EXALTED BY GOD
We have to value and highly esteem the same people that God does. His way is unnatural to our human nature and tendency. Since we seek to be elevated and attain status, the last thing we need to do is associate ourselves with the lowly. Actually, to impress God, that's exactly the way--be abased, "look on the things of others", decrease, and humble ourselves under the mighty Hand of God. It's the only way. It would seem, by the natural order of things that if you want to go higher you should surround yourself with with successful, driven, achievers right? Well, if you are a carnal man, you should; but a spiritual man lives by a different law and the carnal mind is enmity with God--it puts us in direct opposition to Him. Having a carnal mind really boils down to pride, at the root. A mind that chooses the laws of nature, and comfort opposes the supreme law of the Omnipotent God and is a mind consumed with pride. I admit, God's way makes no sense--it would seem to take us in the opposite direction of the desired place; but His way is not of this world, and it will not appear "normal" looking through natural, earthy eyes. You have to be spiritual to see that God's way is the way to true prosperity and everlasting health, wealth and happiness.
We settle for the counterfeit; the temporary and carnal prosperity that the world seeks--and we clamor for it with an equal or even greater gusto. What would happen if we expended that amount of energy on valuing and esteeming the people and things God does? What would it be like if we became spiritual "go-getter's"? What would that look like? Our concentration would shift to the same people (and things) that Jesus focused on (and told us to attend to). When it shifts to a different place, it automatically shifts from a former one.
As Christians, we don't get to shield ourselves from the pain and tragedy of the world; in fact, we plunge right in, getting involved and meeting needs. That's what missions is all about; that's how we win souls, by meeting natural needs--there's a point and a goal to taking care of the poor and the needy; Jesus' ultimate goal was never the natural body, but the spiritual one. Miracles were performed to draw the attention of men and women to the Gospel. We think miracles are in end in and of themselves--or that they are for us. "Signs and wonders" have a spiritual purpose--they capture the attention of those who witness them. Saints don't (or shouldn't) seek after a sign (Mark 8:12).
In the 9th chapter of St. John, Jesus shows us the purpose of miracles. When he encounters the man who was born blind, his disciples wanted to know whose sin caused his blindness. That was a popular way of thinking then--it still is, today. There are many people who see people suffer and determine it has to be because of sin. We have a lot of "Job's friends" wandering around our churches, these days. That is dangerous and extremely fallacious thinking--at least, by scriptural standards. It may be for the purpose of God being glorified in them, and those standing by get to watch the show. They get to see someone being reviled, and not retaliating--and realize that it is indeed possible. They see another go through a horrendous illness, or major loss and still encourage others and experience real, genuine joy. They may even see someone who is embattled by struggles, even endlessly, but still trusts and depends on God. All of these things are a far more powerful witness than the temporary, "genie-in-a-bottle" ministry that is presented so often, today. So, Jesus' answer to them was no one sinned--"but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." In other words, this man went through his entire life--he was born that way, blind. His parents suffered, too (it's safe to surmise); every parent wants a child born whole and in complete health. And, all of this trouble happened "for such a time as this". He was set up, for this very moment; so those who were present, might see God's handiwork, and believe. It wasn't about the man. God loved him, but it wasn't about him, not at this moment. It was not about the man or even his healing, but about the testimony. He was only a prop, in the production. And, after all was said and done, and the miracle had created the scene it was intended to create, Jesus attention returns to the man--not the physical man, the but the spiritual man--his soul.
"Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." [St. John 9:35-39]
God has "bigger fish to fry" than our earthy desires, and issues--He is chasing our hearts and souls--and He wants us to use whatever means we have to do the same.
Spiritually-speaking, we cannot please God by doing carnal things--things that please ourselves (1 John 2:15-17). I know that isn't a popular line of thinking, but it is the truth. We have found ways to rationalize self-absorption and personal prosperity, but there is no biblical way to justify these things. We try, hard, though--and we deserve an "A+" for effort! We have become masters at deception, manipulation and twisting of scripture, when the meaning is simple and contextual. We don't really want to know, because it isn't flesh-pleasing, it's anathema to our desired way of living. We want what the natural eye see's. Change is a battle, and is very threatening, unless it is change in the direction of our comfort--then we grasp it; but when the message comes to self-sacrifice, to be abased, to really seek the welfare of others--not simply in word, but really and practically get involved (giving of self and substance) we resist and rationalize. That's when we stop becoming literal about the Scripture. We take Paul's simple greeting to Gaius as a literal declaration that God desires for us to healthy, wealthy and happy at all times (which it isn't), but we're not quite so literal about "the least of these" (and, it is literal, in its consequences). There's a real disconnect with the Jesus of the Word of God, and us who live in these last days.
We avoid the difficult, the ugly, the painful and the suffering in the world-- those are "the least of these"; they are the very people that Jesus told us to focus on, if we want to go to Heaven. Most of us, don't even want to know or hear about them. We don't want to know any details about persecuted Christians in Iran and Nigeria, or 7 year old girls given bread laced with drugs, waking up in brothels in Nepal. And, please don't tell us about starving children or those who don't have clean drinking water around the world--even hungry children in America. We can't do anything, if we don't know anything. And, this is our vocation--caring for "the least of these". This is how we win souls; but we are so insulated in our churches, that we think our goal is to bring people to church. Our goal should be to take church to them--that is the commission. Many will never come, on their own, but we have a responsibility to take the Gospel to them. It is quite an indictment when the world's celebrities do more than Christians--giving and calling attention to the plight of suffering people in the world. They are doing more than giving, too--many are putting themselves in harm's way and even getting arrested for causes that we virtually ignore. Our focus is sadly on building beautiful churches and luxurious homes, the best cars, stock portfolio's, Gucci, Prada, Manolo's, stiletto's, hair, eyelashes and nails. In and of themselves, these things are not bad, but focus--or coveting them is. Our attention is to be on spiritual things, the things that God cares about, and the people who are suffering. Our resources are being used for these things, rather than for "the least of these". Those resources don't really belong to us, to do with as we please. God places them in our hands to give us the opportunity to meet needs, not to amass personal wealth. It's Kingdom money; it doesn't belong to us, as individuals. It is to be invested in spiritual things, not squandered on unnecessary niceties. Worst of all, we put these desires before those who are in need--even those who have need right in our midst, before our eyes (1 John 3:17).
If we would only give the same attention to the things that God cares about that we give to the things that we currently focus on, what an impact we could have on the world. If we attacked world hunger with the gusto and drive that we went after our chosen careers or dream homes, just imagine.... If we could funnel just a portion of the money that we spend on the shoes, hair and nails that walk into churches on Sunday morning, what that could do for a clean water project. How much do we spend at Starbucks on a weekly basis? Suppose we sent that to World Vision to purchase a goat or chickens, so that a family or village had food to eat, long term; or maybe use it to get a soup kitchen started with help from others. It starts with a desire. But, it takes resources, too. Where is your treasure?
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." [Philippians 2:4-8]
"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." [Luke 14:11]
We settle for the counterfeit; the temporary and carnal prosperity that the world seeks--and we clamor for it with an equal or even greater gusto. What would happen if we expended that amount of energy on valuing and esteeming the people and things God does? What would it be like if we became spiritual "go-getter's"? What would that look like? Our concentration would shift to the same people (and things) that Jesus focused on (and told us to attend to). When it shifts to a different place, it automatically shifts from a former one.
As Christians, we don't get to shield ourselves from the pain and tragedy of the world; in fact, we plunge right in, getting involved and meeting needs. That's what missions is all about; that's how we win souls, by meeting natural needs--there's a point and a goal to taking care of the poor and the needy; Jesus' ultimate goal was never the natural body, but the spiritual one. Miracles were performed to draw the attention of men and women to the Gospel. We think miracles are in end in and of themselves--or that they are for us. "Signs and wonders" have a spiritual purpose--they capture the attention of those who witness them. Saints don't (or shouldn't) seek after a sign (Mark 8:12).
In the 9th chapter of St. John, Jesus shows us the purpose of miracles. When he encounters the man who was born blind, his disciples wanted to know whose sin caused his blindness. That was a popular way of thinking then--it still is, today. There are many people who see people suffer and determine it has to be because of sin. We have a lot of "Job's friends" wandering around our churches, these days. That is dangerous and extremely fallacious thinking--at least, by scriptural standards. It may be for the purpose of God being glorified in them, and those standing by get to watch the show. They get to see someone being reviled, and not retaliating--and realize that it is indeed possible. They see another go through a horrendous illness, or major loss and still encourage others and experience real, genuine joy. They may even see someone who is embattled by struggles, even endlessly, but still trusts and depends on God. All of these things are a far more powerful witness than the temporary, "genie-in-a-bottle" ministry that is presented so often, today. So, Jesus' answer to them was no one sinned--"but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." In other words, this man went through his entire life--he was born that way, blind. His parents suffered, too (it's safe to surmise); every parent wants a child born whole and in complete health. And, all of this trouble happened "for such a time as this". He was set up, for this very moment; so those who were present, might see God's handiwork, and believe. It wasn't about the man. God loved him, but it wasn't about him, not at this moment. It was not about the man or even his healing, but about the testimony. He was only a prop, in the production. And, after all was said and done, and the miracle had created the scene it was intended to create, Jesus attention returns to the man--not the physical man, the but the spiritual man--his soul.
"Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind." [St. John 9:35-39]
God has "bigger fish to fry" than our earthy desires, and issues--He is chasing our hearts and souls--and He wants us to use whatever means we have to do the same.
Spiritually-speaking, we cannot please God by doing carnal things--things that please ourselves (1 John 2:15-17). I know that isn't a popular line of thinking, but it is the truth. We have found ways to rationalize self-absorption and personal prosperity, but there is no biblical way to justify these things. We try, hard, though--and we deserve an "A+" for effort! We have become masters at deception, manipulation and twisting of scripture, when the meaning is simple and contextual. We don't really want to know, because it isn't flesh-pleasing, it's anathema to our desired way of living. We want what the natural eye see's. Change is a battle, and is very threatening, unless it is change in the direction of our comfort--then we grasp it; but when the message comes to self-sacrifice, to be abased, to really seek the welfare of others--not simply in word, but really and practically get involved (giving of self and substance) we resist and rationalize. That's when we stop becoming literal about the Scripture. We take Paul's simple greeting to Gaius as a literal declaration that God desires for us to healthy, wealthy and happy at all times (which it isn't), but we're not quite so literal about "the least of these" (and, it is literal, in its consequences). There's a real disconnect with the Jesus of the Word of God, and us who live in these last days.
We avoid the difficult, the ugly, the painful and the suffering in the world-- those are "the least of these"; they are the very people that Jesus told us to focus on, if we want to go to Heaven. Most of us, don't even want to know or hear about them. We don't want to know any details about persecuted Christians in Iran and Nigeria, or 7 year old girls given bread laced with drugs, waking up in brothels in Nepal. And, please don't tell us about starving children or those who don't have clean drinking water around the world--even hungry children in America. We can't do anything, if we don't know anything. And, this is our vocation--caring for "the least of these". This is how we win souls; but we are so insulated in our churches, that we think our goal is to bring people to church. Our goal should be to take church to them--that is the commission. Many will never come, on their own, but we have a responsibility to take the Gospel to them. It is quite an indictment when the world's celebrities do more than Christians--giving and calling attention to the plight of suffering people in the world. They are doing more than giving, too--many are putting themselves in harm's way and even getting arrested for causes that we virtually ignore. Our focus is sadly on building beautiful churches and luxurious homes, the best cars, stock portfolio's, Gucci, Prada, Manolo's, stiletto's, hair, eyelashes and nails. In and of themselves, these things are not bad, but focus--or coveting them is. Our attention is to be on spiritual things, the things that God cares about, and the people who are suffering. Our resources are being used for these things, rather than for "the least of these". Those resources don't really belong to us, to do with as we please. God places them in our hands to give us the opportunity to meet needs, not to amass personal wealth. It's Kingdom money; it doesn't belong to us, as individuals. It is to be invested in spiritual things, not squandered on unnecessary niceties. Worst of all, we put these desires before those who are in need--even those who have need right in our midst, before our eyes (1 John 3:17).
If we would only give the same attention to the things that God cares about that we give to the things that we currently focus on, what an impact we could have on the world. If we attacked world hunger with the gusto and drive that we went after our chosen careers or dream homes, just imagine.... If we could funnel just a portion of the money that we spend on the shoes, hair and nails that walk into churches on Sunday morning, what that could do for a clean water project. How much do we spend at Starbucks on a weekly basis? Suppose we sent that to World Vision to purchase a goat or chickens, so that a family or village had food to eat, long term; or maybe use it to get a soup kitchen started with help from others. It starts with a desire. But, it takes resources, too. Where is your treasure?
"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." [Philippians 2:4-8]
"For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." [Luke 14:11]
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