Category: Accountability

Against the Current

Part 1: Obeying God Rather Than Men

Gentle waves lapped at my ankles as I waded into the water clutching my boogie board. My two older brothers stood nearby cautioning me to let them test the conditions first. As a stubborn middle schooler, I was convinced this was a ploy to ditch me. They relented to prove me wrong and, with reluctance, beckoned me to join them. Within minutes we were caught in a powerful rip current, unable to paddle further out to the waves or to get back to the beach. Our only option was to swim toward a lava bed nearby. Within arms’ reach of our destination, a set of waves rolled in and heaved us onto the jagged shore. Gasping for air, I had no strength to fight the receding water pulling me back out. Had my brother not reached down and caught my wrist, I’m not sure I would have made it to safety. 

You probably know how difficult it is to swim counter to a strong current. Whether it’s literal or metaphorical, you understand how moving in opposition to an extreme force saps your strength and leaves you feeling helpless.

Maybe that’s why Peter and the other apostles inspire me so much in the book of Acts. Time and time again, they choose to paddle against the current of their culture for the sake of the gospel. One of the best examples is their reply to the Jewish elders who order them to cease preaching about Jesus. With boldness, they respond: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29b, ESV) Their confident and unwavering stance sets the tone for all followers of Jesus to remain steadfast in obedience to God despite persecution, ridicule, and rejection.

So how do we know when God is calling us to swim against the current? This can be a bit confusing since in most cases, Scripture calls followers of Jesus to obey human authorities (Romans 13:1–2; 1 Peter 2:13–14; Titus 3:1; Hebrews 13:17). We’re also urged to pray for those in power (1 Timothy 2:1–2; Romans 13:6–7). However, there are situations when human law or current culture contradicts God’s clear commands in the Bible. In those instances, we need to align with the Lord, even when following people or laws with lower standards would be easier.

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “What is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.” Rather than defaulting to the path of least resistance in our culture, followers of Jesus need to seek understanding in challenging and confusing issues. John, who paddled against the current throughout Acts later wrote: “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17, ESV)

Like Peter and the other apostles in Acts 5, we need to know and apply God’s Word when the world pressures us to affirm what the Bible condemns. It’s vital that we learn about thorny issues that make us uncomfortable by exploring the Bible, praying, and seeking wisdom from the Spirit—especially when the godly response isn’t clear cut. Peter explains this when he writes: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (1 Peter 3:15-17, ESV italics added for emphasis) 

Swimming against the current requires strength, wisdom and trustworthy companions. Consider where you may be prone to letting the current of our culture determine your views and responses. Ask the Lord to show you anywhere that you’re compromising with the world. Invite Him to give you greater understanding so you can align with His will. Then pray for the courage to take action on what He shows you. 

Part 2: Applying Truth Wisely

One word of caution: swimming against the current of the mainstream doesn’t automatically mean we’re aligned with Scripture. There are several mindsets that can lead us into faulty thinking–damaging our credibility as witnesses and hurting others. Here are several perspectives we’d be wise to avoid:

Falling into legalism. Webster’s Dictionary defines legalism as “strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.” Relying primarily on opinions of one specific person, taking random Bible verses out of context, or automatically applying one principle to multiple situations veers us towards legalism. Legalism is a shortcut that limits deep thinking, overlooks prayer, fosters self-righteousness, and squelches spiritual discernment. These practices tend to make us harsh, judgmental, and insensitive. They lead us to focus on condemning others instead of discerning godly responses to them. We can avoid being legalistic by maintaining a teachable spirit, seeking wisdom in prayer, and examining Scripture thoroughly. Legalism often eliminates love and excuses bad behavior. Peter counters this saying: “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:7-8, ESV)

Following false teachers. Believers must be knowledgeable about Scripture so they can recognize faulty teaching. There are many leaders and influencers who swim against the current in unbiblical ways. They mix a little bit of Scripture with a lot of worldly wisdom. False teachers use Christian language we recognize in ways that it was never intended. Often, they are funny, relatable, winsome, and compassionate. If you hear a wildly different interpretation of Scripture that seems to affirm ideas contrary to anything else you’ve learned, it’s time to do some research. Peter writes an entire chapter about this: “there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.” (2 Peter 2:1b-2, NIV)

Forgetting the real enemy. Swimming against the current sometimes fosters an “us versus them” mentality. It’s easy to slip into this mindset when we encounter people who think and act differently from us. Rather than drawing lines and becoming offended or condemning, we need to remember that people aren’t the true enemy, Satan is: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV) The apostle Paul gives clear wisdom for how to respond to those who differ from us: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  (Romans 12:14-18, ESV)

Our culture today stands divided on many issues that are destroying families, ending friendships, and causing deep hurt. As followers of Jesus, our obedience to God matters more than anything else—but that shouldn’t be an excuse for poor behavior. We’ve received the power of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Jesus’ work in our lives. We’re called to a higher standard, so let’s swim against the current while avoiding these common pitfalls. Instead, let’s strive to reveal God’s love to a world that desperately needs hope that only the gospel can give.

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www.marybethmccullum.com: Against the Current

Walking Worthy

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”
Ephesians 4:1 ESV

Summer kicked off with some challenging situations for me. Instead of feeling relaxed and carefree, I’ve struggled with angst and confusion over how to handle several relational difficulties. It seems that I’ve had a steady drip of interactions that require prayer for clear wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit. 

My prayers often include two requests of the Lord: “Show me what You want me to know and show me what You want me to do.” Ephesians often gives me answers to both questions. As I’ve been studying it, I keep coming back to chapter four. It includes so much practical wisdom for how God calls us to live. I keep thinking of phrases Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus each time I tiptoe into a conversation that feels like an emotional minefield. Since all of us go through challenges in relationships, it seems like unpacking some portions of Ephesians 4 that have spoken to me might be worth sharing. 

Here’s some quick context on Ephesians before we dive into the middle of this weighty book: The first three chapters include some important theology–evidence of God’s nature and character. These chapters also include doctrine—the beliefs that are foundational to our faith:

  • Paul emphasizes the inclusion of Gentiles into God’s family through accepting Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7, NIV)
  • Paul also highlights that we cannot earn our way into God’s family through good behavior: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)
  • Additionally, Paul explains how all followers of Jesus are part of a unified body meant to work together for God’s purposes: “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:6, NIV)

In chapter 4, the topic shifts from explaining doctrine about God and our standing with Him to describing what it looks like to practice our faith in daily living. Paul starts by saying: “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” (Ephesians 4:1-4, NLT)

Let’s break down Paul’s wisdom here and explore how we can apply it.

Lead a Life Worthy of Your Calling:  With lives rooted in Christ, we’re meant to bear fruit that reveals the presence of the Holy Spirit. We don’t react in the flesh and let our emotions get the best of us. Instead, we let God’s Word guide us to wise responses that honor Him. When we’re tempted to think another person is the problem, we stop first and examine ourselves. We seek to respond in a way that’s worthy of our calling in Christ so we can reveal His presence in our lives.

Always be Humble and Gentle: Being humble means setting aside pride and not viewing ourselves as superior to others. As followers of Christ, we never forget we are sinners saved only by grace. Because we’ve received God’s forgiveness, we’re aware of our pitiful state without Him. Remembering this keeps us from becoming superior and condescending. Humility causes us to be gentle—mild, moderate, and kind rather than harsh or severe in our demeanor and actions. Humility and gentleness stand in opposition to the brash and strident ways the world calls us to react.

Be Patient, Making Allowance for Faults Because of Your Love: As followers of Jesus, we’re called to remain calm and understanding when faced with frustrating behavior in others. Instead of focusing on their faults, we stop and remember how much God loves us despite our shortcomings. This makes us more apt to be patient. Additionally, choosing to love them prevents us from rooting ourselves in stubbornness or the desire to magnify their faults. Patience allows us to remain calm and loving instead of short-tempered and harsh.

Keep United in the Spirit, Bound Together with Peace: Through the bond of the Holy Spirit, believers seek to stay united with one another. Because we have peace with God and ourselves through Christ, we’re more equipped to seek peace with one another. This reflects Jesus’ heart for us: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” (John 17:20-21, NLT) God’s intention is for the unity of Christ-followers to prompt others to believe in Jesus. Believers who strive for peace and unity with one another reveal Christ to a cynical world. 

Any time people interact, there’s the possibility that miscommunication, hurt feelings, or offenses will occur. Without the wisdom of the Holy Spirit we’re prone to place blame on the choices of others. In the midst of frustration and hurt, we default to feeling superior and prideful. Our flesh tells us we’re justified in having harsh thoughts or lashing out in anger. While it’s easy to focus on faults of others, this certainly doesn’t increase our love for them, bring peace to the relationship, or point them toward Jesus.

When we walk worthy of Christ, we reveal an understanding of God’s deep love for us. This humility opens us to being gentle and patient with others, providing mutual blessing and giving glory to the Lord. Let Andrew Ripp’s “For the Love of God” remind you of this important truth today. Click here to listen.

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Revering God’s Name

After living under the rule of Pharaoh and his slave drivers for 430 years, the Israelites needed to learn how to live free. To function effectively as a nation, they had to understand how to relate to authority and to one another. So, God established commandments that would free them to have right relationships both vertically and horizontally. Moses delivered these commandments to them at the base of Mount Sinai, as recorded in Exodus 20. 

The first five commandments focus on relating to the authority of God: “You shall have no other gods before me…You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below…You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name…Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy…Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:3, 4, 7, 8, 12, NIV)

Times are different, but these commandments still have relevance for us today. I could write multiple posts on each of them, however I’d like to focus on the one sandwiched right in the middle. Breaking it has become so commonplace that even devoted followers of Jesus do it without a second thought. There are numerous ways to misuse the Lord’s name, but let’s explore one that’s most obvious and easiest to correct when we’re intentional.

Do you remember the first time you read an abbreviation in a text message? Maybe it was “LOL” (laughing out loud) or “FYI “(for your information) or “BTW” (by the way). I’ve incorporated several into my texting vocabulary, but there’s one that I’ve never added and never will: OMG (oh my God). Even writing it here makes me cringe a little. 

From the time I was a child, my parents were emphatic about their kids not saying this common exclamation. For them, it was on par with using forbidden swear words. This confused me because I heard other kids use the phrase regularly with no reaction from adults. My parents had a similar stance about using “Jesus Christ” to express frustration, anger, or disgust—it was definitely not ok, ever. I followed these rules without thinking much about them, mostly because I didn’t want to get in trouble.

As I grew older those two phrases became more and more common among my peers, in popular culture, movies, and TV shows. Even people I knew and respected used them. But as I studied the Bible more, my negative reaction to hearing God’s name misused began to match my parents’ feelings about it.

 One commentary explains: “The third of the Ten Commandments forbids taking or using the Lord’s name in an irreverent manner because that would indicate a lack of respect for God Himself…The name of the Lord is holy, as He is holy. The name of the Lord is a representation of His glory, His majesty, and His supreme deity. We are to esteem and honor His name as we revere and glorify God Himself. To do any less is to take His name in vain.”

In the New Testament, Jesus models the most fitting way to treat God’s name in the opening lines of the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9b, KJV) The word “hallowed” here is a transliteration of the Greek “hagiazó” meaning “to make holy, consecrate, sanctify.” When a name is hallowed, it’s set apart as holy and treated with special honor and care. 

In Scripture, God’s name represents His nature, attributes, and entire being. His name reflects His glory and commands awe, wonder, and praise, as we see in these psalms:

 “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” (Psalm 8:1, NIV)

“He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever–holy and awesome is his name.” (Psalm 111:9, NIV)

By hallowing His Father’s name in the opening 0f the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus shows us that honoring and praising God should be the first thing we do when we engage Him in prayer.  One commentary explains, “Too often we barge into God’s presence with presumptuous ‘to-do lists’ for Him, without being mindful of His holiness, His awesomeness, and the vast chasm that separates our nature from His. That we are even allowed to come before His throne is due only to His gracious, merciful love for His own (Hebrews 4:16). We must never take that grace for granted.”

Like God the Father, the name of Jesus also deserves to be handled with reverence and awe. Between the book of Acts and Revelation, the New Testament invokes the name of Jesus thirty times to bless and heal people. Using Jesus’ name enabled His disciples to perform miracles and to speak with authority. One of the best New Testament passages that shows the power of His name comes from Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:9-11, NIV)

Knowing that all people will one day bow at the mention of Jesus’ name should cause us to feel humility and awe. How could we ever debase it by using it as a cuss word? And why would we want to use the name of His Father as a careless exclamation in conversations or text messages?

If “Oh my God” or “Jesus Christ” are phrases you misuse, please don’t feel judged or criticized, but do consider asking the Lord if you’re showing Him the reverence He deserves. If you’re feeling convicted, confess it and ask Him to tame your tongue (and your typing fingers). Let your intentions mirror David’s: “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NIV)

Marvel at the power of Jesus’ name by listening to Natalie Grant’s “Your Great Name.” Click here to listen.

Commentary quotations from:  https://www.gotquestions.org/Lords-name-vain.html

Inspired by God of Freedom by Jen Wilkin, Lifeway Press 2022, Week 3.

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Seeking Shalom

Her long, tangled hair hung like a curtain in front of her face. With eyes downcast, she wrapped her arms around her chest, shivering in the early morning light. The thin tunic she’d thrown on a few minutes earlier wasn’t meant to be worn in public, but it was all she could find when the men had burst into the room to drag her from bed. Standing before a disapproving crowd, she wondered why the man she’d been with wasn’t there next to her. She may have ignored the commandments about adultery, but she knew both people should be stoned to death according to the laws in Leviticus. 

Shivering, she shifted from one bare foot to the other on the stone steps of the Temple Mount as the Pharisees questioned a young Rabbi from Galilee. She didn’t know this new teacher, but it seemed they had even more contempt for Him than they did for her. Soon she realized she was being used as pawn in their scheme to trap this man named Jesus. But they were no match for Him: “When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ’Go now and leave your life of sin.’” (John 8:9-11, NIV)

Jesus didn’t condemn the woman, but He also didn’t condone her sin. His compassion for her meant that He wanted more for her than the life she’d been leading. He aimed to restore her to the wholeness and harmony for which she was created. Kristi McClellan explains, “The Lord doesn’t hate sin because we broke a rule, law, or instruction. The Lord hates sin because sin disturbs our shalom. It disrupts our harmony, wholeness, flourishing, delight, and communion with God. It disrupts the way God created us to be—in relationship with Him and with one another. In encouraging the woman…to leave her life of sin, Jesus was inviting her into shalom—a renewed sense of the harmony, wholeness, flourishing, and delight the Lord wished for her to know and experience in her life.”1

Kristi explains that God’s laws are His instructions for how to live the abundant life He desires for us. That sounds a lot different than the check list of “do’s and don’ts” I tried to live by in younger years. I remember believing the lie that following God’s laws meant leading a safe, but dull life devoid of fun. I was drawn to the allure of sin and the false freedom it promised. I stayed stuck in a cycle of quiet disobedience for a long time, carrying guilt and shame all the while. I didn’t feel I deserved the Lord’s forgiveness until I was ready to clean up my act. Ironically, throughout this season I was participating in Christian community, attending church, and portraying myself as a “good” girl. Never did I consider sharing my struggles with a godly confidante or asking the Lord for help. The idea of confessing my sin horrified me. I was too worried about disappointing people I respected. I also wasn’t ready for the changes I’d need to make to repent with sincerity.

The world, the flesh, and the devil influence us to believe that God’s ways are rigid, strict, and unreasonable. They tell us that true freedom is found in flouting His commandments and breaking boundaries He sets for our good. It’s not until we’re mired in sin and unable to extract ourselves from it that we realize sin isn’t freedom, it’s imprisonment. David says it well in Psalm 32: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin…Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:3-5, 10, NIV)

Remaining stuck in sin robs us of strength, joy, and peace. It leads to unhealth on many levels– spiritual, emotional, mental, relational, and physical. The longer we carry the burden of sin, the more damage it does to us and those we love. The Bible speaks to this and offers a solution: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) Confessing to God in the quiet of our hearts brings forgiveness, but we may also need to speak it aloud to receive the support needed for change. While this sounds scary, being honest about sin brings it into the light so we can experience deep cleansing and healing. If you’re carrying the burden of sin, ask God to help you lay it down and to lead you to a godly confidante who can walk beside you. 

Jesus longs to restore shalom to your life. Will you let Him do it?

“How Can It Be” by Lauren Daigle is a powerful song inspired by the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8. Listen now and let it encourage you to be honest and receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Click here to listen.

1. Kristi McClelland, Jesus and Women in the First Century and Now, Lifeway Press, 2019, 114.

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A Hard Heart

The showdown between Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus 7-10 displays the Lord’s power as He sends nine different plagues to Egypt, one at a time. Scripture tells us that even as Pharaoh’s people suffer through water turning to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and 3 days of utter darkness, his heart remains hard. Maybe you’ve known someone with a hard heart, or, maybe you’ve gone through seasons of having one yourself. It’s discouraging seeing it in others and not something we want to drift towards in ourselves. So, understanding the causes and solutions for a hardened heart will help us safeguard ourselves and guide us in how to pray for others.

First, let’s clarify the broad biblical meaning of the word “heart.” “The Bible considers the heart to be the hub of human personality, producing the things we would ordinarily ascribe to the ‘mind’… Also, Jesus tells us that the heart is a repository for good and evil and that what comes out of our mouth – good or bad – begins in the heart: ‘A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’”1 (Luke 6:45, NIV)

No one is immune from developing a hard heart. Even Jesus’ disciples experienced this at times. When Jesus overhears them bickering about not having enough bread for their journey, He says: 

“Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

“Twelve,” they replied.

“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?”

They answered, “Seven.”

 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Mark 8:17-21, NIV

Jesus identifies the characteristics of a hard heart as an inability to see, understand, hear, and remember the hand of God at work in our lives. Do you ever lament current circumstances or worry about future ones without remembering how God has provided for you in the past? I do. When we forget to look back at God’s faithfulness or fail to have gratitude, we’re more prone to having feelings of entitlement or resentment when life doesn’t proceed as anticipated. Sometimes our hearts harden when our comfort feels threatened or we don’t get what we think we “deserve.” When we act like God owes us something, we’re overlooking our pitiful state and the Lord’s incredible grace: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-4, NIV)

Similar to lacking gratitude, unconfessed sin also leads to a hardened heart: “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10, NIV) Ignoring sin causes us to lose our sensitivity to wrongdoing and dulls the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It’s a bit like developing thick callouses on bare feet: We feel the pain of sin less as our hearts harden more. Consider David’s words to the Lord when he finally confesses and repents after committing adultery with Bathsheba: “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17, NIV) David’s heart had to be broken over his sin before he could admit it, turn away from it, and be restored to a right relationship with the Lord.  To prevent our hearts from hardening, we need to be intentional about not letting sin build up in our lives. As we consistently confess and turn away from sin, our hearts remain soft and malleable toward the leading of the Lord.

Pride is another factor leading to a hardened heart. “The root of Pharaoh’s hard-heartedness was his pride and arrogance. Even in the face of tremendous proofs and witnessing God’s powerful hand at work, Pharaoh’s hardened heart caused him to deny the sovereignty of the one, true God.”2 Pride causes us to rely on our own wisdom but Scripture tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5-8, NIV)

Neglecting time with the Lord also contributes to a hardened heart because we remain soft and teachable as we seek Him. David provides a pattern for prayer we can follow daily: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-4, NIV) Studying the Bible consistently also keeps our hearts tethered to the Lord: “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:10-11, NIV)

In addition to prioritizing time with the Lord, connecting with other followers of Jesus is vital for accountability. Fellow believers help us to recognize attitudes or behaviors that are dulling our sensitivity to sin or causing us to grow complacent: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, NIV) Gathering to worship and study Scripture with other believers also fortifies our faith and keeps us from drifting into apathy or hard heartedness: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians provides an inspiring example of how to pray for others and ourselves: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” (Ephesians 3:18, NIV)

Click here to enjoy a worship moment Kristian Stanfill’s “My Heart is Yours.”

  1. Quoted from “What are the causes and solutions for a hardened heart?” www.gotquestions.org 

2. ibid

Post inspired by Jen Wilkin’s God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, Lifeway Press, 2021.

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Summer in Sight

A few months ago I read a book called Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge. It urges readers to maintain a mindset that pursues growth and staves off decay. The premise is simple: use it or lose it. As we get older, we have to be more intentional about keeping our bodies and minds strong by consistently engaging in physical activities, intellectual challenges, and community connections. 

Although I’ve always believed in the importance of regular exercise, my regimen has become more focused recently. I’ve ridden a spin bike for several years at my own pace, usually while enjoying a podcast or an audio book. I thought I was pushing myself until I started taking classes online. It was humbling to discover how challenging they were. Turns out I wasn’t training as hard as I wanted to believe because my mind and body were focused on different tasks. Getting them in sync has made my workouts more effective. Instead of putting in half-hearted effort, I’m more aware when I need to modify or take a day off to rest. My endurance has improved and I feel stronger and more durable. Because I don’t want to lose the ground I’ve gained, I’m intentional about making plans and goals to maintain my physical fitness.

As formal Bible study programs wind down and we head into the unstructured months of summer, I see a clear correlation to my spiritual life. I’ve grown in the last year through consistently studying God’s Word and gathering with others to learn together. Now, just because organized groups are taking a break, I don’t want to put the brakes on studying the Bible with others: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8 NIV)

As much as I love the freedom and flexibility of summer, I know I’m better off maintaining a connection with people who will spur me to stay in God’s Word consistently. Just as forsaking exercise won’t benefit my body, taking a vacation from spiritual growth won’t be positive for my heart or mind.  

One of my favorite things about summer is choosing a study and inviting a few people to meet periodically to discuss it. Looking back, I smile thinking of friendships that have grown during breaks from formal group gatherings at church. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me this year.

Why not try it too? Summer is the perfect time to ask a few friends to go through a Christian book or Bible study with you. Whether you meet weekly or pick dates around your travels, you’ll be blessed by continuing in community. There’s no better way to create accountability and remain in God’s Word. Don’t let the relaxed pace and warm weather lull you into complacency. If you’d like suggestions for summer studies, click here for a few options.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV)

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Acts of Obedience

My husband and I call them “acts of obedience.” They’re actions we feel God calling us to take that are confirmed by His Word. Usually they involve things we’re not eager to do because they’re inconvenient, uncomfortable, or costly. Sometimes they require a commitment of time or financial resources. Usually there’s some kind of blessing that springs from our obedience, but it’s rarely immediate, obvious, or what we expect.

Jennifer Rothschild highlights the importance of obeying God using the example of the Jews rebuilding the temple in the book of Haggai: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build my house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored,’ says the Lord.” (Haggai 1:7-8 NIV)

The people had stopped building the temple, opting to tend to their own homes instead. In this passage, they’re urged to reconsider and obey God’s command to re-build His house. Jennifer Rothschild explains, “Sometimes we obey…because deep down, it serves us. But sometimes obeying God just isn’t convenient—kind of like the Jews who preferred to finish their own paneled houses instead of God’s house. Who wants to go up a mountain, gather wood, and build God’s house when you’ve got your own fixer-upper that needs paneling?”

She continues, “We don’t obey to get good stuff from God. We obey to give glory to God. We do it for Him, not for what we get from Him. We can find blessing in the process of obedience regardless of the outcome of obedience.”

Let’s consider three acts of obedience that honor God and explore the underlying blessings they bring.

1) Finances: Including God in our financial decisions is a simple act of obedience that isn’t always easy. Early in our marriage, my husband and I committed to tithing consistently. Although there were many ways we could have spent the first ten percent of our income, we knew God’s Word was clear about the importance of giving. This act of obedience has been painful at times and has meant setting a budget that required us to “give careful thought to our ways.” However, we’ve also discovered an unexpected blessing by giving to God’s work through our church and other organizations. The funds we set aside are the Lord’s, not ours. We’ve loved partnering with Him to give financially because we know we’re honoring Him and blessing others. Obeying the Lord has also brought us joy and led to freedom and peace with our finances. (For a deeper dive on this see Malachi 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Hebrews 13:5)

2) Relationships: Sometimes God calls us to acts of obedience in relationships. For my husband and me, that started before we met. Both of us prioritized marrying someone who followed Jesus because we didn’t want to be unequally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14). We also honored God’s plan for sex to be saved for marriage, even though the world told us this was impossible and outdated (Hebrews 13:4). Over the years, we’ve been called to many other acts of obedience in relationships: initiating hard conversations that we wanted to avoid; offering forgiveness when we wanted to hold a grudge; spending time with people who haven’t been easy to love. Each time we’ve chosen to obey God and do things that are counter to the world’s wisdom, we’ve discovered greater peace and health in relationships. (See Romans 12:9-21, Ephesians 4:17-32, Colossians 3:1-17 for more on this.)

3) Gifts & Talents: Each of us has been given specific spiritual gifts and natural talents to benefit the world around us, to bless others, and to build the Church. I love discovering potential in people, drawing it out of them, and watching how God uses it to grow His kingdom. Scripture explains our responsibility to use what God has given us: “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT) Gifts and talents are resources we’re required to steward, just like our finances. This means considering how we spend our time so that we can share them with others. Using the gifts God has given also leads us to spiritual maturity. If you’re unsure of your spiritual gifts, try taking a spiritual gifts assessment online or check out S.H.A.P.E. by Erik Rees. (See Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Corinthians 12 for more on this).

At first, obedience to God sounds like a burden or a chore, but it’s actually an incredible blessing. When we choose to follow the plans laid out by our Maker, we’re aligning with the way we were designed. This brings pleasure to the Lord while evoking great joy and peace in us.  So, while we aren’t guaranteed specific material rewards by obeying God, we do receive spiritual blessings that are far more lasting and fulfilling.

Is there an act of obedience you’ve been avoiding? Consider praying about it and asking the Lord to help you follow through for your good and His glory. 

Many years ago when I worked at a Christian camp, we sang a song called “I’ll Obey.” The lyrics are simple, but profound. Click here to listen and make it your prayer today. 

Jennifer Rothschild, Take Courage: A Study of Haggai, Lifeway Press 2020, 76.

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Session 4: David’s Confession

Digging my toes into the wet sand, I shook out my hand and kept writing in my journal. In two days, I’d be heading back to the “real world” after serving three life-changing weeks at a Christian camp. I’d already written several pages thanking God for the people and experiences He had used to transform me from a lukewarm Christian to a passionate follower of Jesus. Now, it was time to do the hard work of confronting the sins that I’d been avoiding for years. It felt awkward and embarrassing admitting them, even though God already knew. I feared that I’d fall right back into the same habits once I returned home. So, I told the Lord and asked Him to help me change. What I hadn’t expected was the relief and joy I would feel after coming clean before Him.

Without realizing it, I’d followed the example of David by offering up a heartfelt prayer of confession and repentance. Some scholars believe that David held out for a year before offering his prayer recorded in Psalm 51. He tried in vain to avoid admitting his wrongdoing after committing adultery with Bathsheba and ensuring her husband would be killed in battle. His confession provides a solid example for how to approach God with humility, admit sin, seek forgiveness, and repent.

It was only recently that I learned Psalm 51 has a follow up, also written by David. Scripture labels Psalm 32 as “a maskil of David”– a psalm intended to impart wisdom to others. In it, he emphasizes the importance of confessing sin and seeking God’s forgiveness. Let’s walk through this psalm and see what we can learn from David’s advice.

“Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” (Psalm 32:1-4, NIV)

David starts by describing the blessing of receiving the Lord’s forgiveness. He explains the agony he experiences by remaining silent and not taking ownership over his sin. After describing the oppressive feeling of unconfessed sin, he moves on to show the relief of coming clean: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:5, NIV)

The Lord demonstrates grace by forgiving David immediately once he confesses. The relief he experiences leads him to offer wisdom to others trapped in sin: “Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” (Ps 32:6-7, NIV)

David encourages us to confess our sins and receive protection and security through having a right relationship with the Lord. Next, he shows us that confession paves the way for us to receive direction from the Lord:  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)

Circling back near the end, David helps us to see the negative consequences of refusing to confess our sin: “Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.” (Psalm 32:9-10, NIV)

Using the example of a stubborn animal, David warns us not to hold out on God. Pastor John Piper explains, “When David acted like a mule God put the bridle of suffering on him and dragged him to the barn. A guilty conscience and all the agonies that go with it is a merciful gift to the unrepentant.”1

David concludes Psalm 32 reminding us of God’s great faithfulness. He describes the benefits of remaining within God’s circle of blessing and protection by walking in obedience to Him. Finally, David praises the Lord for His incredible goodness: “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” (Psalm 32:10-11, NIV)

God graciously convicts us of our sin through the Holy Spirit. He also uses the Bible to shine light on our transgressions so that we can confess them, be forgiven, and be restored to unhindered fellowship with Him. Here are a few “flashlight” passages you can explore: Exodus 20:1-17, Galatians 5:13-26, Ephesians 4:17-5:21 and Colossians 3:1-17.

Is it hard for you to admit your sins and ask God to forgive you? The Lord never stops loving us and remains faithful always, but unconfessed sin hinders our relationship with Him. Don’t let stubbornness or shame keep you from receiving God’s grace and accessing His power to transform you. Take David’s advice to heart and come clean before the Lord in prayer. Humble yourself so that you can be refreshed by restored fellowship with Him.

Let Lauren Daigle’s song “How Can It Be” inspire you to confess, repent, and celebrate God’s grace and forgiveness.

1. John Piper, “Go to God in Prayer,” www.desiringgod.org

The GOAT Part 10: Judgement

Bobbing on the ocean’s surface, I listened as the surf instructor reminded me what to do. Standing waist-deep in the water, he shoved my board ahead of a swell and began shouting “Paddle! Paddle! Now stand up!” With one swift motion I pushed myself from my chest to my feet and found my balance as the board moved towards the shore. After years of wanting to learn, it was a thrill to surf in the warm waters of Kauai that day. The long board, low waves, and help from a knowledgeable teacher were key ingredients for success.

As much as I loved the experience, you won’t find me riding the waves in my home state of California anytime soon. There are many aspects of the sport that intimidate me, but the main one is that I’m not an “insider.” There is a whole culture and unwritten code of conduct in the world of surfing. A newbie who doesn’t know better is sure to get a tongue-lashing from locals who don’t appreciate a “kook” messing up their surf session. (Yes, surfers have their own brand of slang and terminology too.)

Of course, surf culture isn’t the only place where “outsiders” may be intimidated to dive in–many people who don’t attend church view it with the same hesitation. There are aspects of our faith that attract them, but much of Christian culture is such a turn-off that they aren’t willing to risk engaging in it.

I’ve had a unique opportunity to spend time weekly with a group of women who once considered themselves “newbies” to exploring faith. When we started meeting, some had church backgrounds but lacked biblical knowledge, while others were discovering the Christian faith for the first time. Regardless of their levels of experience, two things held them back from seeking answers to their spiritual questions before joining our group: hypocrisy and judgment. Most had at least one negative experience with a “churchy” person that had tainted their perspective of God and the Church as a whole.

These honest women have given me an “outsider’s” view into Christian sub-culture. For most of them, our group was the first time they felt safe to ask questions without fearing judgment or criticism. That is why Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount are so striking to me:

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Matthew 7:1-5, NIV)

Judging people labels and categorizes them, diminishing their value and dismissing them based on outward characteristics or actions. Many Christians are quick to let the sinful behaviors and attitudes of non-believers deter them from engaging in relationships. Most people tend to gravitate toward others who think and act like them and who agree with their views. This only compounds the problem. It’s so much easier to judge a person for things we see on the surface than to take time to develop a friendship and to discover what influences and worldviews have impacted their perspectives.

Judging people creates a barrier that prevents opportunities for deeper relationships. It intimidates others and often causes Christians to appear self-righteous. Judging others also puts us in a position of superiority that stands in opposition to humility. It causes us to hide our sins and weaknesses for the sake of pride, making us hypocrites in the process.

Jesus gave us the perfect model for engaging others with love. He took time to get to know people in all stations in life–even the worst sinners. His harshest words were directed not towards obvious “sinners” but toward the most self-righteous and superior people He encountered: the Pharisees.

The next time you’re tempted to make a quick judgment about someone, stop and think first. What factors might be contributing to their actions and attitudes? Examine your heart and ask God to help you see the person as He sees them. Make time to understand them before being so quick to dismiss them.

And to be clear, there is a place for using discernment to hold other believers accountable for their sins. James 5:19-20 explains, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” Helping another believer recognize his or her sin needs to be done in the context of a caring relationship. This isn’t judging someone–it’s loving them enough to point them away from the destructiveness of sin and back to God. How we handle non-believers is different. We shouldn’t introduce them to our faith by pointing out their sin: “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13a, NIV)

Let’s strive to be more like my surf instructor– coming alongside people patiently and helping them to discover the tremendous joy found through a relationship with Jesus.  When we begin with love and encouragement, they may eventually trust us enough to let us address the areas in their lives that need transformation. And there won’t be any need to judge.

Let’s never forget that God gave us grace when we deserved judgment. May the song “Grace Wins” by Matthew West remind you of this foundational truth and motivate you to share His grace with others. Click here to watch.

This post complements the sermon series at CPC Danville. Click here to watch The GOAT Part 10.

The GOAT 5a: Adultery & Divorce

Continuing our march through the greatest sermon of all time, we come to Jesus’ teaching on some hard topics: adultery and divorce. Just glancing at the headlines in any gossip magazine shows us the standards He sets reveal a sharp contrast to what we see in the world today. In this section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus continues to raise the bar, admonishing us to be faithful in our relationships. 

He starts by expanding on the 7th Commandment found in Exodus 20:14: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.”(Matthew 5:27-30, ESV)

Like His discussion on the relationship between murder and anger in Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus again explains that what happens in the heart leads to sinful behavior. Here He addresses the root issue of adultery: lust. While there are times we may admire someone’s appearance, lust moves into the driver’s seat when we take a second look. When we ruminate about that person sexually and let our minds roam freely, we’re headed for trouble.

Jesus uses exaggerated language here to make His point, telling us to gouge out our eyes or cut off our hands if they’re leading us to sin. He’s using hyperbole to get our attention, not telling us to maim ourselves. Being faithful in our relationships means guarding our hearts (Proverbs 4:23) and taking extreme measures to avoid sin. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to “Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NIV)

What might you need to “throw off” to be faithful in your relationships? What distracts or detracts from the people that matter most to you? Is there someone who influences you negatively? A website that leads you down a bad path? A social media platform that takes your thoughts in a negative direction? Are there books, magazines, or movies that make you fantasize unrealistically and see your spouse as less appealing? Maybe it’s time to cut them out of your life.

Jesus continues with another weighty topic: “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Matthew 5:31-32, ESV)

The Bible gives two clear grounds for divorce: (1) sexual immorality (mentioned here and again in Matthew 19:19) and (2) abandonment by an unbeliever (mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:15). There are other instances not explicitly mentioned in Scripture such as abuse or addiction where separation may be warranted. The goal of separation should be for one or both spouses to pursue help and healing with the hope of reconciling. Meeting with a godly, trained counselor to confront issues and challenges should take place before ever considering divorce. Even in the two instances where there are biblical grounds, divorce is not required or even encouraged in Scripture. Confession, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration are the goal. Divorce should only be viewed as a last resort.

While the world sees divorce as a valid option for almost any reason, we can see God’s original intent for marriage in the first couple, Adam and Eve: One man and one woman in a committed, loving, lifelong relationship. God intends for such faithfulness in a relationship to reflect His forever love for His people: “I will betroth you to me forever;  I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.” (Hosea 2:19, NIV) God designed marriage as an illustration of the love and commitment between Himself and His people: “’For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5:21-32, NIV) 

Despite these teachings in Scripture, most of us have been exposed to the pain caused by divorce. If you haven’t been divorced yourself, you’ve witnessed its ripple effects in family members and friends who have experienced the deep hurt it causes. That pain is part of the reason Scripture says God hates divorce (Malachi 2:15-16). Note that it does NOT say God hates divorced people. Nothing could be further from the truth. God’s love and grace are open to us all and there are no second class citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven.

For those who are married or hope to get married, the chances of maintaining a healthy marriage and avoiding divorce increase as we keep our focus on Jesus and let Him guide our relationships: “Contrary to what’s been reported for years, the divorce rate [for Christians] is not 50 percent; it’s more like 30 percent. And then we find that people who keep God at the center of their home and family stay married at far greater rates, and even thrive within those marriages. One of the reasons for this is that those whose first commitment is to the lordship of Jesus put fewer expectations upon their spouses to meet emotional needs that only God can meet. The lessening of unrealistic expectations gives marriages a stronger foundation upon which to withstand difficult times.”*

Sanctus Real’s song “Lead Me” describes the challenges and benefits of fighting for a healthy marriage. After the song, scroll down for some additional resources to maintain a healthy marriage.

Resources to support your marriage:

CPC Danville’s Marriage Mentoring program. Click here for more information.

Making Love Last by Laura Taggert

Becoming Us by Beth and Jeff McCord

I would be remiss not to address pornography, which is a huge issue related to these topics. Here are few articles for you:

“What Does the Bible Say About Pornography?”

“Is Pornography Addiction an Acceptable Reason for Divorce?”

*Quote from article: “Is The Divorce Rate Among Christians Truly The Same as Among Non-Christians?”  

Portions of this post were inspired by Tyler Scott’s sermon at CPC Danville “The GOAT: The Sermon on the Mount Part 5”