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Winning Instead of Whining

Chapter 12 of "The Winning Way," by Kent Holland, copyright 2003.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

            I’m writing these words the night of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 .  Terrorists have hijacked planes and crashed them into the towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Another hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania before it could hit the target planned by the terrorists that controlled it ¾ killing all on board.  Thousands have died in the fires and collapse of these magnificent buildings. Several friends called me during the day to make sure that I was all right since they knew I often worked at One Liberty Plaza , directly across the street from the World Trade Center . 

What came as a shock to all of us, however, was that one of our good friends happened to be visiting the Pentagon, where he was attending a meeting in a conference in the exact spot where the plane hit that building.  He was an extraordinary man.  He expressed such care and interest in people that he easily had more friends than anyone I know. His friendships were deep and meaningful.  He was always a source of encouragement and good humor.  His optimistic attitude was not a put-on.  He really was the model of positive thinking.  He added some joy to the lives of every one who knew him.

Shortly after learning about the death of my friend, I received an e-mail note from another friend, my college apartment-mate, who now lives in Greenwich Village , New York .  His note said: “Seems that the world has gone crazy today.  I watched the second plane crash into Tower II this morning.  Horrible.  This city is a very surreal place just now—ambulances everywhere, and lots of dreadful news.  I guess praying types like you should get to it, eh?” 

Since our college days, this friend has always claimed to be an agnostic, having no belief one way or the other about the reality of God or anything supernatural, so his comment about prayer was a cynical one.  My e-mail response to him was as follows:  “As for prayer, you’re quite right.  We should all be doing a lot of it.  I think it’s impossible to believe that just normal human nature and human evil is capable of doing what we have seen today.  Only Satan and his demonic forces could conceive something so destructive of man and so contrary to the will of God.  The Bible says: ‘We know that we are children of God and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one’ (1 John 5:19 ).  The Apostle Paul states: ‘The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God’ (2 Corinthians 4:4).  And finally, consider this Scripture: ‘As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient’ (Eph. 2:1-2).  In contrast, God gives love, peace, and faith to those who recognize Jesus as Lord – even when things look desperate.”

This Scripture assures us that God is not making bad things happen.  Although God is sovereign over all things, He has allowed the world to be under the control of the “evil one.”  Consequently, when a school bus filled with children runs off a cliff, or a group of kids go into a school and gun down their fellow students, I think that rather than questioning how God could allow such a thing to happen, we should recognize Satan’s evil hand at work.  And, we should consider what we can do to prevent Satan and his evil forces from causing these things. 

Someone sent me an e-mail the day after the terrorist attack, saying that a Christian calendar for the 11^th of September contained a quote from the rather obscure Old Testament book of Zephaniah.  In that book, the prophet Zephaniah warns the Hebrew people of Judah of impending destruction because of their pride and blasphemy against God.  My immediate reaction was disgust and frustration that someone would profess to know the mind of God in this matter based on what an Old Testament Scripture specially addressed to the people of Judah over 2,000 years ago said.   It hurts to see people impugn the mercy of God by suggesting that he brought about the death of innocent people to punish us for our sin, or to teach us a lesson.  But sadly, more than one TV evangelist echoed those same punitive sentiments in the days that followed the attacks.  

The God I love is not one of vengeance who causes bad things to happen to innocent people in order to teach others a lesson.  If he wanted to make a point, why not just write it in the sky, similar to the way he wrote on the king of Babylon ’s wall when that king blasphemed against God?  Our God is the God of love and peace.  He does not cause innocent people to die.  With regard to how God treats bad people, Jesus said, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matt. 5:45 ). Jesus told a parable about a field where weeds grew up along side the wheat that had been planted there.  In His response to a servant’s question whether the weeds should be pulled, the Master responded, “No, because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest….” (Matt. 13:29-30).  The point is that the good and bad both get the benefit of water and food up until the time of the harvest when they are finally separated and the weeds are thrown into the fire to be burned.

So what is God’s reaction to the events of September 11?  I believe he is profoundly grieved.  When Jesus’ friend Lazarus died, we are told quite simply and eloquently, in the shortest verse of the Bible: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35 ).  He expressed the same emotions that we do when tragedy strikes.  I believe He is crying today and mourning with every mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, and friend that lost a loved one in these attacks. 

What are we to do?  I believe we have a vital role to play in the battle against evil.  The Scripture tells us that our battle is not with mere human forces but with evil spiritual forces.  “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but … against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12 ).  When we pray we bring the presence and power of Christ to bear on our lives, our friends, our work and our country.  We are the hands and feet of God.  I don’t believe God intervenes in every situation to prevent evil powers and principalities from causing bad things from happening to good people.  But we, ourselves, can be His intervenors through intercessory prayer and works of faith.   It is our responsibility to bring God’s love to every person and every situation in our lives. 

Using Time Wisely:

It’s Not “Business as Usual”

In the aftermath of the terrorist attack, I have heard politicians and leaders tell us that we must go on with “business as usual” to show the terrorists that they have not prevailed.  Although I understand this sentiment, I don’t believe we, as disciples of Christ, should follow that advice ¾ at least not as applies to our spiritual lives.  Time is running out for many people to get to know the love of God and get into a personal relationship with God.    I’m saddened that many of those who died may not have known that personal relationship with God.  We need to take seriously the admonition of Proverbs: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1).  

Jesus makes this point about our temporal life by telling a parable about a certain rich man who had enjoyed such good fortune that he was tearing down his barns to build bigger ones to store all his grain and goods.  The man thought to himself, I have plenty of good things laid up for years so I’ll “take life easy; eat drink and be merry.”  “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?” (Luke 12:16-21).  Spiritual readiness is, therefore, required of us.  We need to be in a solid relationship with God and be “rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21).  Then we can have confidence that all is well even when it does not appear to be so. 

The author of the classic Christian hymn, “It is Well with My Soul” penned the words to that hymn while on board a ship sailing from America to England , looking out at the exact place where his three daughters died in a ship wreck only weeks before.  In such a time of grief, Horatio Stafford was able to overcome his loss because of his confidence that his daughters were with Christ in heaven, and that he, himself, would meet them there some day.  In some of the last words he spoke, Jesus told the thief who was crucified on a cross next to Him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43). 

It is critical that we possess eternal life now—that we know we have salvation through Jesus Christ.  How would you react if you were on one of those planes controlled by terrorists, heading to your death?   With assurance of salvation and eternal life, we can face death even if it comes violently or suddenly today.  We are promised that if we have called upon Jesus as our Savior, we have eternal life beginning right now.  (See John 6:47 , 1 John 5:11 -12, and 1 John 5:23 ).

Perhaps this tragedy is a wake up call to us to get more serious about living our lives for the purpose for which God has called us.  Time is running out for us to share the love of God with our families, friends and colleagues. Time is of the essence.  You may be the one to share God’s love, including the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with someone you know.  You may never get another opportunity if you don’t take it now.  You have love to share.  That’s nothing to be embarrassed about or ashamed of.  It would be a shame not to share this love with someone you care about.  Why not do it today?

An Alternative to Losing Faith in God

            When loved ones are suddenly or tragically lost, or when circumstances in one’s life take a terrible turn, what comes after we ask God why?  Some may react by turning away from God.  Others may turn to God as a result of the same awful event. If we blame God and lose our faith it may be because we have an inadequate knowledge of God and His character. As I have already said, I do not believe that God makes bad things happen, nor do I believe He intentionally acquiesces to allowing specific bad things to happen.  The power of the “Evil One” (Satan) is manifest in this world, and He is still the ruler of the hearts and minds of much of mankind.  I think this world would have self-destructed long ago if it were not for the power of God that is being released into this world through the prayers of those who believe in Him and faithfully pray to Him.

            Instead of giving up and moving away from God, we need to draw closer.  Instead of concentrating so much on seeking answers to our specific concerns, we need to focus on Jesus, the one who answers our prayers and takes care of our concerns.  We too often focus more on our problems than we do on Jesus, the solution to our problems and concerns.  This is what happened to the Apostle Peter when he began walking on water toward Jesus.  When he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked down at the rough waters, he began to sink. (See Matt. 14:27).  Fortunately, Jesus was right there, and when Peter cried out to Him for help, Jesus reached out a hand to save him.  Jesus is right here with us too, and when we look to Him, He will save us.  In the process, the concerns about our sorrows, problems, and fears will melt away.

This is a time for us to repent, refocus and recommit.  Repent from our sins and from our foolish waste of our talents and time.  Repent from being self-centered and rebellious against God’s will for our lives. Refocus on God and His love in giving His son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and reconcile us to God.  Refocus on Jesus, His love for us, and His command that we love one another with action and deeds instead of mere words.  Finally, we must recommit to living our lives in a manner that brings honor and glory to the blessed trinity of God the Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Even if we are sincere in our desire to live as disciples of Christ, and are we actively pursuing our spiritual walk with Him, we still can’t expect every day to feel perfect, easy or even good.  Difficulties, trials, and even tragedies come our way. How do we explain the great hope and promise of Scripture to the families of all the good people killed in the terrorist horror of September 11? The author of the book of Hebrews tells us to be encouraged by the example of strong faith demonstrated by many saints over history, but concludes, “All of these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised” (Heb. 11:39 ). Bad things happen to good and faithful people.  We don’t understand this and yet we know it is so.

When tragedy strikes in our own lives it changes us.  Spiritually, it seems to have two potential outcomes.  Anger at those who committed the harm may turn to anger at God and lead to a crisis of belief ultimately leading to a turning away from God.  In talking with people who have suffered a great and grievous loss, there are some who have lost their faith in God as a result.  In contrast, there are others in similar circumstances whose faith has been strengthened.  Instead of turning away from God in anger, they turn to Him, humbly acknowledging their despair and pain, and relying upon Him to get them through this time in their lives.  Those who do this come through their crisis successfully.

It is how we handle such times that determines whether we are trusting God’s promises.  The key is putting the ultimate outcome of every crisis, every situation we are in, and every endeavor we embark upon, into God’s hands.  This takes us beyond feigning faith in God to actually placing our trust in Him.

Forgiveness is Hard but Necessary

When we suffer loss as a result of someone’s hateful, harmful or even murderous act, psychologists tell us that we typically go through four stages of grief, including disbelief/ denial, sorrow, anger, and acceptance.  With the terrorist attack on September 11, and the loss of my friend, I went through the first three of these stages in quick succession.  Moving past anger to get to “acceptance” will take more time. But it is absolutely necessary that I not only get to “acceptance” but also to “forgiveness” of the people who did this.

The teaching of Jesus that we must forgive and love our enemies can be a tough pill to swallow.  He says, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.  If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.  If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic” (Luke 6:27 -29). 

In the daily devotional book that a friend had given me, the readings for September 11, 12 and 13 seemed astonishing in their timeliness and applicability in dealing with the horror of the terrorist attack, the sorrow that follows, and the forgiveness that must follow that.  On the 11^th the reading states that “when facing a major undertaking or crisis in our lives, we may pray at great length…. We sometimes question what prayer does for us.  We ask for things but we may not get them.  Why, then, do we continue to pray?  Prayer is our way of connecting with God’s healing power….  Through prayer, we are given the strength to weather storms, to do the loving and compassionate action, to answer God’s call.  Our transformation, however, doesn’t happen quickly….  But as we struggle, our continual prayers remind us that we are holding God’s hand.”[i]    

The devotional reading for September 12^th begins by quoting from the Beatitudes, “Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh” (Luke 6:21 ).  It reminds us that we have to come to terms with the “very real grief at the human condition,” and that only then can we transcend that grief.  The devotional continues: “For Christians we do this by uniting our pain and darkness with the redeeming pain and darkness of the Lord Jesus.  Uniting our suffering with his does not take it away, but it does allow us to bear it with hope....  The presence of struggle and heartache in our lives does not bar us from true joy.  On the contrary, it can prepare our hearts for fuller and deeper joy.  The only real enemy of joy is a melancholy that turns us inward on ourselves and makes us lose hope.  Blessed, indeed, are we that mourn, because we shall be comforted.”[ii]

   We come next to the devotional reading for September 13^th.  What a week this had been, and this reading on forgiveness hit me before I was ready for it.  But it prepared me to begin thinking the right way―the way Jesus would think.  The Scripture quotation for the day is “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27 ).   After this quote from Jesus, the devotional states: “The Lord is certainly not an easy master to follow; this is one tough program.  But at the bottom line, it is a good program, for he says: ‘Give and gifts will be given to you…’ (Luke 6:38).  Yes, in the end it is a good deal.  But how many buy it?  Do I really buy it?  This is why Jesus, when setting out his program, begins by saying, ‘But I tell you who hear me.’  We are not too ready to hear the Lord when he says things like this.  But if we did hear, then maybe the wonder of Christianity might be more evident in our world.”[iii]

We must let go of all the things that dwell in our heart as remembered grievances.  We must forgive those who have wronged us in any way.  In addition to harming our physical and emotional well-being, our failure to forgive others jeopardizes our fellowship with God.  Jesus concludes the parable by saying God will treat us just as the King treated the servant.  He says:  “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart” (Matt. 18:35 ). 

God’s kindness is given to us as we continue in his kindness. “Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness.  Otherwise, you also will be cut off” (Rom. 11:22 ).

Suffering Gracefully

A Purpose for that Uneasy Feeling

When I’m not doing what God has planned for me in the moment, I’ve found I become uncomfortable until I come around and do what suits God’s plan.  This has been a great eye-opener for me because whenever I find myself feeling uncomfortable or lacking peace; I know it’s time to take a good look at myself.  It’s time to find out what I’m doing that is taking me outside of God’s plan and causing me to feel this way. 

Being attuned to this sense of peace and well being is the greatest single source of guidance for me as I make decisions concerning my every day activities and choices.  I pray each day (and throughout the day) that God will give me a comfort and peace when I’m making the right decisions, and that He will cause me to feel ill-at-ease and uncomfortable when I’m making decisions that would take me into situations and opportunities that are not consistent with what He wants for me.  I have practiced this to the point of literally praying before going into business meetings to feel a sense of peace or lack of peace as a guide to the decisions I will make.  It works!   

Dealing with the Bad Times

There will be bad times as well as good.  Indeed, as so eloquently stated by the author of Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to dance. . .” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).  Jesus told His disciples not to worry about tomorrow, “for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matt. 6:34 ).  Since trouble and suffering are clearly unavoidable, we need an appropriate process to cope.  Seeing light at the end of the dark tunnel is possible when we place our trust in Christ, truly believing the promise of Romans 8:28 that “in all things God works to the good of those who love him….” God is present with us and will support us, particularly during our hardships and trials.  Here is a suggestion and excellent insight offered by Rev. John Hampsch:  

At the beginning of each day, week or month it might be appropriate to take a survey of just how strongly we believe in God and his love for us, especially in our ‘ midnight ’ situations, when he seems so absent.  Paul challenges us to do this: “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you¾unless, of course, you fail the test?” (II Cor. 13:5).  Try this test with a somewhat harsh question: In these dark periods of life is my response more like that of an atheist than a Christian?  The answer to that question can perhaps be crystallized by pondering this little item, titled, “If I Believed,” written by a professed atheist:

If I firmly believed, as millions say they do, that the knowledge and practice of religion in this life influence destiny in another life, then religion would mean to me everything.  I would cast away earthly enjoyments as dross, earthly cares as folly, and earthly thoughts and feelings as vanity.  God would be my first waking thought and my last image before falling asleep.  I would labor in his cause alone.  I would hardly stop thinking of my future eternity.  I would regard the saving of one soul worth a life of suffering; earthly consequences would never prevent me from acting or speaking out to accomplish this.  The griefs of life would occupy hardly a moment of my thoughts.  I would go forth to the world and preach this message in season and out of season, and my scripture text would be: ‘What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?’  All of this would overwhelmingly preoccupy me¾that is, if I believed!’”[iv]

We can be sure that in good times and bad, God will be there for us.  We can have confidence that although pain may befall us, God will be there to lead us through that experience and make us whole again, if we are loving God and living according to His purpose.  Moreover, these experiences can lead us into greater spiritual growth.  

Growing with the Pain 

With suffering comes grace from God.  If we reject the suffering we may also reject the grace.  In the middle of the suffering from our darkest moments our faith is seriously challenged.  This challenge wants to push us down.  But as one pastor put it:  “Just as a storm will deepen the root system of a wind-blown oak, so the storms of adversity are designed to root us deeper in our faith.” It is only through focusing completely upon Christ that our faith will become strong enough for us to believe God will make even these painful things work together for His ultimate good purposes.

It has been suggested that we let the Lord focus the spotlight of his loving providence on the dark moments of our lives by praying a prayer of surrender like this:  

Lord, you’ve got the whole world in your hands.  And now, Lord, you’ve got my problems in your hands¾my seemingly insoluble problems that I have been worrying over incessantly.  They look like big problems to me, Lord, but nothing’s too big for you.  If you can keep the earth spinning, and keep the galaxies in place; if you can supervise all of creation, I guess you can manage my problems.  My task is to refrain from worrying now; I’ve just got to trust you, believe you, love you.  Help me to let go¾to surrender to your loving providence in my life.  Don’t let me interfere with your solution to what were once my problems.  They’re yours now, Lord¾these unique special problems.  Take them, please, and solve them in your own way and in your own time.  Thank you, Lord.  Amen.[v]

A Friend’s Example

            People who love God are ultimately winners whether things currently look good or bad.  My friend, Mac Fleming, has been suffering from cancer for the past two years.   After going through radiation treatment and chemotherapy his appearance has much changed.  No longer the thick haired, strong, stocky man that I knew, he has lost all his hair and much of his weight and strength.  Through all of this, however, he has gained a powerful confidence and trust in Jesus that is beyond description.  No longer relying on himself and no longer expressing self-confidence, he demonstrates a confidence in Jesus that is beyond comprehension to most people.  He exudes a peace and a joy that other people long to experience.  He is, in fact, the best advertisement I know of for the power of trusting in Jesus. 

Instead of worrying about himself, Mac spends his time visiting people in hospitals, nursing homes, and even jails.  He leads a men’s small-group fellowship meeting at his home every week and is active in the leadership of the Methodist Men’s Association of Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.  He teaches a Sunday school class each week that he is strong enough to make it to church.  And whenever he is able, he continues to go to work in the pro shop of the Shenvalle Golf Course in New Market, Virginia, where he talks to men about their spiritual needs as well as their golf games.  The list goes on and on.  He is a true friend to so many people.  When he says hello he gives you a hug instead of a handshake.  When he says goodbye he often says, “I love you.”  And he really means it. 

When I’m with Mac I feel that I’m experiencing Christ’s love and that I’m getting to better know Jesus.  Others who know Mac have experienced this too, and have asked him how he can be so full of peace and joy when his body is so full of the battle against cancer.  In his typical fashion, he answers:  “I win either way. If I survive it, I get to remain here enjoying God and my friends for a while longer.  If I don’t, I get to go home to be with Jesus.  How can I lose?”

            Thanks Mac for your example.  How indeed can you lose?  You are a winner in Christ, and I want to share with you in your joy and peace.  May all Christians want to share the source of that joy and peace with everyone we know.  Everyone wants it and needs it.

How Mac Sees God Seeing Us

            Mac describes the view from his home and how he imagines God might share a similar view and similar feelings.  What follows in the balance of this subheading is written entirely by Mac.

            “From the house that we built when moving to New Market we could see for miles up and down the valley.   I loved to sit on the deck and watch the daily routines of animals and birds on all the farms below for miles around.  I could also see cars traveling along the Interstate highway and local roads.  They appeared quite small, but I knew where to look and could always find them.  I know they had no idea that someone was watching them from afar.  I could, and would, watch a car or truck traveling out of New Market and making several turns as it climbed the hill to cross over the ridge.  From time to time it would go out of my view, but I knew where it was headed and could always pick it up again in my view.  The drivers had no idea I was watching, but as they came near and started up the steep climb to the ridge where we lived, I would wave a “hello.”  Occasionally, they would wave back or toot the horn, letting me know they could not only see my house, which was visible for miles, but now could see me.  Of course they had to be looking to see me.  Most were not.”

            “I was watching them and tried to make contact, but they were not looking and failed to see my friendly gesture.  That always made me a bit sad.”

            “I would sit on that hilltop and watch one vehicle after another and wonder to myself, where are they going?  What awaits them at their destination?  Will they drive safety, as these roads can be dangerous?  What kind of lives do they have?  Are they happy? Do they know God?”

            “Frequently, while traveling south on I-81, I would look west when I crossed the Shenandoah River and could see my house on the hill.  When traveling north, I could spot my house as I passed the rest stop south of New Market.  I knew that if I looked right over Bob Hughes’ chicken houses I could see my house in the distance.  Often, when traveling with friends, I would try to point out my house, but they could never pick it out.  I guess we were traveling too fast and they didn’t know exactly where to look.  It was frustrating for some as I would say, ‘there it is right there, can’t you see it?’  When they did see it, it was a moment of joy and wonderment for them—finally being able to see what I had been talking about, and marveling at what a great view must exist from up there.”

            “When they visited my house, without exception, they remarked how the realization of such a great view far exceeded their expectation.  Many that were very familiar with the area said they didn’t know such a great view existed.  They had never stopped to take in the view from the hilltop.”  

            “I imagine God has similar experiences looking down from His house.  Only He knows the answers to the things I merely wonder about.  Oh what joy He must feel when He looks down and makes a friendly gesture, and His children look up and acknowledge Him, and honor Him, and obey Him.”

            “Oh what sorrow He must feel to know that many of His children are traveling too fast to look up and find Him, even though they know He’s up there – somewhere.  What frustration it must be to hold the answers to life’s questions and not be contacted for help.  He knows that some are saying they’re too old to change their ways and lifestyles.  Some have hearts hardened over the years and think they couldn’t be softened with a blowtorch.  Some may think they’re too young to worry about their salvation and haven’t yet experienced enough of life’s treasures, and are working so hard, driving so fast toward self-actualization and fulfillment to make millions and “leave their mark.  Some may live in total ignorance of God’s grace, having never been witnessed to by a child of God.”

            “You think you have troubles?  You think you have a lot to worry about?  Well, I know you do, and so does God.  The greatest message I could give you would be to give your problems to God.  He can handle all of them – and without your help.”

            “Free your mind and free your heart by surrendering to Christ.  Yes, I know you may have been baptized, and may attend church regularly and tithe your earnings—but who owns your heart?”       

Accepting the Power to Win

Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is available to live in us right now, and the Holy Spirit will give us all the power necessary to be winners in our Christian life, if we will give Him control of our heart.  Without God’s grace that is given to us through the Holy Spirit’s active involvement in our daily lives, we are destined to continue in that unfruitful and frustrating experience of trying hard to act like a Christian while feeling luke-warm or even phony.

Unless we seek God’s blessing through the Holy Spirit and invite the Holy Spirit to come and make us the living temple of God , we will miss out on what it means to “born of God.”  Jesus said, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.  You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again’” (John 4:6-7).  When Jesus was healing people and doing great miracles, a man named Nicodemus, one of the Jewish leaders, came to Jesus at night and acknowledged Jesus as “a teacher who came from God [for] no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”  In response to Nicodemus, Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (John 3:3).  Apostle Peter subsequently explains to the early Christians, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable....” (1 Peter 1:23).   This imperishable seed that causes us to be born again is the Holy Spirit.   

Unless we acknowledge the reality and presence of the Holy Spirit and welcome Him to dwell in us, fill us with His presence, and lead our lives to bring glory to Jesus Christ and God the Father, we will fail to understand and benefit from His supernatural power to create in us love, obedience and honor for God.  We will struggle to do enough good to please God while facing the reality that there is no amount of effort on our part that could ever adequately please God.  We will find ourselves in constant search for deeper meaning, purpose and peace as we seek to “find ourselves.”  We will live in spiritual frustration and uncertainty that deprives us of the very love, joy and peace that we all desire.

I felt phony in claiming to be a Christian when I knew in my heart that I didn’t have peace in my soul, and that I did not love God and neighbor with one hundred percent of my body, mind and soul.  What about you?  Since becoming a Christian, have you ceased asking on a daily basis for the Holy Spirit to fill you with His presence and take charge and lead you into a close relationship with God?  Only if you do that will you keep alive the love and excitement that you felt when you first acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God and accepted Him as your Lord and Savior.  With the Holy Spirit in control, we have the mind and will of Jesus Himself in us to carry out the will of God—including His will that we bear much fruit.  If you will invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your life each day, you will be surprised at the love, peace and joy you will experience.  You will feel alive.  You will act alive. Indeed, you will truly be alive.
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For Personal Reflection

1.  When things go good or bad in your life, do you feel that God is responsible?  If so, what is God’s role and responsibility?

2.  If you were on a plane headed for certain death, could you face your death with peace, or would you be confronted by fears?

3.  When grieving a loss, or experiencing frustration, pain, or hurt due to circumstances in your life, what are the principle ways you choose to handle it?  (e.g., verbally expressing anger and feelings, internalizing your feelings, thinking about things to get your mind off of the situation or get beyond it, focusing on Jesus and giving Him the issue to handle for you).

4.  Has your faith in Jesus ever been weakened as the result of circumstances in your life?  Have you ever experienced a strengthening of your faith and relationship with Jesus as a result of confronting a loss or tragedy?  Consider why and how this occurred and whether you could share your insights with someone you know that is suffering from loss or other unfortunate circumstances.