Comparisons to Others

A common tactic that Satan uses to discourage God's people is to trick us into comparing ourselves with other Christians. He will try to build up in our minds the importance and effectiveness of the life and calling of the other person to try to minimize the place God has given us by comparison. In the light of the uniqueness of God's purpose for each of His children, this seems foolish. Yet we are all guilty of falling for this at times.

In Matthew 13 Jesus told a parable about a farmer who sowed seed which fell on distinctly different kinds of soil. Most of the seed never produced any fruit because of the problems with the soil into which it fell. But there was also some good soil where the seed did take root and produce a crop. In verse 23 Jesus was explaining this parable to his disciples saying, "But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

Notice that even though different people produced different amounts after receiving the word, Jesus made no distinction between any of them. He did not exalt those who yielded a hundred times what was sown as being an elite group that was worthy of more attention and love than the rest. Nor did he condemn those who only produced thirty times what was sown or imply that God only grudgingly tolerated their meager production. It all was simply called "good soil."

This seems counterintuitive to our natural minds. But just as the different seed could only produce according to the capacity God had put within it, so we can only be what He has made us. And He has made each of us distinct from one another in many ways. God's pleasure with those who produce this crop is not based on how much is produced, but rather on the fact that (and the degree to which) we are walking in His unique plan and calling for us.

This same principle is also reflected in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. One of the two faithful servants was given five talents by his master and by putting them to work, he had produced five more. The other had been given two talents and had likewise produced two more. When the master returned and the first servant relayed what he had done, the master said, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

But what of the second servant who had only made two talents? Would the master think less of him and regard him as some sort of second-class citizen? No! Instead his master had the exact same benediction for him that had been given to the first servant.

The master had the same praise for both servants, even though one had produced more than twice what the other one had! Once again we see it was not the quantity produced that mattered but that they faithfully and diligently put what their master had given them to work. As they did that, they found that they were able to produce in proportion to what they had been given. This was all their master was looking for from them.

God's Truth In Proper Balance

As we are seeing, our very clever enemy has no shortage of strategies to try to undermine our ability to effectively serve God. God's word is truly the armor that will enable us to stand against such schemes. Ephesians 6:11. But just as Jesus experienced in his temptation in the wilderness, Satan will not simply abandon his efforts to work on our minds just because we proclaim confidence in the Word. If he can't convince us to think and act contrary to the Word altogether, he will try to corrupt and twist it's meaning in our minds and drag us to an unscriptural extreme in one way or another.

The truths concerning God's sovereign design for our lives and being surrendered and contented within His calling for us are no exception. I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea that being humble and content where God has placed us means that we can't or shouldn't ask Him to work in our lives in a greater way. Nor is it necessarily wrong to ask God to enable us to serve Him in a greater way provided we are asking for the right reasons and with the right attitude of heart.

In fact it is important that we continually feel the need and desire to serve God more fully. Revelation 3:15-22 contains a sober warning to a church that had fallen from being hot (actively and earnestly involved in God's work) and become lukewarm, having the trappings of serving God but without spiritual reality behind it. God's warning was that he couldn't use people like that and He was ready to remove His calling from them altogether if they didn't repent and turn back to Him.

This stands as an important lesson for us. We live in a world where it is very easy to grow spiritually lukewarm in the face of the world's pull on our flesh and the attacks of the enemy against our minds. We need to be asking God to give us the strength and wisdom to enable us to effectively serve Him. We need to be asking Him to work in us in a greater way to increase our faith and to empower us to be the lights that He has called us to be in the world.

Some Scriptural Examples

We see the desire to have more of God taught in the scriptures in many places. In 1 Corinthians 14:1 Paul told the Corinthian believers to "eagerly desire spiritual gifts." Not only was it not wrong for them to seek a greater manifestation of God's power and presence in their midst, it was actually the instruction of God to them to do so! But the purpose of these gifts was to build up the body and to glorify God, not to exalt the individual vessels involved. This is why Paul went on to say in verse 12, "Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church." This is also why he said earlier in 1 Corinthians 3:7, "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow."

Paul also wrote in 1 Timothy 3:1, "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task." Desiring to do important and honorable things for God is not necessarily wrong by any means. But ultimately these tasks can only be done effectively in accordance with God's calling. Our desire to serve must be due to God laying a genuine burden on the hearts of vessels He has chosen and who are spiritually mature enough to enter into these responsibilities with diligence and faith. If we feel such a desire in our hearts, we can certainly do as Philippians 4:6 says where Paul writes, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

This encouragement to seek God about the things we desire is also confirmed in James 4:2 where James laments that "You do not have, because you do not ask God." There ARE things that God wants to give us that we don't currently possess in a practical sense. Crying out to God to work in us in a deeper way and to give us more of Him in our lives is the key to laying hold of these things. There is no excuse for self-centered spiritual laziness that in essence puts the blame on God if we are failing to enter into all that He has for us.

The apostle Paul certainly gave no indications that he thought he had attained everything that God had for him. Even doing all that he was doing in God's name, he was not satisfied that he was serving God as fully as he could. He wanted more of God in his life and he wanted to be more useful to Him.

Beautiful expression is given to this in Philippians 3:10-14 where he said, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

God is greatly pleased when we desire to surrender our lives to Him and to serve Him in a greater way. The key is the attitude of our hearts as we bring our desires and requests to Him. If He chooses not to grant our requests in the way we envision, can we trust Him and continue to serve Him with joy? Can we be like Christ who even in his most difficult battle with his flesh said, "yet not my will, but yours be done"? Luke 22:42. May God help us not to settle for less than He has for us, but not to selfishly aspire to more either.

Good and Faithful Servants

As long as we are living in this flesh, the desire and ability to serve God is never going to come naturally or easily. Romans 8:7. Unless God works in us to humble us and to teach us His ways, we will truly find ourselves walking in darkness, not understanding where we're going or what's going on around us. John 12:35. Satan will seek to work on our minds through these weaknesses of our nature to confuse and discourage us about what God seeks to do in our lives and to render us ineffective for Him.

Praise God that He has revealed the truth about such things to us in His word! He has given us a foundation to build our thinking and our lives on that can stand against every weakness of our flesh and every attack of the enemy. Christ gave his life on the cross that we might have a way to come to God and to enter into the joy and rest and victory that comes from surrendering our lives to Him. Let's not let the enemy rob us of that by painting a false picture of what it means to serve God or to please Him with our lives.

Every one of God's children is equally important to Him. He loved us even before we were born and He has uniquely planned for our lives according to His will. While our callings are unique, God's promise to every one of us is to work in us to make us like His son and that He will see the process He has started through to completion. Romans 8:29, Philippians 1:6. While this process is one that spans our entire lives, we should never let the enemy discourage us along the way over our importance to God or over His evaluation of our service to Him.

We are NOT a constant disappointment to God because we fail to measure up to some artificial grand spiritual standard that we have conjured up in our own minds or received from the enemy's mouth. God's word tells us that He considers those who simply put what He has given them to work where He has placed them in proportion to His calling good and faithful servants. He invites such servants to share in His joy and promises to reward the faithfulness they have shown.. Matthew 25:21, 23. If this is God's assessment, why would we listen to the lies of one who has no authority to judge our lives? Who is Satan to accuse or condemn God's servants? Romans 14:4, Romans 8:33, 34. Our accuser has been forever cast down through what Christ accomplished! Revelation 12:7-10.

When the devil tries to tell us that our lives are insignificant in the big spiritual picture and tries to suggest that if we were really serving God we would be doing "more", we can have an answer for him. We can proclaim with confidence on the authority of God's word that simply being faithful to His word with our lives, whatever that entails, IS serving God! We can do no greater thing for Him than that.

God is perfectly content and at rest with the idea of us simply being what He made us to be. Why then do we so easily and often struggle with this idea? May God help us to lay hold of His word in faith in a greater way and to enter into more of the rest, joy and victory that He has given us through His son Jesus Christ. Praise God for His love and faithfulness!

Abstinence or Moderation?

This is certainly a 'hot' topic among todays "Christian community". So many want to continue following the ways of the flesh and sadly Paul's statement is the most misunderstood and misrepresented Bible support they use for this. It seems like everyone realizes that alcohol is wrong and is condemned in the rest of the Word, but they always drag this one statement out to embarass and forestall any witness of the children of God. I myself have run into trouble justifying my stand on abstinence because of this very verse! I was very thankful when I received the tract that I mentioned. I feel that many other of God's children would also appreciate the knowledge.

You know, God's true children don't dispute this but the "worldly ones" do. One of the most dramatic statements I found in my research was this: Instead of trying to justify a questionable practice we should be seeking ways to avoid coming close to sin. As Christians, we need to be watchful and sober, ever vigilant in our duties - I Thessalonians 5:5-8. A soldier is not allowed to drink while on duty, because the drink will dull his senses. We are soldiers of God and ever on duty in this world of corruption. Can we do anything less?

"A Little Wine for Thy Stomach's Sake "?

Some time ago I read an article supporting the cause for abstinence in alcohol consumption. Of course the famous, or infamous, verse from Timothy was mentioned. "drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities" (1 Tim. 5:23). The author didn't go into the ramifications of this statement but only obliquely discounted it by saying "Obviously wine had a use." He then went on to present a very good case for abstinence, but I felt it was weakened because he did not effectively deal with this, the hypocrite's strongest arguement for permitting alcohol consumption. Although I agreed with him entirely in his stand for abstinence, I still felt that this verse left a weak point in our stand against evil.

I remembered many years ago reading a tract (which I've since lost) regarding this very scripture about taking "a little wine..." I'm going to post the pertinent information next, but the tract said (and the infomation backs up the tract,) that the 'wine' Paul was referring to was a dispeptic made of grape syrup, concentrated grape juice, boiled into a thick syrup, used as a medication for ulcers and various other stomach ailments. (See #2 below) Of course it probably wasn't as good as Tums or Pepcid AC, but it was the best they had then. Paul wasn't telling Timothy to drink alcohol.

I set out to recreate the thoughts presented in the tract by research. I found several very pertinent facts:

1. ) In the New Testament, the Greek language did not distinguish among grape products. All products derived from grapes were called by one generic word, which is translated as "wine" in our English bibles. We can only determine the specific meaning from the contxt of the verse. Much of the ambiguity in our Bible is actually caused by the translators of the text. Translation is a complex process and translators have a difficult time keeping their own personal opinions out of the translation. The Hebrew language contains a several words for grape products, these varied words are typically translated to the generic word "wine." Yayin is a generic term used to identify all products derived from grapes. Tirosh is a specific term used to identify fresh grape juice. Chemer is literally the blood of the grape as it comes out of a squeezed grape--pure and unadulterated. Sobe is syrup made from grape juice as a means of preserving it. Shekar, usually translated "strong drink," refers to any alcoholic drink made from grains or fruit. ( Every time this is used as a beverage it is condemned )

2. ) Pliny mentions a useful good stomach wine, Adumion which is:"without power and without strength." He states that "for all the sick, wine is the most useful when its forces have been broken by the strainer." "Stomach wine, or wine for the stomach, the old writers of Greek medicine tell us, was grape juice, prepared as a thick, unfermented syrup, for the use as a medicament for dispeptic and weak persons..." "This beverage given to invalids to whom it was apprehended that wine (fermented) may prove injurious." (Book XIV, Ch. 9) Thus the Apostle told his friend to use a little wine mixed with water...

3. ) WINE is the product of rot and decay. Without SIN, induced by Satan, the VINE would produce only grape juice. The Vines don't produce alcohol any better than corn or barley produces liquor or whiskey. The French chemist, Count Chaptal said that: "Nature never forms spiritous liquors; she rots the grape upon the vine; but it is art which converts the juice into wine." Turner in the book Chemistry wrote: "It does not exist ready formed in plants, but is a product of the vineous fermentation." The Italian writer, Adam Fabroni says: "Grape juice does not ferment in the grape itself. 4. ) Several reports demonstrating that "the fruit of the vine was a substantial part of the food of the people are presented. To remain so (fresh) it must be preserved from fermentation by boiling or even drying. Considering Syria is a grape-growing country, the reader will be astonished to learn that comparatively little wine is made in it..." "...and that the fabrication of an intoxicating liquor was NEVER the chief object for which the grape was cultivated among the Jews..." (The Bible, The Saint, and the Liquor Industry, Jim McGuiggan, p. 61).

God gave the vine to produce the GRAPE and not wine. The grape was a primary food product. It's juice was preserved in many forms, but wine is not a "food product" Actually the Bible says a great deal about wine (the fermented alcoholic kind) and we don't find a passage which shows that anything good came from it unless it is given like a knock out drop to the perishing. If God actually made the alcohol, wouldn't He say something good about it and not be so brutal in repeatedly showing that alcoholic wine is the symbol of the wrath He will pour out upon those who reject Him? Thus Conflict is always a product of wine.

5.) A common argument for the consumption of alcoholic beverages is that the ancients did not have the means to prevent grape juice from fermenting. Therefore they conclude that only rarely did they consume non-alcoholic beverages. Actually, without a controlled environment grape juice is much more likely to become vinegar than wine. Wine must be purposely made. Grape juice left to itself spoils into vinegar.

6.) The filtration method (for preserving grape juice) separated the gluten (or yeast) naturally present in grape juice from the liquid. Without the gluten, fermentation can not take place.

Historical records consistently indicate that the best wines were of the freshest, unfermented juice available. Even the Gentiles preferred the fresh taste over the stored varieties. It is a grave mistake to assume that most people drank fermented grape juice during the ancient times.

Dr. S. M. Issacs, a Jewish rabbi of the last century, quoted by Patton, p. 83, was recorded as addressing the issue as follows. (Other statements are noted as to source.) "In the Holy Land they do not commonly use fermented wines. The best wines are preserved sweet and unfermented."

In reference to their customs at religious festivals, he repeatedly and emphatically said: 'The Jews do not, in their feasts for sacred purposes, including the marriage feast, ever use any kind of fermented drinks. In their oblations and libations, both private and public, they employ the fruit of the vine--that is, fresh grapes -- unfermented grape - juice, and raisins, as the symbol of benediction. "Fermentation is to them a symbol of corruption, as in nature and science it is itself decay, rottenness'."

"The great mass of the Jews has ever understood this prohibition as extending to fermented wine, or strong drink, as well as to bread. The word is essentially the same which designates the fermentation of bread and that of liquors." The law forbade seor--yeast, ferment, whatever could excite fermentation--and khahmatz, products that had undergone fermentation, or been subject to the action of seor." (Temperance Bible Commentary, p. 280)

"The restrictions on grape products derive from the laws against using products of idolatry. Wine was commonly used in the rituals of all ancient religions, and wine was routinely sanctified for pagan purposes while it was being processed. For this reason, use of wines and other grape products made by non-Jews was prohibited

I present this for your information and to provide God's people with a better means of supporting their stand for abstinence in alcoholic beverages. I invite you to follow the same path I did in researching the information presented. May the Lord bless you in your pursuit of Holiness.

What Happened to Modesty?

Modesty seems to have gone down the drain. The world wants to keep up with the Jones, and people use the credit card to indulge in whatever they want, not what they need.

The modern attitude, behavior and lifestyle has become far from modest. The younger generation has a language of its own, which could be more respectful of others. Many don't know what the word "modesty" means.

But what about the "Christians"? Are they walking after the ways of this world? Are the church leaders teaching the word of God, concerning modesty? Are they and their families living examples to be followed? Many Christian women could have more material to their dresses, blouses or skirts. Is there anybody correcting them?

Indeed, no sinner can acquire God's requirements to live in modesty.

Modesty in the born-again Christian life is holiness, symplicity, humbleness, moderate, propriety in dress, speech and conduct.

Modesty is certainly attainable, through the working of the Holy Spirit, in the life of the follower of Christ. It all depends on one's relationship with God. If God's word teaches us how His children should conduct themselves and live, then we will be able to reach what is expected from us, by applying The Scripture to our heart and life.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

"Be Holy for I am Holy"

Modesty in character.

Matthew 6:17,18 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

1 Peter 1:15 But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

Modesty in Apparel

Dressing to please God and to reflect His glory means wearing clothes which draws respect instead of attention from the opposite sex in such a way as to make them lust.

1 Thess 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

Modesty in Life

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time:

Philippians 2:6 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Remember the Brethren who have needs, suffering for Christ's sake, living in war zones or disaster areas, and those who are without income etc. Therefore, living in modesty means not indulging in excessive luxury, food and all that which the flesh desires.

Modesty in general is living a simple life, pleasing unto God which does not offend others (but may offend haters of God's Truth). Christians must walk well pleasing unto the Lord, which includes living modest in word and deed.

Deceptive Packaging

"LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteouness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." Psalm 15:1-2

Through its laws, our country declares it a crime to lie about the ingredient contents in a boxed or canned product. These laws demand that the outside of the package tell the truth about what is on the inside. Deceptive packaging is illegal!

"Truth in advertising" regulations are another way to protect the public. A good example of this is the warning on a pack of cigarettes: "Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy."

Unfortunately though, there are no such laws about people. We require no one to tell what really lies behind the packaging: the clothes, facial expressions, mannerisms, speech patterns, behavior, truthfullness. No one is forced to tell you what he or she is really feeling, thinking, or planning to do.

Our deceptive packaging ~ the way we appear to others, is an accepted, even expected part of our way of life. Many have become experts in this type of trickery.

God reveals to us, qualifications for us to meet in order to dwell in His tabernacle. Deception is not a qualifying factor here! But to walk in righteousness and in truth is!

If our "packaging" isn't "wrapped" the way it should be, perhaps we need to confess this sin of hypocrisy, so we can move on the path of discovering and knowing our real selves, and that which God reveals to us through His Word.

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