Finishing Well
In a race, what’s most important isn’t how one begins but how one finishes. Prizes are awarded only for crossing the finish line, not for great starts. And this is also true for the Christian life. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” In 2 Timothy 4:9-11, we see a contrast between two runners: Mark (also known as John Mark) and Demas.
When Paul and Barnabas left for their first missionary trip, Mark went with them. But early in the journey, he left to return home (Acts 13:5; Acts 13:13). From Paul’s perspective, this seemed like a desertion, so a couple of years after that, he refused to let Mark come on a second missionary trip (Acts 15:36-40).
Although Mark had not begun well, Scripture shows us that the situation changed. On nearing death two decades later, Paul requested Mark’s company because the younger man was “useful to [him] for service” (2 Tim. 4:11). Mark had proven himself faithful by persevering in obedience and service to the Lord, and eventually he wrote the gospel bearing his name.
Demas, on the other hand, though also called a “fellow worker” of Paul’s (Philem. 1:24), deserted the apostle several years later because of love for worldly things (2 Tim. 4:10). It’s so easy to get caught up in the pleasures and pursuits of earthly life and forget that as Christians, we have a higher priority.
That’s why Scripture reminds us to lay aside every encumbrance hindering our race (Heb. 12:1-2). Once we cross the finish line and see Christ face-to-face, all worldly pleasures will fade in comparison to the joy of hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21 NIV).
~Charles F. Stanley~
_________________________________
If I was qualified to search out the best Christian in the kingdom(Letters of John Newton)
"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word." Isaiah 66:2
Indeed, I believe that the most lively graces, and the most solid comfort--are known among the Lord's poor and unlearned people. Every outward advantage has a tendency to nourish the pride of the human heart--and requires a proportionate knowledge of the deceitful selfand the evil of sin to counter-balance them.
It is no less difficult to have great abilities, than great riches--without trusting in them. 1 Timothy 6:17
If I was qualified to search out the best Christian in the kingdom--I would not expect to find him either in a seminary or in a pulpit. I would give the palm to that person who had the lowest thoughts of himself, and the most admiring and loving thoughts of the Savior. And perhaps this person would be some bed-ridden old man or woman--or a pauper in a parish workhouse.
The Lord's regard to us, is not to be measured by our theological knowledge--but rather by the simplicity of our dependence, and the uniform tenor of our obedience to His will.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord--and He will lift you up." James 4:10
"This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My Word." Isaiah 66:2
Indeed, I believe that the most lively graces, and the most solid comfort--are known among the Lord's poor and unlearned people. Every outward advantage has a tendency to nourish the pride of the human heart--and requires a proportionate knowledge of the deceitful selfand the evil of sin to counter-balance them.
It is no less difficult to have great abilities, than great riches--without trusting in them. 1 Timothy 6:17
If I was qualified to search out the best Christian in the kingdom--I would not expect to find him either in a seminary or in a pulpit. I would give the palm to that person who had the lowest thoughts of himself, and the most admiring and loving thoughts of the Savior. And perhaps this person would be some bed-ridden old man or woman--or a pauper in a parish workhouse.
The Lord's regard to us, is not to be measured by our theological knowledge--but rather by the simplicity of our dependence, and the uniform tenor of our obedience to His will.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord--and He will lift you up." James 4:10
______________________________
Maintaining a Quiet Spirit
When conflict arises, we oftentimes want to rush in and defend our position. Perhaps we even feel justified in blaming others. However, James 1:19 gives different advice for dealing with tension and disputes: “Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” In other words, more can be accomplished through a calm approach to the situation. Scripture also suggests that we ...
Pray. First, we should ask the Lord to guard our mouth and give us the right words to say (Luke 12:12). Also, we ought to request discernment with regard to the root issue and insight as to whether we might be at fault.
See with divine perspective. Our sovereign Lord works every situation for the believer’s benefit (Rom. 8:28). Not only does God use difficulties to teach us, but He also allows us to demonstrate the life of Christ by the way we respond.
Forgive. Even if someone has hurt us by causing the conflict, we should forgive. Jesus died to pardon all of our sin, and we, in turn, should forgive others. In fact, if we don’t, our lives will become burdened by resentment and broken relationships.
Respond. If we have done something wrong, we must apologize and ask forgiveness. We should express appreciation that the other person took time to share his concern. Then we ought to acknowledge his feelings and carefully consider his comments.
How do you respond to conflict? Pray for the strength to stay calm and do what is right—even during difficult, emotional situations.
~Charles F. Stanley~
___________________________________
Why are we so apt to be captivated with the gewgaws of the world?
(Letters of John Newton)
The holiness of a saved sinner consists chiefly of low thoughts of self--and high thoughts of the Savior. These will always be in proportion.
(Letters of John Newton)
The holiness of a saved sinner consists chiefly of low thoughts of self--and high thoughts of the Savior. These will always be in proportion.
The lower we appear to ourselves--the more highly we shall esteem Him.
The more we are enthralled with His glory--the more we shall sink in our own eyes.
The more we are enthralled with His glory--the more we shall sink in our own eyes.
Could you find the man who has most of these properties--you would find the most holy man upon earth. And as we advance in these--we shall, in the same degree, attain to everything else that properly belongs to holiness.
Why are we liable to anger, pride, selfishness, and other evil tempers?
Because we think too highly of ourselves, and suppose that we are not treated as we deserve to be.
Why are we so apt to be captivated with the gewgaws of the world?
Because we are so faintly impressed with a real sense of the excellence of Jesus.
We say indeed that His loving-kindness is better than life, but if we really and fully thought so--then hard things would be easy, and bitter things would be sweet, and there would be no room for impatience or discontent in our hearts.
But alas! all within us, and all around us--is defective and polluted!
"Hold me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117
Why are we liable to anger, pride, selfishness, and other evil tempers?
Because we think too highly of ourselves, and suppose that we are not treated as we deserve to be.
Why are we so apt to be captivated with the gewgaws of the world?
Because we are so faintly impressed with a real sense of the excellence of Jesus.
We say indeed that His loving-kindness is better than life, but if we really and fully thought so--then hard things would be easy, and bitter things would be sweet, and there would be no room for impatience or discontent in our hearts.
But alas! all within us, and all around us--is defective and polluted!
"Hold me up--and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117
______________________________
Responding to Conflict
Conflict is a part of life. It may originate from misunderstandings, a difference of opinion, or deep convictions. But that discord often stems from envy, pride, or hunger for power.
We can’t control another person’s response to conflict; we’re accountable only for how we handle it. Many people naturally have unhealthy reactions to disagreement. Some repress any discomfort, ignoring the issue or pretending it doesn’t exist. Others place blame while defending themselves.
These negative responses often indicate one of three underlying scenarios. First, past hurt can leave a person emotionally insecure and unable to handle criticism. Second, perfectionists set such high benchmarks that they can never live up to their own standards—then it’s hard to acknowledge mistakes. Finally, pride makes it hard for some people to admit when they’re wrong or to ask forgiveness.
Unless we respond correctly to conflict, we limit our potential to grow, because we aren’t learning what the Lord is teaching. Also, we develop an unforgiving spirit, which leads to bitterness and resentment. Eventually, such an attitude can destroy relationships.
There is a better way to handle conflict, modeled by our Savior. Luke 23:34 reveals how Jesus responded when He was wrongly accused, unfairly judged, and crucified despite His innocence. Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
How do you deal with accusations and criticism? Forgiveness is the only response that will keep you from becoming a victim of bitterness.
~Charles F. Stanley~
No comments:
Post a Comment