Love: Who to Believe, Hallmark or the Bible?

Isn’t love grand? It’s so grand we designate a special holiday for it – Valentine’s Day. (It’s tomorrow, in case you’ve forgotten or need to make some last-minute plans.) We have many symbols for this annual celebration of love: red and pink hearts; cherubic-looking Cupids armed with amorous arrows; beautiful floral bouquets; brightly colored boxes of candy; heartwarming images of couples holding each other close, gazing lovingly into one another’s eyes.

 

Hurray for love! Or as the French say, “Vive l’amour!” But how does one find love, true love? As the old country song lamented, many folks seem to be “looking for love in all the wrong places.”

 

If we believe the ‘love gospel’ according to Hallmark, a good place to start is with a “meet cute.” A seemingly random encounter with an attractive stranger, ranging from a memorable glance or inadvertent touch to something more momentous, like spilling a drink on the other person or knocking important papers out of someone’s hands. In any event, they meet. 

 

The chance connection is soon repeated, bringing two people together whether they like it or not. Typically, they’re as different as country mouse and city mouse, but that’s no obstacle for true love, is it? Hallmark doesn’t think so. There’s conflict, but then there’s liking one another, followed by a lot of liking, and finally, falling head over heels in love – amazingly all within the span of a week or so!

 

Heartwarming scenario, right? But isn’t there – shouldn’t there – be more to love than surging hormones, emotions and physical attraction? As Proverbs 31:30 wisely observes, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Animal magnetism is short-lived.

 

Even a casual search through the Scriptures shows Hallmark’s version of love has little in common with the biblical one. One’s all about “me”: What he/she does for me, makes me feel, gives me what I need. In the Bible, however, love is much more about giving than receiving. A verse many of us have heard again and again, John 3:16, makes this clear: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

 

And this wasn’t for just a “cameo appearance,” as the movie folks would call it. He came not only to teach, perform miracles, and serve as a righteous example, but also to perform the ultimate act of love. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

 

Why would Jesus ‘take the rap’ for us? He did nothing wrong; we’ve done many things wrong, so much that Romans 3:10 declares, “There is no one righteous, not even one…no one who seeks God.”  And Romans 3:23 adds, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In other words, not one of us is deserving of God’s love, forgiveness and redemption – ultimately, the promise of life after death and acceptance as members of the Lord’s eternal family. 

 

Nevertheless, in explaining what love is like from His perspective, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). He made this statement within the context of teaching how we’re to love others:

“As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love…. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:9-12).

 

This doesn’t sound like the warm, gushy, sentimental type of love that’s promoted on Valentine’s Day, does it? No, it’s about selflessness and sacrifice.

 

Another passage that powerfully describes what God’s love looks like is found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-13, a passage often used as part of wedding ceremonies. It says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…not rude…not self-seeking…not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails….”

 

Wow! Some of us have a difficult enough time demonstrating the Hallmark kind of love. The others-oriented, humble kind of love presented in the Scriptures doesn’t seem difficult – it seems impossible.

 

From a human perspective, this is true. But the good news, for those of us who have committed our lives to Christ, is we don’t have to muster up the biblical form of love on our own. God never expects us that of us. Earlier in His explanation about love, Jesus made this clear. He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

 

In talking about “fruit,” the Lord wasn’t referring to peaches or apples. Galatians 5:22-23 details what it calls “the fruit of the Spirit,” and the very first of these cited is…love.

So, as we celebrate another Valentine’s Day, there’s nothing wrong with physical expressions of love for our spouse or partner. But we should use this day as a reminder of what God says about love. “By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).  

Advancing – and Growing – Through Adversity

There’s a common misconception being presented from some pulpits across our land that once you commit your life to Jesus Christ, it’s smooth sailing from there. After all, aren’t you a “King’s kid”? 

 

Yes, receiving Christ as Savior and Lord – being “born again” as He termed it in John 3:3 – means we become children of God. But that doesn’t mean never having to face hardships, struggles or pain. The Son of God, Jesus had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20); He endured extreme opposition; and suffered terrible scourging, then was crucified. If our Lord suffered, why should we be exempt?

 

In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul says part of our ‘job description’ as followers of Christ involves adversity. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for Him” (Philippians 1:29).

 

Then Paul declares, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11). “Sharing in His sufferings”? Bold, powerful words, right?

 

The apostle wasn’t writing from a beach resort – he was in prison, fully aware that his time on earth was nearing a close. And yet Paul didn’t complain about his circumstances. If anything, he rejoiced because of them: “…what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13).

 

Even as a prisoner of Rome, Paul used every opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. His message wasn’t falling on deaf ears; even his jailers were hearing and responding to the Gospel. While boldly declaring, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain,” he also told believers in Philippi with confidence, “I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith” (Philippians 1:21,25).

 

Everyone who has participated in an exercise regimen has heard the mantra, “No pain, no gain.” To get stronger, faster, lose weight, recover from an injury, or just get in better shape, it’s going to require strain, aches and soreness. Considering how the Lord often works in our lives – especially in the hard times – we could state this a bit differently: “God doesn’t waste pain.”

 

Looking back over my life, moments I’ve grown the most spiritually have often been while experiencing adversity: major challenges at work; struggling when there was too much month and not enough money left; going through open-heart surgery; working through serious family crises. 

 

Every time I felt like giving up, crying out to God, “I can’t do this!” I’d sense Him responding, “I know, My child, but if you’ll trust Me, I will do it through you.”

 

Years ago, I had the privilege of helping a good friend write a book titled, “Advancing Through Adversity.” Mike was an entrepreneur who had worked hard to build a successful business in the tech industry. He’d committed his company to the Lord and trusted Him to guide his decisions. Still he encountered setbacks that seemed overwhelming.

 

Working through formidable problems wasn’t fun, but ultimately Mike was able to look back and see not only how God had worked to resolve those issues but also how those times served to strengthen and refine his faith. In the process, he became a much more effective witness for Christ as his employees and peers in the industry observed how he coped with one kind of adversity after another.

 

The Bible underscores the value and importance of adversity in our spiritual journey. For instance, Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.”

 

Later in his same letter to Christ followers in Rome, the apostle Paul made a statement most of us have heard many times: “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” (Romans 8:28). This might not seem the case as we’re going through hard times, and it’s sometimes tossed out carelessly as a casual platitude. Even so, it’s true, a promise from God – even though we might only recognize it in hindsight.

 

Another apostle, James, affirmed Paul’s perspective when he wrote, “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” (James 1:2-4).

 

No one wants adversity. The Scriptures don’t tell us to seek it out or pray for it. But when it comes, as it inevitably does, we have the Lord’s assurance that He knows what we’re facing and will indeed use it for our good in transforming us “into the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29).

Telling How He Has Had Mercy on You

Another annual award show was staged on Sunday, the Grammys. (Not to be confused with the Grandmas.) In case you missed it, the show was as much about political posturing and taking “fashion” to the extreme as it was recognizing achievements of singers and musicians. I saw only highlights of it, but it was clearly a celebration for self-indulgence.

 

There was one exception: Jason Bradley DeFord, known by his fans as Jelly Roll, received three prestigious awards. His honors included Best Contemporary Country Album for his album, Beautifully Broken; Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song with Brandon Lake for "Hard Fought Hallelujah," and Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Shaboozey for "Amen."

 

The difference was that instead inserting social commentary in accepting his last award, the 41-year-old singer expressed heartfelt gratitude to the ones who had literally changed his life. After winning the Grammy for his album, he credited Jesus and his wife, Alisa DeFord, in a brief acceptance speech. 

 

“I know they’re going to try to kick me off here, so just let me try to get this out. First of all, Jesus, I hear you and I’m listening, Lord. I am listening, Lord,” Jelly Roll started. "Second of all, I would have never changed my life without You. I’d have ended up dead or in jail. I’d have killed myself if it wasn’t for you (Alisa) and Jesus. I thank you for that,” he said.

 

“There was a time in my life, y’all, that I was broken. That’s why I wrote this album. I didn’t think I had a chance, y’all. There was days that I thought the darkest things. I was a horrible human.”

 

Then, holding up a small Bible, Jelly Roll continued, “There was a moment in my life that all I had was a Bible this big and a radio the same size and a 6-by-8-foot cell. And I believed that those two things could change my life. I believed that music had the power to change my life. And God had the power to change my life.

"I want to tell y'all right now, Jesus is for everybody," he added. "Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with Him. I love You, Lord.!"

  

Other artists had received ovations after spouting political commentary that reinforced the prejudices of many in the audience. However, when Jelly Roll concluded there was a comparative smattering of applause. For some, their refusal to applaud signaled disdain for what he had to say. But perhaps for others, the magnitude of his mini-testimony was reverberating in their minds and hearts.

 

For all who saw his speech – it's on YouTube or the social medium of your choice – it was an unforgettable, live-and-in-person example of Jesus’ command to “…be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Even to the so-called A-list of musical entertainment.

 

Jesus told His followers – including us – that as we go about our lives, wherever we are, we’re to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). Jelly Roll did that, giving credit where it was due – to his faithful wife, and especially to his Savior and Lord. In the process, he shined the light of Christ and sprinkled the salt of the Gospel.

 

In another of the gospels we read about Jesus casting demons out of a man who had been possessed by evil for many years. After this miracle, the former demoniac asked the Lord if he could go with Him. Instead, the Lord instructed him to, “‘Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.’ So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed” (Mark 5:19).

 

This is what He’s calling each of us to do: Tell others how much Jesus has done for us. We might not have spent years in prison for various crimes. We might not have the fame and talent of a Jelly Roll. And we might not have needed to have demons exorcised from our bodies. Our testimonies might be as simple as that of the man who was healed of blindness. When questioned by the Pharisees about what had happened, he responded simply: “…I was blind but now I see” (John 9:25).

It doesn’t matter. All around us are people who don’t know Jesus Christ, how He atoned for our sins on the cross, and how He came to offer what nothing else on earth can provide: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). They don’t know there’s a vast difference between religion and having a relationship with God through Christ. They simply don’t know what they don’t know. It’s our job to tell them if they’re willing to listen. Are we willing to do our job? 

Ever Leave Some Things Unfinished?

To paraphrase a familiar adage, “the road to failure is paved with good intentions.” Whenever we set lofty goals or start major projects, we’re usually filled with good intentions. We make plans, envision how we’ll carry them out, and imagine the final result. But have you ever started a project, became sidetracked, and somehow never got around to finishing it? 

It might be accurate to say that anyone who’s never started something without finishing it clearly hasn’t attempted to do very much. Whether it’s constructing a birdhouse, creating a painting or sculpture, renovating a house, doing some knitting or crocheting, making household repairs, or writing a book, there are times when the good intentions we had at the outset are forgotten or discarded. Maybe it’s being distracted, discouraged, or simply having determined it wasn’t worth the effort.

 

I’ve had the privilege of writing, co-authoring and editing more than 20 books, but I’ve also started a few that never got finished. Maybe I’ll get back to a couple of them, I keep telling myself, but one or two that started off as ‘good ideas’ turned out to be not good enough.

 

Have you ever driven down a highway and noticed a building that appears only half-finished? Judging from the state of incompletion and the weeds surrounding it, it seems someone either ran out of money, initiative, or both. 

 

Jesus Christ referred to this while talking with His disciples about the cost of following Him. He was explaining the sacrifices that might be necessary – “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be My disciple…” (Luke 14:26). Then He switched to a metaphor:

 

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish’” (Luke 14:29-30).

 

Sadly, there have been many who seemed to have responded to Jesus’ offer of salvation and redemption with great enthusiasm, only to take a detour at some point down the road. That’s a topic for another day.

 

Thankfully, the God we worship and serve has no problem with finishing things. We see this emphasized throughout the Scriptures, starting with the very first chapter: “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good…. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work” (Genesis 1:31-2:2). 

 

When Jesus was completing His three-year ministry, going to the cross to become the once-and-for-all atoning sacrifice for our sins, His last words were, “It is finished” (John 19:30). He wasn’t thinking about his final breath, because three days later He was resurrected from the dead. Jesus was saying the work He had come to do was completed. As Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 

Just as the Bible’s first book shows God finishing His work of creation, its final book does so as well. Showing the apostle John in a vision that one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth to replace the first heaven and earth, the Lord instructed him, “‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true…. It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End…’”(Revelation 21:5-6).

 

But there’s another important aspect about God’s unfailing commitment to finishing what He’s started. It pertains to you and me, directly and personally. Writing to encourage believers in ancient Philippi, the apostle Paul made this assertion: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

 

Once you have responded to the Lord’s loving offer of mercy and grace, so that we won’t receive what we do deserve and will receive what we don’t deserve, it’s like He puts a sign on our backs reading, “Under Construction.” Because what theologians term “justification” – the act of being saved – is just the start of our spiritual journey. For the remainder of our days, we’ll be experiencing “sanctification,” the day-to-day process of being transformed into the image of Christ.

 

There are days, I know, when it doesn’t seem like anything’s happening. It might even feel like for every two steps we take forward, we take 3-4 steps back. But from God’s perspective we’re right on schedule. Like a master painter laboring day after day to create an unforgettable work of art, the Lord’s busily removing all our rough edges and adding polish where needed, “carrying it on to completion.”

 

One of my favorite verses in the Bible fills me with amazement every time I read it. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when [Jesus] appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). In other words, if you’re reading this, the Lord’s promise to you is, “I’m not finished with you yet.”

Do People Know You as Being ‘Without Wax’?

“Are You Sincere?” Vocalists have been asking this in song since 1958. Crooner Andy Williams was the first to record the tune, but many others have covered it over the years since, including The Platters, Bobby Vinton, Elvis Presley and Charley Pride – names oldsters like me recognize.

 

It’s an appropriate question for each of us, in a much broader sense: Are you – am I – sincere? To answer this, it might help to clarify what it means to be sincere. Dictionaries offer various definitions – free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings; not dishonest or hypocritical; honest, not lying.

 

An AI overview explains, “A sincere person is genuine, honest, and real…words, actions, and feelings are true and not pretending or deceitful, building trust and showing integrity through authenticity and transparency. They match inner beliefs with outer expressions, making them straightforward and reliable.”

 

Based on these descriptions, how many sincere people do you know? Do they describe you?

 

One reason for considering this is because sincerity is a quality the Bible says followers of Jesus Christ should exhibit. Writing to the church in ancient Philippi, the apostle Paul said he was praying “that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:9-11).

 

Paul packs a lot in that single sentence, but a word that stands out is “pure.” He uses it later in the same letter, urging his readers to, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation’…” (Philippians 2:15).

 

Another word he could have used is sincere, which we get from the Latin “sine cera,” literally meaning “without wax.” But what’s that got to do with being pure? 

 

This term was used in the ancient world, referring to a practice by which sculptors filled cracks in marble with wax. It was also used to correct pottery flaws, which then were covered over to conceal the repairs. A piece of sculpture or hand-crafted container labeled “sine cera” had no added wax; it retained its original, flawless integrity. 

 

Reading the Scriptures we often find words such as pure and sincere associated with those who profess faith in Jesus Christ. He’s the example for our own character and behavior. As Hebrews 7:26 describes Him, “Such a high priest meets our need – one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26). If ever there were someone who walked the earth “without wax,” it was Jesus.

 

We find biblical admonitions to be pure and sincere in many contexts. Writing to believers in Corinth, a cosmopolitan city known for its pagan practices, the apostle Paul cited his credentials for teaching God’s truth. “…as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way…in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love…” (2 Corinthians 6:6).

 

Warning his protégé Timothy to stand up against false teachings, Paul stated, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). And addressing believers who had been enslaved, the apostle admonished them to demonstrate Christlike character despite their circumstances: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ” (Ephesians 6:5).

 

Another apostle, James, described what the outward expression of one’s inner faith should look like: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27). Being “pure and faultless” included acts of mercy and compassion, coupled with avoiding ungodly influences that surrounded them.

 

Yet another apostle, Peter, referred to these qualities for, “God’s elect, strangers in the world…. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, ‘Be holy, because I am holy’….” These weren’t to be virtues confined to private piety but rather shown in how they interacted with others: “Now that you have purified your souls by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart…” (1 Peter 1:1,15,22).

 

The weight of these passages and others like it should challenge us in our own faith. Am I sincere in how I conduct myself each day, exhibiting purity of heart, spirit and behavior? Am I “without wax”?

The Problem with Having Short Memories

Memory Lane. Young or old, we’ve all traveled this path at one time or another. We can look back fondly at our childhood, as I sometimes do, especially when reminiscing over the lazy summer days of playing stickball in our neighborhood, walking to the movies, or playing a game we called “dice baseball,” with each number rolled representing hits, outs or walks.

 

I also reflect on the highlight of my high school years, playing drums and percussion with our marching, concert and dance bands. To this day, hearing certain songs – like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Satin Doll” – transports me back to those exhilarating days.

 

But there are also not-so-good memories, ones we wish we could sweep off Memory Lane. They might involve troubled, even abusive childhoods. My friend Sondra Umberger, for instance, wrote a trilogy of novels drawing considerably from trauma she experienced as a young girl; memories that took years to work through as she sought emotional and spiritual healing. Tragic losses can have a similar effect, leaving sad, dark clouds over those moments of our life’s journey.

 

It’s not just things from our childhoods that inhabit Memory Lane. We remember happy events like weddings, births of children, jobs we loved, friends we made, pets that brightened our lives. Then there are painful recollections – divorce, family challenges, jobs we didn’t like, financial struggles, damaged relationships.

 

Much of the time Memory Lane reflects one’s long, arduous journey through life. At times, however, Memory Lane seems remarkably short.

 

We do that with our favorite sports teams. Last year they may have won the championship, making blissful memories for us. But this year they’re struggling; victories haven’t been automatic. So, fans become restless. Some start thinking, “Fire the coach!” Or, “Last year was last year. This is this year! What have you done for us lately?”

 

This happens all too often spiritually as well. We happily enjoy God’s blessings during good times, but when adversity casts its shadow over our lives, we’re quick to wonder, ‘Where’s the Lord?”

 

The ancient Israelites were notorious for this. God had used a series of plagues to convince the pharaoh to release them after centuries of slavery in Egypt. Then He parted the Red Sea, making it possible for the people of Israel to cross and escape the pursuing Egyptian army. During their trek toward the Promised Land, the Lord miraculously provided water, manna and quail to satisfy their thirst and hunger.

 

Despite all this, the Israelites grumbled continually. “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you [Moses] have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death” (Exodus 16:3). In other words, ‘Yes, the Lord set us free from the Egyptians, but where’s He now?’ They had witnessed one incredible miracle after another, but complained, ‘What has He done for us lately?’ They suffered from another plague – short-term memory.

 

The Passover, which Jews observe to this day, was established to counter this. “Then Moses said to the people, ‘Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand…'" (Exodus 13:3).

 

Because we all have this chronic tendency to forget God’s kindness and faithfulness to us in the past when confronting present challenges, the words “remember” and “in remembrance” appear often in the Scriptures. Sometimes they prod us to recall what the Lord has already done for us, encouraging us to trust Him for our current and future needs. 

 

In Isaiah 46:9, God strongly admonishes His wayward, forgetful children: “Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.” What a reminder to hearken back to the wondrous things the Lord has done. In addition, in essence He’s saying, “Do you know who I am? Do you really understand?” 

 

Later in Isaiah we find the prophet’s fitting response: “I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that He has granted them according to His compassion, according to the abundance of His steadfast love” (Isaiah 63:7). The prophet wasn’t referring to a time of ease and prosperity. God had called Isaiah to declare His truth to a people whose short-term memory was causing them to disregard all He had done for them in the past.

 

Hebrews 10:32-36 presents an interesting combination, urging us to use memories of what the Lord has done in the past to give us confidence for the future: “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering…. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”

 

So much more could be said about the benefits of strolling along our spiritual Memory Lane and recalling how God has worked in our lives to bring us to where we are today. The “steadfast love of the Lord” hasn’t changed or diminished. Even in uncertain times, we can trust in Him. “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” (Proverbs 20:24).

What to Do with All Our Anxiety?

Anxiety has long been something I struggled with. Sometimes there was an identifiable reason for it; other times it was more “free-floating” anxiety, something I couldn’t quite put a finger on. These days it’s a wonder when any of us doesn’t experience anxiety, at least occasionally.

 

Just this week we’ve been watching the weather reports with meteorologists playing the part of the children’s story book character, Chicken Little. You might remember “Chick” was always running around declaring, “The sky is falling!” The same effect happens when we’re hearing of the imminent approach of “Snowmageddon” or the “storm of the century.” ‘We need bread! Milk! What if the power goes off?!’

 

At this writing it seems the forecasts have tamed somewhat for our area, moving from 6-8 inches of snow, then to snow piling up in the double digits, to ‘Well, now it’s looking more like cold temperatures with some rain and sleet.’ But at least the grocery stores were happy, selling way more than their typical supply of bread, milk, and other essentials.

 

But even if it’s not the potential for alarming weather, 21^st century living gives us more than enough cause for keeping our anxiety at peak levels. In 1977 there was a Mel Brooks film called “High Anxiety,” a parody of Alfred Hitchcock suspense films. It was a comedy, but when we’re feeling anxious and fearful about something – real or imagined – that’s no laughing matter.

 

So, how do we deal with this anxiety? Do we schedule ongoing appointments with a psychotherapist? Book a weekend getaway at a posh spa? Find a local pub to drink our cares away? Or just go to bed, pull the covers over our heads and sing the old song, “Make the World Go Away”?

 

Over time I’ve learned a far better solution is to trust God’s promises in the Scriptures. For instance, in Jeremiah 29:11-13 the Lord promised the people of Israel, 

“For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

 

The context, of course, was specific for the people of Israel thousands of years ago. But God hasn’t changed since then; His promises apply just as much to His followers today as they did then. As Hebrews 13:8 declares, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

 

When I have a restless night or wake up feeling anxious about what the new day might bring, I like to review the apostle Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

It’s true. Circumstances might not have changed. Problems that provoke anxiety might not have gone away. But by committing whatever’s troubling us to God, we can indeed experience “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” If Paul, who faced virtually every kind of hardship and adversity we can imagine could say that with conviction, there’s no reason we can’t as well.

 

A companion verse comes to mind. The apostle Peter, Paul’s friend, also was well-acquainted with numerous trials and tribulations. Nevertheless, he could write, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

 

This wasn’t some new concept or fad conceived by 1^st century Christians, either. King David, who had to cope with backstabbing and betrayal, along with a host of other severe challenges, wrote with great confidence, “Cast your cares upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22).

 

Do you have cares and concerns that seem overwhelming? Is anxiety an unwelcomed but constant companion? Trying praying – as Paul advised – presenting your worries to the Lord. As Jesus assured His followers, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).

 

Some burdens in this life are inescapable. And if you’re not feeling anxious at the moment, watching the evening news will provide more than enough anxiety for a given day. But the Lord wants to carry our burdens with us. And the great news is, He’s got lots more strength than we have! 

How Much Progress Have We Really Made?

Yesterday we observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It deservedly recognized one of the most influential African-American leaders in history. But as with many other men and women who have left profound impacts on our society, remembering Dr. King shouldn’t be a one time a year occasion. The legacies of those who have contributed mightily to our nation should never be forgotten.

 

Dr. King was certainly an advocate for justice, but also strongly endorsed non-violence, following the lead of people like India’s Mohandas Gandhi. Considering what’s transpiring in our society these days, it would be interesting to know what his take would be. Would he think that we’ve progressed – or regressed – in terms of interracial relations?

 

Many of Dr. King’s profound statements were recorded for posterity. Often, they reflect faith in God and a belief in peaceful resolution of conflicts. Here is just a sampling that I have found especially inspirational and appropriate for our times. I’m adding a comment or two:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” This is taken from his well-known, “I Have a Dream” speech. How are we doing on this? I fear we’re still dwelling too much on people’s skin tones rather than the content of their character – from all sides of the political spectrum.

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” There are factions in our society that apparently have no interest in seeing us living together as brothers and sisters, regardless of color or ethnicity.

“The time is always ripe to do right.” Who can argue with this? Sadly, in a time when too many people question or deny the existence of objective truth, we’re losing the ability to even agree upon what’s right.

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.” Unconditional love – selfless, sacrificial love, as it’s defined by the Greek word “agape” – is a quality that’s central to the Scriptures but has largely been forsaken by our “what’s in it for me” culture.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” This wasn’t original with Dr. King. The apostle John wrote, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him” (1 John 2:9-11).

 

Racism and prejudice toward people different from us are hardly new human developments. During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ used at least two occasions to teach the wrongs of ethnic and racial discrimination and prejudice. 

 

One was when He met a woman in Samaria as she was going to a well to draw water, recorded in the 4^th chapter of the gospel of John. In those days, Jews and Samaritans, who were of a mixed race, had a mutual hatred. On top of that, cultural mores discouraged casual interactions between men with women they didn’t know. So, when Jesus addressed the woman at the well, asking, “Will you give Me a drink?” she nearly dropped the buckets she had lugged from her town of Sychar.

 

In today’s terms, Jesus was acting in stark contrast to the racism and misogynism of His day. Her reply was typical: “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” Jesus didn’t offer any excuses or explanation. He responded simply: “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water” (John 4:7-10).

 

Much more could be said about this encounter. It’s been the focus of countless sermons. But one certain takeaway was that Jesus had no use for hatred or prejudice toward any human being. He wasn’t afraid of shattering cultural norms.

 

Another time was a story Jesus told, found in Luke 10:30-37. We commonly know it as the parable of the good Samaritan. He used it to provide a definitive answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Since most of us understand little about the animosity Jews had toward Samaritans, it’s easy to overlook what it tells us about racism and discrimination. But for Jesus’ hearers, the message was clear. 

 

It concerned a Jew traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who was beaten and robbed, left for dead. Two religious leaders traveling the same road saw the man but rather than stopping to help, moved to the other side of the road and passed by. Next a Samaritan came across the man, stopped and bandaged his wounds, then took him to an inn nearby where he could recover. The Samaritan even promised to cover in full whatever expenses the injured man incurred.

 

Such a story of kindness and sacrificial love was unheard of in Jesus’ day, but it communicates what He expects of us as we interact with people who are different from us. As God told the prophet Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

 

Such “sight” is possible only through the power of God. It’s not something we can conjure up through sentiment or good intentions. In the coming days, may He enable us to act more like what Dr. King described, not judging based on the color of people’s skin but rather, according to the content of their character.

 

Adoption – An Important But Often-Ignored Option

January is “Sanctity of Human Life Month,” with the annual March for Life scheduled for Jan. 23 in Washington, D.C. The theme of this year’s march: “Life is a Gift.” The pro-life/pro-choice debate has been raging since the early 1970s. Even with Roe v. Wade being overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022, this issue is far from settled. Abortions are still performed in many states.

With so many facets to the arguments, both pro and con, it’s impossible to compress them into simple summaries. Highly charged emotions on both sides rival and even exceed rational considerations. That doesn’t mean, however, there’s no value in presenting perspectives that might be helpful.

 

Like everyone, I’ve got my own point of view. But observing how the national and local media cover the ongoing controversy over abortion, I can’t help hearkening back to my journalistic studies in college many years ago. Back then, foundational principles for reporting the news were emphasized: Being objective, fair, and balanced in what and how news events are covered. These were ideals I aspired to during my decade as a newspaper editor.

 

Unfortunately, those virtues have largely been cast aside in favor of advocacy reporting, selectively choosing to use or not to use information based upon the agenda of the reporter or news organization. I regard it as “skewed news,” shaping information to advance a preferred, very subjective narrative.

 

Getting back to the abortion debate, among the numerous pro-abortion arguments we often hear is “my body, my choice.” A woman finds herself with an unwanted pregnancy. Regardless of the circumstances, she’s facing up to nine months of carrying an unborn child she doesn’t want. ‘Why not terminate it and get on with my life?’ For her, it seems like a decision that affects her alone. Except that’s not true. 

 

Much could be said in response to the “my body, my choice” stance, but let’s focus on one very viable but oft-ignored alternative to abortion: Adoption. Yes, the pregnant woman still must give birth, but adoption relieves her of the responsibility of motherhood if she doesn’t want that. And from the moment a child is adopted, it begins having an impact on other lives in ways we couldn’t even imagine.

 

In our immediate family we have three individuals who were adopted, whose birth mothers had the courage to allow their babies to enter the world and then offer them to good, loving homes.

 

One is a son-in-law, now in his 50s, who lives in another state. Today he’s married, has two daughters and two sons-in-law of his own, two of them being first responders, along with two energetic grandsons. Being the owner of two businesses, over the years he has employed hundreds of people. Through the businesses, he has served many clients, operating with high integrity and commitment to quality. And he and his wife are actively involved in their community in a variety of ways, touching many lives directly and indirectly.

 

His adoptive parents raised him with much love, and some years ago he was able to meet not only his birth mother but also her other children – his half-siblings. She was thrilled to discover what a fine person he had become. Can you see how that one decision to give birth rather than to abort, certainly not a simple one, has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people? There’s a term for this – the “butterfly effect” – a singular action or decision having an incalculable impact.

 

We also have two adopted grandsons, both sources of great joy for our family. Our daughter and son-in-law – like countless couples across America – were unable to have children biologically. After exploring every possible avenue with no success, they chose to adopt. Again, this meant two other women had to make the selfless, courageous decision: Not to abort an unborn child but to give birth so a couple they didn’t know could adopt him. I can attest that lives beyond number have been influenced because our grandsons were given the gift of life.

 

This isn’t just a matter of human morality. It’s a decision of divine magnitude. Psalm 139:13-16 expresses this well:

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb,

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you…Your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were created in Your book

Before one of them came to be.”

 

Even in the womb, God knows and cares for us, already making special, unique plans for each of us. This is reason enough to advocate for the unborn. As it says in Proverbs 24:11-12, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not He who weighs the heart perceive it?”

 

Reading the gospels we see Jesus Christ’s special interest in children, reaching out to young ones that others saw as having little value or importance. He admonished, “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10).

 

There’s one other biblical perspective on adoption worth considering. Adopting a child provides a metaphor for how God brings people into His eternal family as His children. Ephesians 1:5-6 tells us, “He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will – to the praise of His glorious grace which He has freely given us in the One He loves.” 

 

Numerous other passages address this, but one of my favorites is Romans 8:15, which talks about our spiritual rebirth: “For you have not received a spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of divine adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’”

 

What a beautiful picture this is when a woman confronting an unwanted pregnancy chooses to give the unborn child the gift of life, then enables a loving couple to bring that child into their family, beginning a chain of events that will have an unimaginable, even eternal impact on many other people.

We’re Not to Judge – But Inspecting the Fruit Is Okay

The image of the late comedian, Flip Wilson, sticks in my mind. One of his acts featured a man in flowing black robes accompanied by the tune, “Here comes the judge, here comes the judge. Order in the court, ‘cause here comes the judge.” The talented Sammy Davis Jr. was known for a similar routine on TV’s “Laugh-In” comedy show. Both his and Wilson’s skits were humorous, in part because most of the time there’s not much funny about having to stand before a judge in a courtroom.

I’ve only done this a few times, including serving on a jury and being an eyewitness for a civil case involving a friend. But even then, being in a courtroom before someone authorized to pass judgment is intimidating. Thankfully I haven’t had to do that often.

 

But what about judging outside a courtroom? At one time or another we’ve all acted as self-appointed judges. The other day I was resting after a workout at the gym when a woman walked in covered with tattoos, including a couple on her face. I couldn’t help wondering, “Now why would someone do that?” Yes, I was judging – guilty as charged.

 

Of course, we know that in the Bible, Jesus Christ warned against judging others. He said, “Do not judge, or you will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). There is it: Jesus said we’re not to judge others. However, we sometimes forget why. In the very next verse He said, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 

 

What the Lord was saying is there’s good reason for not passing judgment on others because we tend to overlook our own sins and shortcomings, justifying those while appointing ourselves judge and jury of the actions and behavior of others.

 

Jesus went on to state, “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?... 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 7:3-5).

 

As Romans 3:10-12 declares, “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God…there is no one who does good, not even one.” Those are harsh words. We want to defend ourselves, reasoning, ‘Hey, I do lots of good things.’ Perhaps, but the Scriptures teach even our good deeds are tainted by sin, often prompted by improper motives.

 

God is the one and only Judge, not us. It’s His job alone to commend and to condemn. The Bible repeatedly makes this clear. However, that doesn’t suggest taking an attitude of “Que sera, sera” – whatever will be will be.

 

We don’t have to ignore the wrongdoings of others, or even to condone them. If we know someone is being dishonest, unethical, or immoral, we’re not commanded to turn a blind eye or deaf ear to them. The Scriptures say at times it’s appropriate to correct or rebuke wrongful behavior. But we’re to do it in a biblical manner.

 

In 2 Timothy 3:16 we’re told, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” This admonition is directed primarily to believers, reminding us the Bible, not our own sense of moral rightness and propriety, must be the basis for dealing with someone who’s in the wrong. It’s acceptable to rebuke, correct and teach – giving the truth in love.

 

Jesus gave a three-step process for seeking to restore someone who’s gotten sidetracked. He told His disciples, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, judge between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses’” (Matthew 18:15-16).

 

This approach is traditionally practiced in our American court system, using more than one witness to establish what’s true rather than wrangling with a ‘he said, she said’ scenario.

 

The third step in the correction process, Jesus said, is what’s commonly referred to as church discipline: “If he refuses to listen to them (the witnesses), tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18: 17). If someone is insistent on doing wrong and won’t repent, we’re to demonstrate what’s often called “tough love.”

 

This doesn’t mean judging others. But we’re authorized to be “fruit inspectors.” The Lord said, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit…. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16-20).

 

For instance, just because someone claims to be a Christian, that doesn’t always mean that’s true. As Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

 

A civil court judge reaches verdicts based on evidence. Similarly, no matter what someone claims to believe, if there’s no outward evidence of it, we have reason to question, even be skeptical. John the Baptist made this clear. Speaking to Pharisees and Sadducees, leaders who eagerly performed religious rituals but displayed no evidence of sincere hearts for God, he offered this challenge: “Therefore produce fruits that are consistent with repentance…” (Luke 3:8).

 

We’re not to judge others, particularly because we often don’t apply the same standard of judgment to ourselves. But when we see someone living and acting contrary to biblical standards, it might be necessary to serve as fruit inspectors.

We Don’t Reap What We Sow – We Reap More

Picture someone starting a home garden and planting 20 tomato seeds, then expecting to reap…20 more tomato seeds. Or a farmer, having cultivated his field, planting 1,000 kernels of wheat, anticipating to reap 1,000 more wheat kernels. 

Crazy, right? Because we know that from each seed, they’d rightfully expect to eventually find mature plants growing with an abundance of tomatoes, wheat, corn, or other kinds of produce. The reality is, we don’t reap what we sow. We reap much more than we sow.

This is an important principle to keep in mind because our words and actions have consequences, for good or for bad, and many times those consequences can be far greater than anything we could have ever dreamed – or feared. 

 

We can look at it from both positive and negative perspectives. Years ago, we were hearing a lot about the “pay it forward” movement, popularized by the aptly named film, “Pay It Forward.” The idea was that if you’re the beneficiary of someone’s kindness or generosity, rather than trying to repay that person it might be better to demonstrate kind or generous acts that benefit others. If we can envision a chain of people adopting this practice, it’s easy to understand how the initial act of kindness has been multiplied many times over. 

 

In a similar sense, we can look at Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, to “go and make disciples of all nations.” If one person invests time and energy into another individual, helping him or her to grow spiritually, then they both find other people to disciple, you’ve gone from two people to four. If at some point all four proceed to start discipling four more, the original two has grown to eight. You can do the math from there.

 

In what’s commonly known as Jesus’ “parable of the sower,” the Lord spoke of seeds – the Word of God – being sown. Some of the seeds fell on a path where they were trampled, others on rocks where they could not become rooted, and still others among thorns where growth was choked out. But the seeds that fell on fertile soil, Jesus said, “came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown” (Luke 8:5-8). That’s a good return for the expenditure of time, energy and resources.

 

However, there’s also the downside of reaping more than we’ve sown. Take a simple example: A parent is known for sometimes using profanity, whether out of anger, frustration, or simply from habit. One day little Johnny or Ginny starts using some of the same words. The parent is stunned, especially if they’ve been expressed in a public setting. “Don’t say those words!” mom or dad corrects. But the youngster looks up in confusion, thinking, “But that’s what you say.”

 

Recently I read about a very prominent Christian leader, one I had admired, who confessed of long-term infidelity despite having been married for decades. In admitting and repenting of his sins, he announced he was stepping away from fruitful ministry that God had used to bless countless people. No need to name names or get into specifics, but clearly the seeds of sexual immorality were yielding a dire harvest: Family devastation, the abrupt end of productive service to the Lord and His people, and the grievous impact his transgressions would have on those who had benefited so much from his teachings.

 

Sadly, circumstances like these have been repeated more times than any of us would like to admit. Not one of us is perfect or even close. But some sins and acts of unrighteousness have ramifications far more grave than others. We don’t reap what we sow – we reap far more than what we sow.

 

“Well, that could never happen to me,” we might say defensively. Don’t be so sure. This is why the apostle Paul warned, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

 

This is where the metaphors of physical and spiritual farming part ways. Every farmer knows there’s a specific time for cultivating and sowing, then a season for harvesting. Spiritually speaking, however, we are always in both sowing and harvesting modes. 

 

Exhibiting what Galatians 5:22-23 calls “the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” is always acceptable and recommended. As the passage states, “against such things there is no law.” And we can expect they will yield a rich harvest, the fruit of righteousness in the lives of people we encounter each day.

 

Other “seeds,” however, reap remorseful consequences. The two preceding verses list some of them: “…sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like” (Galatians 5:19-21). It goes on to say, “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Not only that, but the negative impact of their behavior on those around them will be immeasurable.

 

Moral of the story? As Ephesians 5:15-16 warns, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” It’s indisputable that we’ll reap far more than we sow. So, let’s make sure to sow good seed.

God’s ‘Red Carpet’ Is Different from Ours

Now that we’ve entered a new year, soon broadcasts of the annual award shows will begin – the Academy Awards (the Oscars), the Emmys, Tonys, the CMAs, ACMs, PDQs and XYZs. In fact, the Golden Globes is being aired this week. Are you shaking with anticipation? Think what you will of these showcases, some of which have devolved into platforms for political posturing. But they all share one thing in common: The red carpet.

Prior to each event celebrities and entertainment notables, wearing lavish and sometimes garish attire from renowned designers, parade across literal red carpets, reveling in the attention they receive. Representatives from the entertainment media – some of them celebs in their own right – fawn over these lovely and handsome folks, eager to capture their excitement over what another celebratory evening might hold. These are the crème de la crème, the “Who’s Who” of the silver and TV screens, stage, concert halls and arenas.

 

Watching them strut in all their glamour and sartorial splendor, we could easily conclude this is the ultimate in success. We can almost imagine these A-list characters wearing signs on their backs reading, “Betcha wanna be me!”

 

Did you know God has His own “red carpet”? He does, but with decidedly very different qualifications. We find numerous examples in both the Old and New Testaments, most of whom wouldn’t have been voted “most likely to succeed” in their high school yearbooks, let alone candidates for ‘starring roles’ in the Scriptures. For a closeup look at God’s version of the red carpet, we can turn to the 11^thchapter of Hebrews, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith. 

 

It starts with a couple of logical choices, Abel, Adam and Eve’s second son who offered a more faithful sacrifice to God than his vindictive, murderous brother, Cain. There’s also another of the first couple’s sons, Enoch, who “was commended as one who pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5) – to the degree that the Lord took him straight to heaven without experiencing death. 

 

But then we find a parade of virtual nobodies. Noah was happily minding his own business when God commanded him to construct a vessel to protect himself and his family from the global flood that would consume the rest of mankind. We’re told, “when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear [he] built an ark to save his family…and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

 

Next comes Abraham, who obediently left a comfortable lifestyle for an unfamiliar place of the Lord’s choosing because “he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). However, in the process he twice lied about his wife Sarah, claiming she was his sister because he feared foreign kings would kill him because of her beauty. So, he was hardly Mr. Perfect. Nevertheless, “Abe” was singled out because, “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

 

The listing goes on to include Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, all of whom had checkered backstories but again were accorded special recognition solely because of their faith. Or as theologians would call it, “sola fide.” They’re followed by Moses, who flexed his faith muscles countless times while carrying out the dubious assignment of leading to headstrong, prone-to-wander Israelites. Not that he didn’t get sideways with God himself at times, but the Lord wasn’t looking for perfection, just genuine faith.

 

Perhaps most surprising in this ‘role call’ of biblical characters is a prostitute named Rahab. What?! She was the person who shielded the Israelite advance men when they came to scope out Jericho. You know, the city whose walls came tumbling down? “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient” (Hebrews 11:31).

 

Rahab is one of three women singled out in the earthly genealogy of Jesus Christ found in Matthew 1. Turns out she was the mother of Boaz, who married Ruth and became the father of Obed, who became the father of Jesse, whose son David would become king of Israel. She was David’s great-great-grandma.

 

Others cited in Hebrews 11 include flawed but faith-filled people like Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel, the prophets, mighty warriors and martyrs not identified by name. What’s most important is these were individuals very much like us, commended not because they graced the magazine covers and walked crimson carpets but because they had hearts for God and were willing to be used by Him.

 

Their lives – and deaths – were not in vain. Because as the chapter concludes, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect” (Hebrews 11:39).

 

In our most dubious, faith-wavering moments, we can find encouragement from these men and women in the Hebrews “hall of faith.” If they could persevere, remaining true to the Lord until the end, there’s no reason we can’t do so as well. 

We might never stroll one of Hollywood’s red carpets, but as the verse above promises, “God has planned something better for us.” He’s preparing a red carpet for us that we can’t even imagine. And it’s not because of our acting, singing, or performing abilities. Anything we’ve done, for that matter. Solely because of our faith in the Lord and what He’s done for us.