes we need someone to talk with about painful memories so they can share our grief and heartache. Sometimes we need someone to help us out financially, especially at Christmas when there are greater expectations and expenses. Sometimes we need someone to help us out with things around our house when we are physically ill. A burden can come along in many different forms and require creative ways to help carry it.
The point is that we as Christians have been commanded by our Lord to "love one another" (see John 13:34), and we fulfill that "law" as we help each other carry those things that are simply too heavy for one person.
Now having said that, in the same context there is a command for "each one [to] bear his own load" (Galatians 6:5). This "load" refers specifically to the pack that each Roman soldier was expected to carry each day. There was a certain amount of equipment that every soldier had to carry whether he felt like it or not. In a similar way, God expects us to carry a certain amount of responsibility each day. We all have daily responsibilities for relationships, work, service to God, etc., and the Lord expects us to carry this load each day without help or complaint. The problem is discerning when a "load" becomes a "burden".
This is something that requires prayer and searching the Scriptures. We should not ask others for help with our load, nor should we help them with their load. But when we discern that someone truly has a burden, God calls on us to help in whatever way we can.
This Christmas season, we need to be alert to those with burdens so that God can use us to be a blessing to others for Christ's sake. This is the best present we can give to our Lord on His birthday.At the same, we need to be discerning, because we are not obeying God's Word, or doing anyone a favor if we carry the load God has given to them.
May God help us to know the difference, and to make a difference in someone's life this Christmas!
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