Navigating a World of Promises – and Broken Promises

“I promise.” “Pinky swear.” “You have my word.” How many times have you heard assurances like these? And how many times in your experience have such promises been violated? There once was a time when people honestly would say their word was their bond. No need for formal contracts or commitments in writing – a promise was solemn and certain. But not anymore, right? 

Where do we start? It’s too easy to pick on politicians, because it seems their job description includes making promises they have no intention of keeping. Reminds me of the old perfume commercial with the slogan, “Promise her anything, but give her Arpege.”

 

But the promises made/promises broken scenario is hardly confined to the so-called “hallowed halls of government.” Whether it’s your neighborhood mechanic, the contractor you’ve chosen to do work on your house, a salesperson you consult about a major purchase, or even longtime friends, we have all known times when they made promises that were never fulfilled.

 

Whenever the issue of broken promises comes to mind, I think of the 1974 song, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” by Harry Chapin. It’s about a little boy asking his dad to play and spend time with him, only to receive empty promises:

"’When you coming home, dad?’ ‘I don't know when.
But we'll get together then,
You know we'll have a good time then.’”

 

“Then” in this song never comes. In fact, the little boy in the song grows up to be just like his dad: a promise maker and a promise breaker.

 

Someone once observed, however, whenever we point a finger at someone, four fingers are pointing back at ourselves. Each of us – probably more times than we’d care to admit – has been the promise breaker. As Jesus told a group of self-righteous religious leaders, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).

 

The earliest time I can remember was as an adolescent, maybe about 10 years old. I was staying at my grandfather’s home on vacation. I’d befriended a boy my age in the neighborhood; I think his name was Billy. He was having a birthday party and I had agreed to come. But I faced a dilemma when a family friend offered to take me to a bookstore and buy me a gift, since my birthday was just a few days away. 

 

Party? Bookstore? Tough choice, but I remember selfishly choosing the bookstore and not even telling Billy I wasn’t coming to his party. I’m sure, if he’s still living, Billy has long since forgotten how I reneged on my promise – but obviously I haven’t. That’s not the only promise I’ve broken during my lifetime, but it’s one I’ll never forget.

 

Here’s the good news: When it comes to broken promises, there’s one exception. The Lord God is the one true, never failing Promise Keeper. In fact, His promises are actually covenants.

 

Promises can be made without any legal obligation or validity. Covenants, however, are legally binding agreements. Even more important, as one writer said, “An unconditional covenant can be defined as a sovereign act of God whereby He unconditionally obligates Himself to bring to pass specific promises, blessings, and conditions for the covenanted people.”

 

For proof of God’s unwavering promises and covenants we can consider the nation of Israel. Historian Barbara Tuchman once observed that Israel is, “the only nation in the world that is governing itself in the same territory, under the same name, and with the same religion and same language as it did 3,000 years ago.”

 

Dating back to Jacob, the son of Isaac whom God later renamed Israel, the Jewish people have miraculously survived 400 years of slavery, the killing of six million Jews during the Holocaust, and myriad other forms of persecution and opposition. The Promised Land, which the Lord gave to the Israelites following their Egyptian captivity and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, is essentially the same territory occupied by the nation of Israel today.

 

Even better than that, God’s covenant promises are available today to anyone who calls upon the name of Jesus Christ in faith. “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that He has died as a ransom to see them free from the sins committed under the first covenant” (Hebrews 9:15).

 

The “first covenant” refers to the Ten Commandments and all the other laws God established for the Israelites to obey. Repeatedly, however, they failed to keep these laws, in many cases forgetting or ignoring them completely. Hence a new covenant, one of grace – His unmerited favor – made possible only through Jesus’ atoning, once-and-for-all death on the cross.

 

As 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 declares, “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

 

We need not strive to be “good enough” for God’s love and favor. His acceptance is solely on the basis of faith, not according to the things we do and the things we don’t: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).

Which brings us back to being confident the Lord will never fail to keep His promise to us. Galatians 3:18 states, “For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.” 

Add to that the assurance of Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever,” and we can have complete assurance that while everyone else we know – including ourselves – breaks promises, God never will.

Cherishing A Treasure Unlike Any Other

As I picked up my Bible to start my daily reading, I reflected on how this practice isn’t some religious ritual, but rather my means for building upon the relationship God began with me decades ago. And I choose the words, God began with me, very intentionally. There’s no question in my mind that the Lord was the one who pursued me – what poet Francis Thompson called “the Hound of Heaven” – when I had little interest in pursuing Him.

I don’t treasure my Bible because of its pages and print, ink and paper, but because through this book I encounter the God of all eternity and creation – His love, His wisdom, His grace, His guidance, and His truth.

 

Unlike days long ago when I casually attended church – it was a ritual of sorts then – finding God in the Scriptures has become my lifeline. At one time I vaguely sensed there had to be a divine deity; now I know this without doubt because of all He’s done in my life; the truths and principles He has taught me through His Word, and the wonderful people I’ve been privileged to meet over the years who count it their honor and privilege to be “Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

 

Similar to the blind man who received sight from Jesus (John 9:13-39), I once was blind spiritually but now I see. I can identify with the apostle Paul’s bold declaration in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believe: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” There’s absolutely nothing like it.

 

As someone whose financial picture was once totally upside-down, in the Bible I’ve found simple yet profound principles for managing money, starting with the truism, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

 

For a person who used to have little idea about where my life was headed, I’ve often pondered and applied the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” That assurance and its out-workings haven’t failed me yet.

 

In a world in which a lack of sense – or nonsense – seems so prevalent, the Scriptures clearly tell us where to go for wisdom and how to forgo foolishness: “The proverbs of Solomon…for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and fair…. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:1-2,7).

 

Years ago, I met a business leader who had spent much of his life reading self-help and motivational books, listening to taped messages on how to become a success, and using other resources for personal growth. Then he discovered the Bible and started reading it. In short order he disposed of all his other “motivators” and relied exclusively upon the Scriptures not only for guidance as a corporate executive but also for every area of his life.

 

Rather than self-help, the Bible affirms how desperately we need God’s help – His empowerment – to live as He intended and according to the way He designed us. In John 15:7 Jesus declared to His disciples, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (of eternal value). Piggybacking on that, the apostle Paul affirmed, “I can do everything through [Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Many times, I’ve been faced with a challenge and thought, ‘I can’t do this!’ Through His Word the Lord has reminded me, ‘I know. But I can do it through you!’

 

As you’ve noticed if you’re a regular reader, I like to include a lot of Scripture in my writings. That’s because my opinions alone aren’t worth a dime – which isn’t worth much anyway. But in the Bible, we find God’s opinions, which are priceless – they’re the only ones that matter.

This current calendar year is winding to a close. I would hope – and encourage – that if you’re not already doing so, in the next year you’d determine to make meaningful time in the Word of God a regular part of your day. To my way of thinking, there’s no downside to it. 

What In the World Are You Thankful for?

Since Thanksgiving Day falls on a Thursday (as always), I’m posting this a day early. You’ll have a lot of better things to do that holiday than ponder my random thoughts. But I didn’t want to ignore Thanksgiving Day, since most of us have so much for which to be thankful. Perhaps more than we realize.

Recently I viewed a very unusual Thanksgiving song on YouTube with the title, “I Am Thankful.” It’s sung by a group of young children, sweet little songbirds holding signs citing things for which they’re thankful. If you have ever thought, ‘I don’t have much to be thankful for,’ you need to watch this simple video.

Their list covers a wide range of things, many of which we so easily take for granted: Dancing. Singing. Grandparents. Vacations. Nature. Seasons. Animals. Food. Art. Jesus. Rain. Sunshine. Pets. Family. School. Prayer. Godly parents. Books. Music. Freedom.

 

Many other things could have been included in this song, but you get the idea.

 

Most mornings when I awaken the first thought that comes to my mind is, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Not one of us is guaranteed tomorrow, or next week, so we can and should be thankful for each new day.

 

Are you employed? You can be thankful for that, because many are actively searching for employment. Even if it’s not your ideal job, you don’t like the hours you have to work, or have an unreasonable boss, at least you can pay bills and put food on the table. And it’s not a life sentence. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” This time next year you might find yourself in a totally different situation, but God has you where you are for a reason.

 

Perhaps you’re going through a dark time in your life, facing challenges of one kind or another. How are we supposed to be thankful then? If we believe God is sovereign (ultimately in control) and that He desires the best for each of us, then we can give thanks despite adverse circumstances. James 1:2-4 exhorts us to, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

 

Difficult times may test our patience, perseverance – and our faith – but God allows them in our lives to accomplish His purposes in our lives, even if it’s not clear what those might be. Many of us are familiar with Romans 8:28 which declares, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

 

If you’re not going through difficult circumstances, you can be thankful for that. Because in this fallen, broken world, we know hardships and adversity will find us eventually, often when we least expect them. We have the promise of Ephesians 1:3 which states, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” I can’t say that I fully comprehend all that entails, but being “blessed…with every spiritual blessing in Christ” sounds like a great place to be.

 

I wish you and your family a truly blessed Thanksgiving Day, perhaps beyond your greatest expectations. “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20).

Complexities of Families and Communities

A few days from now, many of us will be gathering for our annual Thanksgiving dinners, either with family members, friends, or both. The day will be filled with food (“turkey and all the trimmings,” as it’s often described), festive parades with colorful floats, and traditional football games. But most important are the folks we’ll spend the day with. 

 

The cast of "Father Knows
Best: (Wikipedia photo)

And that can be a good thing – or a bad thing. I grew up watching idyllic families on TV shows like “Father Knows Best,” “Ozzie and Harriett,” “Leave It to Beaver” and “The Donna Reed Show.” These made for enjoyable viewing, but perpetuated the myth that everybody in a family gets along and they always love being with one another.

In our real world, complex conflicts aren’t easily resolved during a 30-minute time slot. If we’re looking for a TV counterpart, many homes are more like the classic show of the ‘70s, “All in the Family.” In it the curmudgeonly patriarch Archie Bunker regularly cast insults at the son-in-law he affectionately called “Meathead.” If nothing else, this comedy debunked the notion of families being continual lovefests.

 

Years ago, I saw a cartoon about a conference being held for non-dysfunctional families. No one showed up. We’re all broken people; even in the best of families, sometimes it’s a struggle to cope with each other. When someone asks, “Why can’t we all just get along,” it can be hard to offer a good answer.

 

I know nothing about his family, but poet Robert Frost observed that a family “is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” Except too often it seems even this sentiment has faded. I recently talked with a friend who has little contact with his children, even though he and their mother divorced years ago.

 

With the mobility of many Americans, families find themselves stretched across thousands of miles. I had aunts, uncles and cousins in California, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York. A true family reunion never amounted to more than wishful thinking. And even if that had been possible, some members would have been welcomed more than others.

 

In the place of the traditional family, transplants from one region to another often find a substitute. It’s often called “community,” whether that means a church, a neighborhood, a workplace, the local bar, or some other social entity. But as with families, hopes for happily-ever-after are fleeting even in the most carefully crafted communities. It was theologian and author Henri Nouwen who stated that a community is “a place where the person you least want to live with always lives.”

 

This reminds me of Jesus Christ and the rag-tag bunch He selected to be His disciples. They consisted of smelly fishermen, a despised tax collector, a rebel against the established government, and others who seemed like misfits at times. We don’t have a lot of details about some of them, but we know Peter was an impetuous sort. James and John were known as the “sons of thunder,” indicating they were known for periodic emotional outbursts. 

 

There was Thomas, who seemed to question and doubt just about everything. And of course, the scheming Judas Iscariot, who was as loyal as a rattlesnake. One of the things I appreciate about the TV series, “The Chosen,” which soon will be unveiling its fourth season, is its imaginative yet plausible take on what these disciples might have been like. Much of it is conjecture, based on details found in the Gospels, but we do know the disciples argued, felt jealousy toward one another, and weren’t above self-promotion.

 

It's amazing how God used this unlikely gang of men to launch a spiritual movement that continues to move full speed ahead 2,000 years later. This is proof in itself of the truth of the Christian faith, grounded in the great assurance that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

 

The Scriptures teach us much about how we can “just get along,” whether in a biological family, workplace team, or a community of people sharing the same mission and values. Jesus said we’re to “love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). He wasn’t speaking of a sappy, fickle emotion, but a willful, sometimes sacrificial decision of both mind and heart.

 

In a family or community, desires and goals are often in opposition. These can escalate into serious conflicts, or we can follow the admonition of Philippians 2:3-4, ”Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

 

Strife within a family or community can result from judgmental attitudes toward others. Jesus warned against this, saying, “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” (Matthew 7:1-2).

 

The Scriptures have much more to say about relationships, but suffice it to say, if we rely on what God teaches in His Word, empowered by His Spirit that indwells us, our holiday gatherings can serve as proof that indeed, our Father knows best.

Sacrifices Aren’t Always What We Think

What does the term “sacrifice” mean to you? Sacrifices come in varied sizes, large and small. We might feel led to give a dollar or two to a “homeless” person standing along the roadside with a sign asking for help. We might pause to help the proverbial little old lady across the street or take in a stray puppy that seems lost and starving.

 

Then there are accounts of people making great, noble sacrifices: A single mom working two or more jobs to pay the bills and provide food and clothing for her children. A father filling the roles of both dad and mom while his wife recovers from serious illness. Parents scrimping and saving so a son or daughter can get the college education that wasn’t available to them. A young man or woman surrendering a kidney for an ailing sibling.

 

In the work world I’ve heard of business owners choosing to forgo their own paychecks so employees can get paid. Staff members working late into the night to ensure important deadlines are met or projects completed. Teachers spending their own money to provide needed supplies for their classes. 

 

Obviously, some sacrifices are more costly than others. We’ve heard stories of servicemen and women making “the ultimate sacrifice,” surrendering their lives on battlefields to save their comrades. These selfless acts affirm Jesus Christ’s teaching that it’s “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Somehow, when we give to others – especially when it’s sacrificial – we can feel rewarded for doing the right thing.

 

The greatest sacrifice of all, many of us would agree, is what Jesus Christ did on our behalf. Romans 5:8 reminds us that, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In 2 Corinthians 5:21 we read a similar affirmation: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 

 

I don’t know about you, but the sacrifice He willingly made to reconcile broken men, women and children to the Father still challenges my full comprehension.

 

Sacrifice is a recurring theme in the Bible. The Old Testament reveals an elaborate system of sacrifices God prescribed for the people of Israel – bulls, sheep, goats and grain – all intended to enhance their worship of the Lord and offer symbolic atonement for sins. Many of these sacrifices served as harbingers of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. But we find a somewhat different perspective on sacrifices in Psalm 50 that fits the season of thanksgiving and celebration we’re now entering. 

 

Speaking to the Israelites, the Lord said, “I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before Me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is Mine and the cattle on a thousand hills….” In other words, their sacrifices weren’t giving anything to God that He didn’t already own.

 

Then the passage makes a shift , telling about a very different form of sacrifice, one the Lord says He prefers: “Sacrifice thank offerings to God; fulfill your vows to the Most High…. He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:7-14,23).

 

We find a similar perspective in Psalm 51:17, which declares, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” This isn’t to say the Lord doesn’t appreciate gifts we offer of our time, our talents and our treasures, especially those that require some level of sacrifice. But what He wants most is our hearts – sincere hearts of gratitude, reverence and worship.

 

Over the next weeks we’ll be bombarded with requests from ministries and charitable organizations for special year-end gifts to support and sustain their work, as well as to express our thankfulness to the Lord for what He is doing. Those are important and should be prayerfully and carefully considered. But as the passages above inform us, the greatest gift we can offer – the greatest sacrifice – is our unwavering, sincere thankfulness for all He has done and all that He is doing.

A Season for Every Purpose Under Heaven

If someone were to ask, “Can you name the four seasons?” many of us would probably respond, “Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.” However, fans of singer-songwriters Simon & Garfunkel in the 1960s might answer, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” recalling their hit tune by the same name.

 

And for those who loved music predating the folk-rock duo by a few years, their answer might be, “Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi” – the original members of the singing group, The Four Seasons, with hit songs like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like a Man.” 

 

Spring, summer, autumn and winter are just
some of the seasons we encounter in life.

Of course, there are lots of other seasons, including: football, baseball and basketball; hunting and fishing; and the holiday season, with Halloween already past and Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s looming ahead.

We encounter many different seasons over our lifetimes. At the moment, we’re in the midst of autumn (or fall, if you prefer). The leaves started changing colors weeks ago and are now tumbling to the ground, forcing many of us to get our rakes and leaf blowers out of mothballs. But every one of us is in a different season of life, ranging from infancy and toddlerhood to the teen years and adulthood. 

 

Even for adults, we’re not locked into one season. There are the early years of finding a job, getting married, having kids, becoming established in a career, then preparing for and entering retirement, and finally, adjusting to the joys and challenges life as a senior citizen.

 

This reminds me of another tune from the ‘60s, “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” composed by Bob Seeger and popularized by The Byrds. You might recall its recurring refrain, “To everything turn, turn, turn, there is a season turn, turn, turn, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” 

 

Interestingly, Seeger acknowledged he wrote only a handful of words in the song: “turn, turn, turn,” and “a time for peace, I swear it’s not too late.” Written during the height of the Vietnam war, with tragic reports daily of soldiers killed in battle, it reflected a desperate cry for peace to be restored.

 

The rest of the song, amazingly enough, was taken directly from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which reads:

“To everything there is a season 
And a time to every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to reap;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down, and a time to build up; 
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; 

A time to mourn, and a time to dance; 
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; 

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; 

A time to gain, and a time to lose; 

A time to keep, and a time to throw away;

A time to tear, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time of love, and a time of hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.”

Seeger rearranged some of the words to fit the rhythm and rhyme of his song, but as the passage from the Bible’s wisdom literature states, “to everything there is a season – and a time for every purpose under heaven.” It’s just as relevant today as when King Solomon wrote it thousands of years ago. Beginning each new day, it would be helpful to consider exactly what season of life we happen to be in and what it might take to fulfill its “purpose under heaven.”

 

The interesting thing is, as we encounter each new “season,” we never quite know what to expect. You’d think that after navigating the various stages of our younger years we’d be able to relax and think, “Ah, now I’ve got it made.” But as I have learned and continue to learn, each new stage brings adventures and conundrums of its own. Reminds me of the fellow who was asked by his doctor, “How are you doing?” He replied, “I don’t know – I’ve never been this old before.”

 

This brings to mind another passage, Ephesians 5:15-16, which admonishes us to, “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” This isn’t saying a 24-hour day in itself is evil, but once it’s gone it can’t be recaptured. So, we should try to make the best of it.

 

Some days – and seasons – seem like a breeze, no sweat. Others pose adversities we could never have imagined. But the Scriptures teach that God can use every season of life, whether it’s easy or difficult, to work in us as well as through us for His eternal purposes and our ultimate good.

Questions About ‘Imposing Our Beliefs on Others’

The newspaper headline caught my eye: “Speaker’s faith is causing mixed feelings: Some fear Johnson will ‘impose’ his beliefs of others.” The “Johnson” referred to is Louisiana congressman Mike Johnson, recently elected as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Although hardly a household name in many American households (frankly, I don’t think I had heard of him prior to his being announced as Speaker), Johnson reportedly has become well-known in Congress for having a strong and unapologetic faith in Jesus Christ. In exploring the “fear” of imposing his convictions on others, the article quoted Johnson’s response to a question: “Someone asked me today in the media, ‘People are curious, what does Mike Johnson think about any issue?’ Johnson said…. ‘Well, pick up a Bible off your shelf and read it. That’s my worldview.’”

 

So, is it wrong to serve in elective office with a mindset of filtering decisions and actions according to a biblical worldview? This in turn raises another valid question: How much, if at all, should one’s spiritual faith influence how we think and act in any area of life, whether in politics, owning a business, teaching at a school or college, holding an hourly wage job, or simply relating to others we encounter every day?

 

Too many people have relegated God to the status of “last resort” – or no resort at all. Some folks speak of their faith as being “private” or “personal,” as if we’re inquiring about their bank accounts or latest medical exams. I would agree that we shouldn’t coerce or pressure anyone into believing as we do, but if we truly embrace the message of Jesus Christ as life-changing and transforming, is it wrong to want to share that with as many people as possible?

 

For the follower of Jesus Christ, faith isn’t like a hat you put on Sundays and hang on a post every other day. The apostle Paul said it clearly while speaking to a group of Greek philosophers in ancient Athens. After noting the idols for many gods being worshiped in that city, he told them about Christ and declared, “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

 

Just as we can’t live without breathing the air that surrounds us, Paul was saying that his faith in Christ was foundational to everything he thought, said, and did. But many people are prone to compartmentalize their lives, including areas of religion and faith. They can look “religious” during worship services but appear more like atheists or agnostics in their daily practices. 

 

Perhaps this is why another apostle, James, made the startling pronouncement, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). ‘Wait a minute,’ someone might argue, ‘doesn’t the Bible state that people are saved by grace through faith, and not by works?’

 

Yes, it does. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” And Titus 3:5 concurs that, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but according to His mercy….”

 

But James goes on to address that apparent contradiction: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe this – and shudder…” (James 2:18-19). The apostle proceeds to cite the patriarch Abraham and the prostitute Rahab as examples of people whose faith compelled them to actions that would have seemed foolish otherwise.

 

Getting back to the headline about new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, if he’s as committed to Christ and the Scriptures as he professes, then according to the passages above he can’t help but lead the House of Representatives in a manner he considers consistent with what the Bible teaches.

 

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). He also told His followers, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on the stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

 

If our desire is to honor the Lord, serving as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), can we do less than let His light shine brightly through us?

 

In the same edition of the newspaper I was reading, another headline caught my eye: “Biden calls for GOP help on gun violence.” Violence being committed with guns is a serious problem, without question. But I couldn’t help thinking that a more hopeful headline would have read, “Biden calls for GOD’s help on gun violence.”

 

Nearly every day we hear or read horrifying accounts about acts of violence, often with guns, across our society. Amid much pontificating, posturing and debate, suggested “solutions” are plentiful. But when was the last time we heard someone urgently calling for fervent, trusting prayer for God to intervene and bring an end to the needless, senseless carnage?

Maybe, just perhaps someone like a Mike Johnson, without “imposing his beliefs,” can lead the way and cast much-needed light when the path our nation is following seems so dismal and dark.  

Music – Much More Than Memorable Melodies

Have you considered how much influence music plays in our lives – including those not musically inclined? Even folks known for accomplishments far outside the realm of music have acknowledged its appeal. For instance, Albert Einstein (you might have heard of him) said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music…I get most joy in my life out of my violin.”

 

Another Albert – physician and humanitarian Albert Schweitzer – stated, “Joy, sorrow, tears, lamentation, laughter – to all these music gives voice, but in such a way that we are transported from the world of unrest to a world of peace, and see reality in a new way, as if we were sitting by a mountain lake and contemplating hills and woods and clouds in the tranquil and fathomless water.”

 

Frenchman and renowned writer Victor Hugo observed, “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent.” I think we’ve all experienced music stirring our spirits in ways we couldn’t audibly express.

Music’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom had been a dancer in her younger years, taught herself to play piano and organ, and we always had music in our house, whether on the radio or the stereo. Weekdays after school, we’d watch “American Bandstand” on TV, Dick Clark’s iconic showcase for the latest singers and bands.

 

Then music took an expanded role in my life after joining the percussion section of our high school’s championship marching band. I never became a great drummer, but enjoyed playing tenor drum, bass drum and cymbals. Being in the concert and dance bands as well gave me an enhanced appreciation for many kinds of music. 

 

We can’t escape it: TV shows and theatrical films feature music in their productions, and commercials use clever jingles or vocal and instrumental music for emotional impact. Some of us are old enough to recall theme songs for programs such as “I Love Lucy,” “All in the Family,” “Lassie,” “Bonanza,” "Mission:Impossible," and “M*A*S*H.”

 

Technology makes music instantly accessible via smartphone apps, headphones, satellite music stations, and digital format. However, music is as old as human history. I’m not sure what melodies Adam and Eve might have heard in Eden, other than the happy chirping of songbirds and wind playfully rustling through the trees, but we find references to music throughout the Bible.

We don't have to read much past Adam and Eve's eviction from Eden to find the first biblical reference to music. In Genesis 4:21 we read, "[Jabal's] brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe." Later in the Bible's first book we find Laban, father of Rachel and Leah, admonishing Jacob, "Why did you flee secretly and trick me, and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with mirth and songs, with tambourine and lyre?" (Genesis 31:27).

Combining both instrumental and vocal music is emphasized in 2 Chronicles 5:13, "The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: 'He is good; His love endures forever.'"

The remainder of the Scriptures are replete with musical references, especially the Psalms. King David frequently returned to the music theme, especially in terms of worship. He wrote, "I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love; for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God" (Psalm 59:16-17).

David expressed in Psalm 40:3 the lyrical, life-changing impact of knowing God: "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in Him."

Another psalm exhorts us to celebratory worship: "Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.... Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name" (Psalm 100:1-4).

In times of adversity, even in prison, music can lift our spirits as we trust in the Lord. "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25). Moments later their chains fell off and a jailer who had witnessed the miracle humbly came to faith in Christ.

It's clear God places high value on music, even beyond this life. The Bible's final book, Revelation, records many times when the gathered saints offer praise to Him in song. Just one example is Revelation 5:9 in reference to Jesus: "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by Your blood You ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.'"

The Lord's desire for music to infuse our relationship with Him is captured in Colossians 3:16, "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Are our hearts singing with gratitude today for all He has done for us?

WWJW: What Would Jesus Write?

Remember years ago, when WWJD was the craze? Books were written, sermons given, T-shirts printed, and bracelets produced with those letters that represented the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” People responded with a wide variety of answers. Some were drawn from what the Bible teaches, others were shaped primarily by, “Well, if I were Jesus, here’s what I would do….”

 

Not wanting to revive that fad, or spark another for that matter, but I’m thinking there’s a similar question worth considering: What Would Jesus Write?

 

You might be thinking, “Whaddya mean?” Before offering my explanation, first I must give credit where it’s due. This idea was sparked while listening to Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth’s “Revive Our Hearts” radio program. 

She was wrapping up a series on the book of Revelation, which includes letters the Lord directed the apostle John to write to seven churches in Asia Minor. John was instructed, “To the church in Ephesus write…,” and then to Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. As with the rest of the Bible, God used human hands to record His thoughts, teachings, and commandments.

 

However, the Scriptures recount one occasion when Jesus paused to write literally, although it’s up for debate what He actually wrote. It happened after Jewish teachers of the law and Pharisees had caught a woman in the act of adultery. They brought her to Jesus, asking Him, “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” (John 8:3-5). 

 

Why did they do this? Feeling threatened by His growing following and fearful that He would usurp their authority, they were hoping to trap Jesus, using His response to discredit Him and His teachings.

 

Rather than giving an oral answer, however, Jesus did something they didn’t expect: “…But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, ‘If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first…” (John 8:6-9).

 

What a curious thing to do when confronted by hostile accusers, right? Granted, no one knows for certain what Jesus wrote in the dirt, but here’s a conjecture: Perhaps He was jotting down sins each of the religious leaders was guilty of committing. Being God incarnate, Jesus might even have written so that every one of them saw their own sins exposed. I don’t know, but maybe?

 

We do know the Lord is fond of the written word. He inspired and guided the writing of the Scriptures, commonly referred to as the Word of God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

 

The Gospel of John opens by declaring, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:2). Expanding on this, Hebrews 1:3 tells us, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” Jesus Christ, the Word of God in the flesh, is incomparable in using words to communicate His truth.

 

Then we have Hebrews 4:12 which asserts, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Again, we see how God uses the written word to convey His eternal, life-changing message.

 

Getting back to Revelation and the letters to the seven ancient churches, to each one God stated, “I know your deeds,” or “I know your afflictions and your poverty,” or “I know where you live.” The Lord is saying He knows each one personally and intimately. For most of them, then came words of encouragement, followed by a warning or an admonition.

 

The exception, expressed in what God directed John to write to the church in Laodicea, were these strong words of condemnation: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot…. So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

 

How would you like the Lord to write that – or something similar – about you? Not me! Professing believers in Laodicea weren’t zealous for God, but neither were they intentionally rejecting Him. They were, in a single word, apathetic. That’s the worst condition of all; they thought well of themselves but were indifferent to the Lord they claimed to believe in.

 

Still, God was not ready to wash His hands of them. He closed His letter to them by declaring, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am: I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).

 

Many of us are familiar with the “I stand at the door and knock” statement. It’s often viewed as an evangelistic invitation. However, the context shows Jesus is speaking to His church, people who would have answered affirmatively to the term “Christian.” Yet they were lukewarm toward Him. In the slang of today, their reaction would be, “Meh,” accompanied by a shrug.

Let’s bring this home by asking ourselves, ‘WWJW: What Would Jesus Write’ about each of us? Might be a tough question to consider. But it’s one we should ponder and pray about, asking the Lord what He would write about us right now.