Rotten Motives

“I’ll tell you what these false brothers and sisters are counting on: your attention. They are ravenous for it. They are not acting honorably or in your best interests. They want to keep you away from the good news we proclaim so they can have you all to themselves.” (Galatians 4:17 VOICE)

Have you ever wondered why certain people are interested in you? Is it that they find you fascinating or that they want your attention? Do they have your best interests at heart? Or, are they merely trying to feel relevant?

I have learned to be suspicious of people who put up false fronts. They are like those buildings with tall facades that extend beyond their true dimensions. They want to lure you in by appearing to be more than they are--more fun, more wealthy, more friendly, more flattering, more attentive.  What do they hope to get out of all this? They want your attention and validation. They hope you will become dependent on them for approval, seeking their guidance. This makes them feel significant. What’s wrong with this type of relationship? It pulls us away from authentic connections that lead us to growth. Those who are honorable, who will put our best interests over their own, are rare and precious. You can identify these people by the consistency and sincerity of their actions. There is integrity in all their relationships. They find joy in bringing out the best in others, guiding them to Grace. 

Staking a Tree

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” (Galatians 3:24-25 NASB)

Years ago, my husband and I planted several trees in our backyard. These young saplings needed to be supported until their roots were well established. Thus, we staked the trees by attaching them to metal poles with ropes. The trees survived and grew. The next year, when we went to remove the staking, we noticed that some of the trees showed scarring where the ropes had been attached; a few even had bark growing around the ropes. It took a bit of effort, but we took off the stakes and the trees continued to thrive. 

Similarly, religious laws, traditions, and rituals can be useful tools that aid those who are not yet anchored in Christ. They provide support while we establish roots in faith. However, many of us rely on religion to permanently hold us up in our relationship with Christ. We become wrapped up in familiar ceremonies and beliefs--substituting church activities and denominational allegiance for faith. Prolonged dependence on religious organizations can constrict spiritual growth. We must learn to trust God alone, seek to know Him and be known. As we send out roots to the deepest parts within our souls, we receive nourishment and stability. Anchored in Christ, we grow tall and straight, mature in faith. 

Practicing Faith

“Don’t just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception.” (James 1:22 TPT)

In the U.S., physicians need a separate license to work in each state.  Obtaining licensure can be time-consuming and onerous. Thus, many doctors continue to pay dues to maintain their privileges, even after they have moved out of state. A dues-paying member who has not practiced medicine in a state for years can, thus, still be a licensed healthcare provider in that state. 

Many churches use a similar approach to membership. They assess growth by numbers--bodies that walk in the door and money collected each week. Those who pay their dues are considered in good standing, even if they do not practice their faith.  

Those who listen to the Word of truth but do not respond to it are deceiving themselves and others. Practicing the teachings of Christ--not church affiliation--leads to godliness. If our everyday life choices and values do not reflect compassion, inclusivity, justice, devotion, and honesty, then we are not true followers of Christ.  A changed perspective, responsive obedience, and the desire to please God above all else are the signs of true spiritual growth. 

Sunday Christians

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5 NLT)

What if your elderly grandpa were in a nursing home, and everyone in the family visited him on Sundays. There are bound to be some family members who show up out of a sense of obligation or duty. This is how many of us view God--someone who lives in church and expects a visit from us every Sunday.

Church attendance may appear religious, but it does not equal intimacy with God. Sitting in a pew for a few hours on Sunday may make you feel pious. However, if you live the rest of the week detached from Christ,  what’s the point? Gathering together to worship God and grow in faith is a good thing. Unfortunately, many ‘Christians’ have rejected the power that could make them godly. They prefer pleasure, comfort, and self-importance over living as Christ did. Many churches have become congregations of like-minded people who come together once a week to see and be seen. They may have successful fundraising events, construct large buildings, develop impressive programs, entertain the masses, provide moral lessons, and provide avenues for socializing. They may use God’s name while they do all this, but it is all in vain.  For you cannot revere Christ one day a week and ignore His teachings the rest of the days. Sunday Christians who turn into weekday hypocrites dishonor God. 

Accepting My Voice

“Do everything you can to present yourself to God as a man who is fully genuine, a worker unashamed of your mission, a guide capable of leading others along the correct path defined by the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 VOICE)

I have always had a deep voice. When I was young, high-pitched voices were considered feminine, especially when singing. I was told that my natural voice was not pretty; in order to sound acceptable, I was encouraged to sing in falsetto. I could not express myself fully in this limited vocal range. However, I succumbed to cultural expectations. I chose to sound appropriate rather than authentic. Years later, I discovered several female singers with beautiful, deep voices. They expressed themselves with power and passion. These women taught me that it was okay to be different. Eventually, I became comfortable with my own voice. I decided that I would rather be rebuffed for being true than be accepted for being false.

These days, I focus on speaking and writing more than on singing. I want to articulate my thoughts in ways that increase understanding--for myself as well as others. I am aware that my voice may not be pleasing to everyone, but that is okay. Authenticity is never shameful. I would rather be rejected for being sincere than be approved for being counterfeit. I concentrate on being the person whom God created, conscious that my differences are my gifts, unapologetically genuine, always seeking truth and understanding. 

Power Steering

“When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 MSG)

My first car did not have power steering. It was hard to maneuver, especially at slower speeds. I would have to turn the steering wheel and wait for the car to respond. These days, most new cars have computerized power steering. Not only does this make cars more responsive to the driver’s touch, it also increases fuel efficiency and safety. 

Reverence and sensitivity to God allow us to recognize the energy of the Holy Spirit within us--God himself willing and working at what will give Him the most pleasure. When we are steered by God’s Power and not by our own effort, life transitions are less laborious. We become one with Christ, in relationship, responsively obedient to His touch. Under His guidance, our movements remain efficient, steady, and secure. 

Mutual Edification

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Romans 14:19 NIV)

In a pasture near my home, there is a herd of black cows of various sizes. There is one calf that looks different from the rest.  It has a large white patch of skin around its middle. It sticks out among the herd. I wonder if this calf is more likely to be a prey for coyotes. 

Communities are similar to herds. There is comfort in numbers, so people seek to form tribes with others who are similar.  It is safer to conform than to be odd. Just like in a herd, being different can cause you to be a target of predators.

Ironically, it’s common to feel uncommon. Most everyone I know feels unusual--like an oreo cow in a herd of black cattle. Depending on your attitude, you might see yourself as either a misfit or as extraordinary.  When we recognize that everyone is unique in their own way, we are able to make peace with our individual differences and work towards mutual edification. Our focus shifts from self-valuation to uplifting, encouraging, and enlightening others.