Dare NOT to Compare

Below are the notes from a women's fellowship breakfast that I spoke at this morning. I expounded in my teaching on each point a little further, but for the most part, everything is here. Comparing is something that I believe every woman struggles with to some extent and my prayer for you, whoever you are, reading this right now, is that these words would minister to you and encourage you to compare yourself only to the One who truly matters. 

♥ “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12

♥ To compare means to examine the similarities and differences of two or more things, ideas or people.

♥ Measuring yourself against another person will do one of two things. It will either puff you up or pull you down. You can always find someone seemingly less “spiritual” than you, and when you do, you’ll be puffed up with pride. You can also find people seemingly more “spiritual” than you, yet trying to equal up to or excel them only leads to frustration.

♥ In my case, I have a tendency to compare myself in a way that puts me down. When I compare myself to others in this negative light it can easily become a form of jealousy and envy and that is a result of not trusting in the Lord’s love   and fairness.

♥ Examples of comparison and their results in scripture

→ 1 Samuel 18:5-9 “And David went out withersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. And it came to pass as they came, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine (Goliath), that the women came out of all cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tabrets, with joy, and with instructions of music. And the women answered one another as they played, and said, Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was very wroth, and the saying displeased him; and he said, they have ascribed unto David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul eyed David from that day forward.”

           

            →Note David only did what Saul told him to do

→Note Saul had as much opportunity to kill Goliath as David, but it was not his giant to slay, just like not all ministry opportunities are ours to fill

→Note the women meant their song as praise for both David AND Saul, but Saul’s pride would not allow him to be “second best”

→Note where Saul’s eyes turned. His focus moved from God to David to the point that he was so consumed with who David was and what David did and what David had in comparison to him that he no longer had room for God. Instead of working together with David, he sought to destroy the very person who saved his life not long before when Goliath belted his challenge.

→Comparison led Saul to pride, envy, jealousy, discontentment and loss of focus on what truly mattered. He was no longer doing the Lord’s work, but he was working for the devil.

→ Luke 18:9-14 “And He spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

→Note, the Pharisee was justified in his own mind based on his comparison of himself to another human being, a sinner, rather than comparing himself against the word of God.

→Note, if the Pharisee knew his scripture, he would take heed that pride comes before a fall.

→Note, the publican brought no one else into his prayer but himself and did not try to compare himself to another. He knew he was a sinner and he knew needed God’s mercy to save him. He did not even try to justify his own actions by what those around him may not be doing as well. No one else matters when it comes to you and God.

→ John 21:19-22 “This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.”

→Note, Peter learns about his death and immediately seeks to compare to the closest disciple, John. What about John? Maybe he wanted to know if his own death was fair?

→Note, Jesus response is perfect. What is it to you? What is it to any of us what God has called another to? As long as we stay focused on our own calling and our own gifts, we will all work together like a well oiled machine. It’s when we try to work outside of our calling and gifts that things begin to wear down and break down.

♥ Comparison leads to discontentment, whether we are discontent with ourselves and our perceived abilities, or are discontent with the flaws or shortcomings we see in others. This is not Biblical.

→ Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

→ 1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

♥ If you’re going to compare, compare to our ultimate example, Jesus.

→ 1 Peter 2:21-23 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are not returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.”

♥ We all have been given different gifts to be used within the body, but not everyone’s gift or calling is going to look the same. To compare our gifts with another person’s gifts removes our mind from our current task at hand, whatever God has called us to.

♥ 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.”

♥ Many gifts, but for the working of one body and given by the same Spirit.

♥ Covet the best gift… A more excellent way… LOVE 1 Corinthians 13

           

Love does not compare, it does not envy or boast

            Love does not compare, it is not arrogant or rude

            Love does not compare, it does not insist on its own way

            Love does not compare, it is not irritable or resentful

            Love does not compare, it does not rejoice at wrongdoing

            Love does not compare, but it is patient and kind

            Love does not compare, but it rejoices with the truth

Love does not compare, but it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things

            Love does not compare, but it endures all things

♥ Loving each part of the body, not comparing to make ourselves look better, not comparing to feel down on ourselves, but working for the same purpose and loving each other and encouraging one another along the way.

            → Love does not mean turning a blind eye to sin in the church.

♥ DO compare each other with scripture. If something is biblically off, tell that person! Do not allow them to continue in that sin.

           

“Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6

"Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:8-10

"If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. … If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God or like a tax collector" Matthew 18:15-17

"If anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" Galatians 6:1-3

1.    Comparisons are always unfair. We typically compare the worst we know of ourselves to the best we presume about others.

2.    Comparisons rob us of precious time. We each get 86,400 seconds each day. And using even one to compare yourself or your accomplishments to another is one second too many.

3.    You are too unique to compare fairly. Your gifts and talents and successes and contributions and value are entirely unique to you and your purpose in this world. They can never be properly compared to anyone else.

4.    You have nothing to gain, but much to lose. For example: your pride, your dignity, your drive, and your passion.

5.    There is no end to the possible number of comparisons. The habit can never be overcome by attaining success. There will also be something—or someone—else to focus on.

6.    Comparison puts focus on the wrong person. You can control one life—yours. But when we constantly compare ourselves to others, we waste precious energy focusing on other peoples’ lives rather than our own.

7.    Comparisons often result in resentment. Resentment towards others and towards ourselves.

8.    Comparisons deprive us of joy. They add no value, meaning, or fulfillment to our lives. They only distract from it.

♥ “When comparison sneaks in, it can be hard. Worse than hard. It can just quite simply make me forget all the strengths I do have. And when we forget, our hearts shift. We stop being thankful and instead become consumed by that little thing we don’t have. That's a dangerous place to be.” –Lysa TerKeurst

♥ Think of something you want that someone else has. A material possession, a talent, whatever it is that comes to mind. Have you been lured into thinking “If only I had ___ like that person, my life would be great!”

            

Now practice redirecting those thoughts by saying this instead:

I am not equipped for her good.

I am not equipped for her bad.

I am not equipped to carry the weight of her victories.

I am not equipped to shoulder her burdens.

I am not equipped to be her in any way.

I am, however, perfectly equipped to be me.

Therefore, thank you God, for only entrusting me with

What I have and who I am.

-Lysa TerKeurst

♥ Galatians 1:10 “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”

Happy 2014

We're here again. Back at another January 1st (or 2nd in this case). When it comes to blogging I seem to always be one step behind where I want to be, but that's ok. While I do want to finish up blogging about the fruits of the Spirit, I wanted to take a moment and reflect on this past year and make a "resolution" for the year to come.

This past year brought a few changes to our family. My Grandfather passed away in April and I sat with him during some of his last hours on this earth. I always remembered him as being so full of life, playing tennis with me well into his 70's and possibly even once or twice in his early 80's. It was strange to see him so frail and fragile. Grandpa was the first person that I had a close relationship with to pass away. I always believed him when he told me that I was his favorite, and argued "to the death" any cousins/siblings who tried to tell me that they had been told otherwise. It's strange to see Grandma apart from Grandpa because the two just always went together. You never had one without the other. 

It definitely got me thinking about this thing called life. How quickly the years pass, faster and faster the older I get. I don't want to waste any part of it. I don't want to allow myself to get so caught up in temporary circumstances that I miss out on big life experiences. I want to grow and love more and be frustrated less. I want to have healthy relationships, holding tight to the people who help me grow in my Spiritual walk and letting loose those who only drag me down. At the same time, I want to be that person who also inspires others to grow, always encouraging and never discouraging. I want to be a wife and a mother and someday, God willing, a grandmother who is selfless and only seeks what's best for my family. I want to leave a legacy of love, kindness, gentleness and understanding. I never want to be a hindrance in any way.

Another big change this year is that we sold our house and moved into a new one. It feels like this is our first house though, since our last one we knew was only a temporary stay from the beginning. We have been having fun changing paint colors and light fixtures and making the house our home. I'm excited that Leilani has a place to grow up in for many years to come, a home for us to make many memories in. We've already begun! It also turns out that Ben had some previously unknown family who just so happen to live within walking distance of us. Only God could have orchestrated something like that in this small town and we're excited to get to know this family better. 

Ben got a new job in July and it came at just the right time. God knew exactly what we needed financially in our new home and he brought Ben's job and the necessary raise to keep things afloat. Just another proof of God's faithfulness.

And that's where I want this blog to leave off. Faithfulness. I have seen God's faithfulness to us and to our family and friends countless times over the past year and it only leaves me longing for more. More of His faithfulness, but also to be more faithful to Him. Not wasting opportunities. Doing the most good with what I have been given. Being a faithful wife, mother and friend. Giving of myself to others more than I have before. Not questioning when God puts something or someone on my heart, but rather just going and doing. May 2014 be a year of faithfulness.  

"God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

1 Corinthians 1:9

But the Fruit of the Spirit Is... Gentleness and Goodness

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." Galatians 5:22-23

Gentleness- a mild or kind nature or character; not severe, rough or violent; moral goodness, integrity, kindness 

Let's be honest... We all knew I was going to be looking up the definitions, right? I decided to start with the definition of gentleness and move on from there. I truly believe that gentleness is one of those character traits that you simply cannot achieve apart from Jesus. 

The Greek word for gentleness used in this verse is the same Greek word used in the New Testament many times to mean good or goodness as well as kindness. If you have any scripture knowledge, then you are probably familiar with what Romans 3:10-12 says and that is this, "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one." These verses are speaking of man apart from God. In and of ourselves dwells no good thing! But, and praise God there is a but here, the chapter goes on to say in verses 23-26, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (an appeasement) through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission (forgiveness) of sins that are past, through the forbearance (patient endurance) of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus." Only in and through Jesus blood and forgiveness of our sins are we made good.

In Colossians 3:12 we read that this gentleness, or kindness, is something that we put on. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing (endure/tolerate) one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." In telling us to put on kindness it implies that it is not something that comes naturally. To put on literally means to sink into (clothing), to clothe oneself. 

What does gentleness look like in our day to day life? I'm glad you asked! The ultimate example of this gentle kindness is what has been first shown to us. Ephesians 2:7-9, "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." The greatest kindness that we have been shown is God's grace, in that He forgives our sins not based on any of our own merit and offers us eternal salvation. 

One of the greatest ways that we can show gentleness to those around us is by being gracious and forgiving. To be gracious to someone means that we are pleasantly kind, benevolent and courteous. In Proverbs 11:16 we are told that "A gracious woman retains honor..." and "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious..." Ecclesiastes 10:12.

To forgive someone means not just to grant pardon to a person, but also to cease to feel resentment against them. Believe me, I know how hard it can be to forgive someone, especially someone who isn't sorry and who seems to be unforgivable. But also believe this: It is NECESSARY and VITAL that we do it anyways! Many times it comes down to forgiving simply for the well being of our own hearts. Many times the object of our forgiveness doesn't even realize the extent of our resentment towards them. Unforgiveness is a poison that only eats away at and destroys our own hearts. The Bible shows us time and time again how big of a part forgiveness plays in the Christian walk. 

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25-26

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him: and if he repent, thou shalt forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." Luke 17:3-4

The thing that really stands out to me in the above three verses is that they give you three different settings. The first verses are simply a call to forgive. Forgive anytime, anywhere, anything, anyone. This is so that God can forgive us. The second verse is a call to forgive in your quiet time with God. This is forgiving someone without that person even having any knowledge of what is happening. This is forgiveness necessary to purify your heart before God. The third verse is a call to forgive when the person who has wronged you is present and repentant over their actions and specifically asks you to forgive them. Even if they ask many times in a day, our response is to be the same; forgive. Based on these verse we can see that our forgiveness of others is not solely based on their merits but on the fact that as we have been forgiven, so we are to forgive.

So, what is gentleness? Gentleness is kindness. Gentleness is graciousness. Gentleness is forgiveness. Gentleness is tolerance. Gentleness is soft spoken words of encouragement. Gentleness is honesty. Gentleness is peaceful. Gentleness is merciful. Gentleness is meekness. Gentleness is courteous. Gentleness is soothing. Gentleness is self sacrificing. 

Gentleness is Christ in me.

But The Fruit Of The Spirit Is... Longsuffering

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law."

Longsuffering... aka patience. Other words used to define this word longsuffering include endurance, constancy, steadfastness and perseverance. According to the dictionary, to be longsuffering means to endure pain, unhappiness, trouble or provocation without complaint. Because I love looking at definitions so much, I also want to look up the definitions of the other words used to describe longsuffering and see what kind of picture they paint.

Patience- tolerance and even-tempered perseverance; the capacity for calmly enduring pain, trying situations, etc.

Endurance- the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina; something endured as a hardship or trial

Constancy- the quality of being unchanging or unwavering, as in purpose, love or loyalty; firmness of mind; faithfulness

Steadfastness- fixed in intensity or direction; unwavering or determined in purpose, loyalty, etc. sure, dependable, reliable, constant

Perseverance- steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc. especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles or discouragement

"Patience is a virtue." How many times have I heard this quote over the years? How often have I simply thought of patience as not getting irritated in rush hour traffic? Or not getting frustrated with the slower pace of an older person hogging the entire aisle at the grocery store? Or a toddlers many repeated questions? Or not giving up too quickly when trying to learn something new? After reading the above definitions I am shocked to see the depth of what it really, truly means to be longsuffering. It's so much more than quietly and calmly handling a 5 minute inconvenience. 

I think what really stood out to me is that longsuffering means to endure hardship and trials, that may continue on and on, despite stress and fatigue, with steady persistance while remaining calm, loving, loyal and faithful, even towards that person or thing causing the trial or pain. Without complaining.

I think that it is safe to say that most of the situations we encounter that require longsuffering are relational in some way. Let's face it, people can be irritating! Everyone rationalizes and processes things differently, so what may be incredibly irritating to you, may just be the way of life for another and vice versa. I truly believe that there are people in our lives that God has placed there simply to teach us how to be longsuffering. That person who just never seems to see eye to eye with you and loves to argue with you on any given subject. The person that you are convinced is only out to make your life miserable. The person who takes and takes and never gives. The person who makes you feel as though you are never good enough.  As I've heard it said in the past, don't pray for patience unless you are ready for God to put you directly in the middle of situations that require patience. It is a learned trait. 

"...we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience (tried character), and experience, hope (expectation of good)..." Romans 5:3-4

The only way that we can increase our patience is by exercising it, persevering in it. That is accomplished in tribulation, or rather oppression, affliction and distress. Doesn't sound like a fun time, does it? But look at the above verse from Romans. The great thing about growing through tribulation is that it results in a tried character, it makes us stronger. We read in Proverbs 22:1 that "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold." Also, Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, "A good name is better than precious ointment..." The name that we are known by is based on our character. Our actions, our response to trying situations, our demeanor speaks volumes as to the person that we truly are. People can talk and talk and say all of the right things, but it comes down to what they DO. Our actions always speak louder than our words. I  want to be known as someone who backs up my words by my actions. Words in and of themself can be so meaningless and can be the cause of bad reputation. Our actions have the power to make a good name for ourselves, or a very poor name. In a funny sort of way though, it's those people who do not follow through on what they say that are the ones teaching us to be longsuffering, right?!

Once we have experience, a tried character, we will have hope, an expectation of good. I believe that as we learn to be longsuffering, we will be able to abide in the hope that the trial we are going through, or the person who is "trying" us, will eventually work out for the best. Even if the best is simply our own personal growth in being longsuffering! That's kind of what this is all about, right? But also, sometimes in practicing patience with another person, you may end up winning them to Christ or if they are already a fellow believer, given time you may allow them to see the error of their behavior and ways and then they will thank you for not giving up on them, no matter how poorly they may have treated you. You begin to have hope that that person is capable of producing good.

As a side note though, I will say that sometimes there are just truly toxic people, who are not the kind of influences or role models that you want involved in your life. It is important to be able to recognize those people, pray for them, love them from a distance, but don't sacrifice the well being of your family or compromise your beliefs in an attempt to help those or reach out to those who have no desire to be helped or who see no reason to change. Make your peace with them, but if they are unreceptive, "shake the dust off of your feet." (Matthew 10:14) A couple of verses that you can read in regards to avoiding the company of "Christians" who cause divisions or walk disorderly are Romans 16:17-18 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6. If you have someone like this in your life, really take the time to pray and see how God would have you approach that relationship.

It is my prayer for anyone reading this post that you would be encouraged to continue on in your trials and struggles and allow the Lord to grow your character through the testing of your patience. I desire to continue to grow in the character of being lonsuffering, and while it's scary to say that, I pray that as the trials come, my actions would define me as calm, loving, loyal, caring and patient. This can only be done through much prayer and reliance on God.

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." 

Colossians 1:9-11

But The Fruit Of The Spirit Is... Peace

Peace... I'm such a mom. The first thing that pops into my mind as I think about the word peace is, "I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart... Where? Down in my heart, where? Down in my heart!" Maybe it's because this is Leilani's song of choice at the moment, or maybe it's just so ingrained in my mind from when I was young. Either way, it's easy to sing, but when you think about it, really hard to understand! Perhaps that's why it's a peace that passes understanding?

I don't know that I've ever really taken the time to think about peace. Of course it's something that I am always longing for... Peace and quiet, peace in relationships, peace in the world so that I don't have to be terrified of raising children in it... Peace, peace, peace. But, seriously, what is peace?

The word peace used in our text in Galatians comes from the Greek word eirene and has multiple definitions that I will list out for you.

1. a state of national tranquility

a. exemption from the rage and havoc of war

2. Peace between individuals, i.e. harmony, concord

3. security, safety, prosperity, felicity (because peace and harmony make and keep things safe and prosperous)

4. of the Messiah's peace 

a. the way that leads to peace (salvation)

5. of Christianity, the tranquil state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with it's earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is

6. the blessed state of devout and upright men after death

I believe that the definition most applicable to this portion of scripture would be #5, since we are talking specifically about a Christians character as opposed to national unease or relational wars. Let me restate the definition again, because I think it sums it up perfectly. Peace is the tranquil state of a soul assured of it's salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with it's earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is. To me, this sounds like contentment! So, does contentment aid in our ability to exude peace?

Hmm... well, in order to answer my previous question, what is contentment? Contentment is satisfaction and ease of mind. It is being mentally or emotionally satisfied with things as they are. To be content is to assent to or will to accept circumstances, a proposed course of action, etc. I don't know about you, but I definitely find it hard to be at peace when I am discontent about something. 

In this culture of "self entitlement" that we live in, we are quick to think that we are owed something, or that life isn't fair if we don't have as many material "things" as the next person. If you start thinking about being discontent with one thing, a whole list of things will quickly compile... "If I only had more money..." or "If only my husband were as romantic as her husband..." or "If only my house were located in this very specific location and was at least this big..." or "If only my kids were as well behaved as their kids..." or "If only I looked as good in my skinny jeans as her..." 

How can anyone be at peace when there is a war raging within themselves? Easy... They can't! In 1 Timothy 6, Paul is writing to Timothy regarding false teachers who were of corrupt minds, who were of the mindset that gain is godliness, basically, the more you have materially, the more God likes you because if God didn't "like" you then you wouldn't have all of these "things." This couldn't be further from the truth! Paul warned Timothy that from people like this, withdraw yourself! Paul then goes on to say, 

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, oh man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness..." 1 Timothy 6:6-11

Nothing like a heavenly mindset to wake us up! Not a single day of our life is guaranteed. Not a single material thing we come to possess on this earth has eternal value. Why do we allow our peace and contentment to be robbed from us over such temporary insignificancies? (I might add though, that if you are blessed financially or materially, this is not a sin! Be thankful and give God praise for what you have and honor Him with what He has given!)

If we are to show forth the peace of God's Spirit in our lives, then we need to take every thought captive. We need to redirect our focus. When everyone and everything around us is so unsatisfied and materialistic we need to remind ourselves, yet again, who we belong to and where our true home is. We need to cultivate hearts of thankfulness for the many, many things that we do have and take for granted on a daily basis: a roof over our head, wherever that may be, food for at least 3 meals per day with some left over, clothing to cover ourselves, brand name or not, and even fresh water to drink. These are all delicacies that someone else may be wishing "If only I had..." 

As you bring forth peace in your life, you will become a peacemaker, seeking to reconcile the brokenness around you. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9 The more you can be content in whatever state you are in, with whatever you may have, the more your mind and soul will be able to rest, and truly feel peace. 

Here are a couple more scriptures to read and ponder in regards to the peace that comes from God.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Romans 8:6 "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."

Romans 14:19 "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

James 3:18 "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."

And finally, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all."

But The Fruit Of The Spirit Is... Joy

I have felt it placed upon my heart to do a little mini devotional series that goes through the fruits of the Spirit. Since the entirety of all of the fruits can be summed up in the first one listed, which is love, I want to save that one for last. Today I want to start by looking at what it means to have joy.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

What is joy? For some, it is that feeling of elation that you feel Christmas morning as you gather around a tree full of gifts. For some, it is found in the new life of a child. To others, joy is simply being able to pay the bills for another month. Joy may be found in a sunny day or spending time with the ones you love. These are all so temporary though! What happens when the gifts have all been opened, the baby grows to be a toddler, or better yet, a teenager, or the sun turns to rain? As a characteristic that we are to exhibit on a regular basis, no matter what our circumstances, what is joy? 

According to the dictionary, joy is an emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation. One of the synonyms listed for joy is literally warm fuzzies. Just the thought of that brings a smile to my face. Who doesn't like the warm fuzzies?! (For anyone who may not know what the warm fuzzies are, they are a real thing! They are described as feelings of happiness, contentment, or sentimentality.)

In the original Greek text that this verse was written in, the word joy simply means gladness. This joy is the same joy that is referenced when the wise men saw the star in the sky announcing the birth of our great King, Jesus. This is also the same joy that all of heaven feels at the salvation of a single soul. 

Based on the definitions of joy, it appears that joy is a result of something good happening to us, but joy is listed as a "fruit" that we are to always exhibit, not only when we are feeling good, but also in times of difficulty or trial. In James 1:2 we are told to "Count it all joy when you fall into divers (various sorts of) temptations..." How can one do that? Temptations or hardship or struggles are not what I think of as a source of joy. 

There is one way to have and maintain this Biblical joy at all times. That is to know who you are and who you belong to. As a Christian, we are children of the Most High God, children of the King of Kings. Our joy is only found and maintained when we are in fellowship with our Abba, Father. Our biggest blessing that no one and nothing can steal away from us is the gift of our salvation and through that salvation, full time access to the Father. If we are to bear much fruit, the fruits of the Spirit, the Spirit of the Lord, then we need to know the Spirit we seek to mimic. How do we get to know that Spirit? In the same way we get to know anyone else. By spending time with Him. By conversing with Him. By trusting Him. By reading His word. By being in constant fellowship with Him. The fact that we have this salvation and this access to God is enough to have joy  for the rest of our days!

1 John 1:1-4 "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you, that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." 

Our joy is also maintained by cultivating a heart of constant worship. You cannot help but have the joy of the Lord when your heart is focused on Him more than any other temporary circumstance that may be occurring in your life.

Luke 24:52-53 "And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen."

If you feel like you are lacking joy today, and you know who you belong to, start worshiping! Start praising God! Although at times it may not seem like it, the current struggles of this world that may be dragging you down and robbing you of your joy are temporary. Don't allow the enemy to use temporary afflictions to rob you of eternal joys. Thank God that He is using those "afflictions" to build you up into a stronger, more joyful person than you have ever been before. Don't miss God in the bad times. Look to Him! 

I have heard joy defined with the acronym "Jesus, Others, You." When you take the focus off of yourself and place it first on Jesus, and second on others, you have no time leftover to dwell on your circumstances. There is joy in serving others. 

Galatians 5:13 "... but by love, serve one another." 

Be a source of joy to others around you. Your joy is contagious. When you know who's you are and where you are headed for all of eternity, you will send out the fruit of joy in your life. It will be second nature. Shine that light of joy! It's contagious for yourself too. The more joyful you are, the more joyful you want to continue to be! 

Be Still My Soul

Psalm 42:11

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

This verse continues to play over and over in my mind today as I sit and type. Many of my close friends and family are struggling. Struggling with health. Struggling with finances. Struggling with emotions. Struggling with relationships. Struggling with self worth. Struggling with the weight of this world. Sometimes just hearing about all of the struggling causes me to struggle, and the struggling goes on and on and on. Why do we allow the temporary struggles of this world to get us down? Why do we allow them to steal our joy? How can we fix our eyes on the things that really matter? WHAT are the things that really matter? In a world that is crumbling beneath us, where do we find hope?

Why do we allow the struggles of this world to get us down? Because we are human. We tend to get so caught up in the here and now and we forget the future and eternity. Also, because we have an enemy. Not just a person who rubs us the wrong way and so we avoid them at all costs enemy, but a real enemy, an enemy who is constantly on the prowl looking for ways to devour us. Looking for ways to rob us of our joy.

1 Peter 5:8

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

That word devour is a STRONG word! The devil not only wants us to struggle, he wants us completely devoured. This use of the word devour means to swallow up and destroy, to consume destructively, recklessly, or wantonly. 

When we feel ourselves beginning to allow our enemy to succeed in devouring us, robbing us of our joy and peace, what should we do? Hope in God. He is the health of my countenance, MY God! Bring to mind scriptures, such as: 

2 Corinthians 4:17 

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." 

or

Romans 8:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."

We need to remember where our hope is found. We need to focus and meditate on where our hope lies.  I love the words from the following hymn speaking of where our hope is found.

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, supports me in the whelming flood

When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand

All other ground is sinking sand.

What is hope? Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best. Hope in God. Nothing else in this world is sure. Hope in things that matter for eternity, not temporarily. What is joy? Joy is the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure and elation. Our joy comes from knowing who we belong to and where we are going when this life is over. 

1 Peter 1:3-9

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations (trials): That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ; Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls."

There are many trails here that I can go down, but for now, be encouraged, be exhorted and walk in the hope and joy that is yours as a child of the King! My prayer for everyone who reads this and is struggling with something, whatever that something may be, is this: 

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

Amen.