Recently I wrote a column some thought was a lack of kudos for those who stepped up and wrote columns as they thought I only challenged those who did not. As this column reaches beyond a one church setting I want to correct that thought -- I in no way meant to slight those who do write columns and although I was under the impression we don't do the things we do for the Lord for the "atta boy (girl) good job" and the like but because they needed doing, I was also under the impression we're told it's "only our reasonable service" and we can "do all things through Christ who strengthens us" but perhaps I'm mistaken -- though again, I do want to let it be known I in no way mean to denigrate in any way those who are faithful to be obedient to the work -- whether asked or not.
I also spoke of getting in trouble with some for being obedient to do as instructed in "giving tests" to Christians with the reactions usually accompanied by partially quoted Scripture such as "God tempts no man" -- who are you do this? Well, first, as a pastor, how else do I find confirmation of those "called" but by their willingness to "do" when there's a need whether they are asked to do it or not? Wouldn't it speak more of their confirmation for one to volunteer when they see a need rather than wait to be asked? There is a name for "waiting to be asked" but not something to be dealt with at this time.
Secondly, the Scripture actually says "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man." (James 1:13) Hmm -- when we speak in such a way are we trying to allude all tests are evil and can't be from God and anytime we are faced with a test of character or principle that the test is evil and therefore can't be from God?
The full context of the Scripture referenced is "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren." (James 1:12-16)
The context is speaking of our tendency to decide for (not against) that which is fleshly lust and emphasizing none of those lusts come from God; if you don't believe God tests His people perhaps you should look again at the Old Testament Scripture -- which was, according to the apostles' writings, written for our learning and were examples to us that we might not follow after their example of unbelief -- it's full of God testing His people for them to see if they would obey what He had already said and they already knew needed done -- without their needing to be asked to do them again.
Are we so afraid of presumption we won't step up? Have we become so afraid of the goad, so insecure in our trust that God will guide us we won't try? But, you say, "I don't want to presume." True, presumption is a dangerous thing -- we've all been bitten by it at times but what ARE we supposed to do? Nothing? I think the word we're looking for here is "ask."
"Oh, you say, but I might be rejected."
NOW we're getting to the REAL reason of our attempts at obscurification (Latin obfuscationem -- to make dark) at why we won't ask -- we might get turned down and no one likes that and now we're back to the start; I was under the impression we didn't work for the Lord because we got an atta boy (girl) etc. but because it's what we're supposed to do.
Hey! I've just had a thought. Perhaps it's the same fear of rejection why sin -- and I AM NOT referring to our favorite of the day to speak against for there's NO difference in ANY sin -- is being allowed to gain so much ascendancy in the church. In our politically correct era, we've accepted it all so none will reject the message (really it's reject us) and -- No,that's for another time.
Have we become so "pat on the back from God (and everyone else) for doing a job expectant" and afraid of rejection we won't even ask? But I asked God and He said OK. Then I guess we're now waiting on pastor to "catch up" to what God told you but will probably never happen because everyone is too afraid to ask.
Where does fear come from? Well, Duh! pastor. What a dumb question. We all know 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
OK, then why so afraid of rejection? Have we become so conditioned (and not by God) at attempting to "see" behind the curtain to "discern" who is behind whatever is in front of us we have failed to trust God? We either believe His grace is sufficient for and He is able to (not will as commonly said) deliver us or we don't and our actions show it.
Let him who has ears to hear, hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches.
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Editor's note: Charlie Newman is pastor of Avoca Christian Church. To contact him, e-mail [email protected], or write in care of The Times at [email protected] or P.O. Box 25, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.
Religion on 06/08/2016