Stay Away From the Edge

Jesus was tempted but without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation itself is not sin. Yielding to temptation, however,is most definitely sin (Genesis 4:7). Our desires pull at us, yes, but that is not all. The devil joins chorus with the desires we have that would pull us away from obedience to God (Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Desires in themselves are not wrong (Psalm 37:4). It is where those natural desires take us away from the proper and lawful fulfillment of those desires that we run into problems (John 8:44). God has blessed us with laws and commands that keep us from self-destructive paths (Psalm 119:105). He has set boundaries for us. They are like guiderails to to keep us away from the precipice of sin (Psalm 37:31). If we keep on the path, we do well and God is with us (John 8:12; 1 John 1:7). If we crash through the guiderails we fall into sin and no longer walk the path of God (1 John 1:5-6).

The edge is where temptation lies (James 1:13-14). Trying to follow the Lord, but also traveling so close to the edge is where many Christians find trouble. Walking the path of obedience, but so close to the edge that they are only one step away from the precipice (Deuteronomy 11:16). Desires pull at us and the devil yells “Jump.” We can still walk on the road, but the temptation pulls. Temptation is strongest at the edge where the pull of desire is strongest and the call of Satan is loud (1 John 2:15-17).

Why is it that so many walk along the edge. We want to push the boundaries until we finally break through. If we would walk in the center of the path there would not be so much pull. The danger of sin is not so great when we center ourselves on the path (Psalm 16:11, 27:11, 119:32). If we turn to the right or the left, we get closer to the edge. Oh for that great middle way (Deuteronomy 5:32; Joshua 1:7). If temptation is strong, why not move away from the edge. Hear the warning of the law that says, “Stay Back!” Listen for the voice of God that says “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). Remember others who have traveled the edge and broken through. Let them be a warning to you (Zechariah 1:4-6). Stay away from the edge!

United in Purpose

We were blessed to have missionaries stay with us this last weekend. Our church had a weekend mission focus. I was saddened by the turnout we had on Saturday for our cultural awareness luncheon. Though the event was announced well in advance, when the time came, most begged off with one excuse or another. It was similar to the parable of The Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-23). Everyone had an excuse not to come. Sunday morning we had good attendance and the missions offering was good, but again, Sunday night was sparse. It must be disheartening travel hours to share the mission work God has laid upon your heart and find little interest.

Our missionaries were kind and took it all in stride. They shared with those who were there and were gracious guests in our home. It was evident that their passion was strong. Their lives are dedicated to God in total submission.

If we call Jesus master, and believe the Bible to be our rule of life, we too should have more than a passing interest in missions. Jesus commissioned us to teach others about Him (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). The love of Christ compelled Paul to give his life to spread the Word of God (2 Cor. 5:14-15). The book of Acts is a missionary document. The very purpose of Christ coming to earth is a missions statement (Luke 19:10).

When we see mission work as the purpose of God for each one of us and not just for a select few, we are on our way to joining the united purpose of God. And when we lend our support to missionaries who are on the field we are supporting the purposes of God. God is pleased when we give our resources to support missionaries (Phil. 4:15, 18). Mission work is a joint enterprise. Those who unite their hearts and hands to missions unite themselves together in the great purpose of God. Hearts untouched by missions are untouched by the purpose of God. Each of us must ask ourselves, "Whose purpose do we really serve?"

Canceled

Church was canceled today due to icy roads. I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, I do not want anyone to get injured trying to get to church. On the other hand, people brave the weather to make it to work. Is church optional where work is necessary?  Which is more important? Is it a bad thing to cancel church?

School is often canceled when weather poses a risk. Kids eagerly watch for school to close at the first sign of snow. When it is closed, they often put on their snow clothes and play out in the snow. They look for an excuse to miss school in order to do something else.

We could have had church and left the decision to travel up to the individual. The problem is that there are those who are so committed they will put themselves at risk in order to come to church. Others would go because they do not want to look unspiritual, but are looking for an excuse not to go to church and to save face at the same time. The one loves to be in the house of worship. The other really does not want to go to church in the first place. Either way, the issue of safety remains.

Though the motive to cancel may be safety, the way it is received is mixed. Like the kids at school, some people are glad church is canceled and watch hopefully for snow. Others would go no matter how bad it gets and are disappointed when church is canceled. In the end, we can make the call for safety, but we can't control how it is received. Hopefully people are disappointed when church is canceled and eagerly await the next worship service (Hebrews 10:25).

No Exceptions

I am always amazed at what draws people away from the Lord. For some people, it is a hobby that consumes their time. For others, it is a job. Some are overcome by desire. Whatever it is, if it draws us away from the Lord, it is wrong. Instead of allowing ourselves to be drawn away from the Lord, we should allow the Lord to direct all our energies. The Bible tells us that we should do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17). If we enjoy a hobby, listen to music, fulfill a desire, do a job, or otherwise spend time doing anything, it all must be done without any dishonor or offense to Christ. Everything we do must come under review and meet with his approval. If it cannot, then it will drive us away from Christ. We are told to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not to focus on how to gratify our sinful desires (Romans 13:14). Christ must be Lord of all or he is not Lord at all. We are warned not to try to serve two masters. We can not serve Christ and serve our own desires (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). Christ must be master of our life in all areas. No exceptions.