“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV)
Admit it; there are times where you look at other people and think you are better than them. It may be because you look better, get better grades, have a more blessed life, or don’t do the wrong things you see others doing. Let’s face it: we all are bent toward thinking like this, perhaps some more than others, but we all do it.
This is admittedly bad enough, but worse is when we compare ourselves favorably over others and believe it somehow helps our status before God. Again, we all tend to do this at one time or another. It happens when we fail to understand the utter depth of our sin and the Lord’s abhorrence of it.
The fact that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) completely disqualifies us from any position to boast about our “goodness.” As Jesus reminds us, “No one is good—except God alone.” (Luke 18:19) Thus, as ones who consider themselves to be saved, there is nothing about which to boast, except the Lord’s grace to us, undeserving as we are.
Sadly, this is not what people, even many self-proclaimed followers of Jesus, believe. Rather, they believe the lie that good works play the key role to getting in good with God. They think He will be impressed with their attempts to live a good life. This is why many do religious things—to make up for their sins, similarly to Muslims who seek to “tilt the scales” of their lives with more good deeds than bad ones in order to gain entry into the eternal realm.
If, indeed, you think you are somehow better than someone else because you go to church regularly, or read your Bible or pray daily, or don’t do some of the many things others do, like getting drunk, sleeping around, cheating, etc., then recognize this truth: you still are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness. No amass of good works can overcome the deadly effect of even one sin, let alone of a lifetime of them. It is God’s grace alone that can save us from eternal death. And when we understand this, we can then give up the folly that somehow we are better than others.
Today, if you haven’t already, recognize the truth that you can never be good enough in your behavior or thinking to overcome your own sinfulness. Only the Lord can do that through His grace. And once you realize and accept this, then your good works will not be to impress Him, but rather expressions of your love and appreciation for Him.
© Jim Musser 2018
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22-25 NIV)
It is that time of year where students are stressed and anxious about all they have to do before the school year ends. Projects are coming due and final exams are looming. I have been known to quote I Peter 5:7 to those who say they are overwhelmed by all they have to do. I know a lot of them do not appreciate it, but I have a point in doing so.
If we grew up going to church or have been involved with a community of believers for awhile, the challenge always is to not only read or hear the Word, but to act on what it commands. We are told repeatedly of the importance of “getting into the Word” and the expectation is for us, as believers, to be in church every Sunday to listen to the Word being proclaimed. But according to James, that is of little real value unless we take what we read/hear and put it into practice.
The danger for us is to grow content with just reading and listening to the Word. It can feel good and we can get plenty of kudos for our commitment and discipline. But James pointedly says we are deceived if we think this is enough. It means nothing if we do not take what we’ve heard and apply it to our lives.
So when students are all stressed out, I remind them of what the Scriptures say, because it gives them clear instructions on what to do when they find themselves full with stress and anxiety. And if they will only do what it says, they will find they can be at peace even when life seems so overwhelming.
Today, remember the Word of God is not a book merely to be read or listened to. It is to be applied to your life. And in doing so, you will be greatly blessed.
© Jim Musser 2018
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (I Peter 3:15-16 NIV)
Jesus was a storyteller—an amazing one, in fact. Even those who have little knowledge of Him know at least one of His stories. Think “The Good Samaritan,” “The Prodigal Son,” or “The Parable of the Sower.” He knew what we all know, that stories draw us in like no other form of communication. This is why people binge on Netflix, go to the movies, or curl up with a good book. A good story just naturally pulls us in and holds us there until it ends. And, normally, when we reach the end of a story, it does not really end; it continues to occupy space in our brains which we access frequently to re-tell it to friends or to contemplate its meaning.
In his letter to fellow believers suffering persecution because of their faith, Peter recognizes the value of storytelling and encourages his readers to tell theirs—to give the reasons for their steadfast faith when it would be much easier to forsake it given what they are enduring. The assumed question people are asking them is this: Why do you have such hope and joy when things are going so badly, when the world is such an unjust and unfair place? What’s your story?
To tell your story, you have to get a hearing. People have to be interested in it. For published authors, that comes when they have gained a reputation as a good writer, or when there is a “buzz” about their book that grabs people’s attention. For us as believers, this comes when our lives draw attention for being different than the norm. Why are you always so kind? Why do you care so much? You mean you’ve never had sex? Our behavior is the draw to hear our story.
The question for us is: Do we know how to tell it when there is interest in hearing it? From my experience with college students and adults, most do not. We know the parts, perhaps, but few of us have ever considered a way to form them into a compelling story that communicates the love of the Lord and the ways of His Kingdom.
Today, think about your story of why you are a follower of Jesus and the reason you live this life differently than what is considered normal. If indeed you do live differently, know that people are taking notice and the time may come when they ask you why you do. What will you tell them?
© Jim Musser 2018
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)
I sometimes wonder if the majority in Jesus’ day ever realized the significance of the time in which they were living. Did they take note of the extraordinary things He was doing and saying, or were they so busy with the details of their daily lives that they barely noticed? Were they more like Mary, who knew she was in the presence of the Divine, or Martha, who was so focused on the tasks at hand that it barely registered who was visiting her home that day?
I suspect it was the latter. The daily grind of life consumes us and our vision is narrow. We see only what is in front of us. Martha saw only the task of preparing a meal and completely missed the significance of the moment she was in. I think this is a common occurrence today, as well. I experience it frequently with students, who are so consumed with their studies and social lives, they fail to see what the Lord is doing around them or wants to do in their lives—the healing and transformation in people’s lives, the encounters with people in need, or the opportunities to use their lives for the furtherance of the Kingdom.
One of the things I often encourage them to do is to look for “God sightings.” As they go about their daily lives, I tell them to look for God at work. It is amazing what we can see the Lord doing if only we are taking the time to look.
We live in a world where God is very active, but our lives are so easily filled up and distracted that we are blinded to what He is doing. This is what Martha allowed to happen, but Mary chose differently and Jesus commended her for it.
Today, take the time to see God at work in nature, in circumstances, and in people’s lives, including your own. You will be amazed at what you see.
© Jim Musser 2018
“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 NIV)
In a number of circles in Christendom, this verse is viewed as trite, or at least in the way it is often used. People often use it when faced with the tragedies of others, whether a death of someone, a serious illness, or inexplicable difficulties. The view is that many are uncomfortable with the suffering of others, and so find it easier just to share this verse to avoid dealing with the pain of those they know.
While I agree that many Christians do this, in my view this does not need to detract from the power and comfort of this verse. If we truly are of the opinion that we should not give this type of encouragement to those who suffer, as Paul did to his Roman brothers and sisters, then where is the hope? Are we thus to act as deists, who believe God started up life on this earth and then stepped back to watch what would happen? Everything that follows, then, is it just mere randomness?
As I told a friend recently, as we discussed this very topic, I have witnessed the hope of this verse in my life. I have seen what the Lord can bring out of the worst of circumstances. Both of my parents died in their 60’s from illnesses while I was a young adult. It was a tragedy for both my brothers and I, but the Lord indeed did bring good from it. Both my parents became believers months before they died, something I am convinced would not have happened without them facing their own mortality. I also learned about handling grief in a proper way, which provided me many opportunities to help others.
This is just one of several examples where tragedies in my life led to greater things for me. And when I read the Scriptures, I see the same thing. Right now, I am reading the life story of Joseph (Genesis 37, Genesis 39-50). His brothers were insanely jealous of him and sold him into slavery. He suffered greatly, but God used their terrible actions to eventually use Joseph to preserve the genealogical line that eventually led to Jesus, and blessed him richly in the process. We no longer view Jesus’ death as a tragedy, but it was to His disciples immediately after He was executed. (Luke 24:13-24) James says to “count it pure joy” when we encounter trials in our lives. Why? Because the Lord will use them for our good.
Of course, we should be sensitive to other people’s suffering and empathize with their grief and pain. But this does not mean we cannot also give them hope at the right time. For God does bring good out of tragedy, regardless if it is not immediately obvious to us how He will accomplish that. It is the truth because His Word proclaims it. So in times of distress and deep pain, we can hang on to this hope.
Today, if you are facing great difficulties or tragedy, or know someone else who is, know there is the promise the Lord will use it for good. Rather than becoming a meaningless tragedy in our minds, we can know God is at work and we can trust Him in the midst of our own suffering or that of someone else. To me, this view is not insensitive or trite. Rather, it is what can keep us and others hopeful in the midst of horrible circumstances.
© Jim Musser 2018
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” (Hebrews 3:12-14 NIV)
Yesterday, I spoke at a church, which supports the campus ministry I lead. When I talked with the pastor several weeks ago to arrange the visit, he gave me this command: “I want you to PREACH!” So I did. I PREACHED! In case the all caps don’t convey my meaning clearly, he wanted me to tell the truth plainly, not holding back in fear of offending his congregation.
So I told them this truth: By and large, the American Church is lousy at making disciples and I see it clearly in the students coming onto campus claiming they are Christians and come from Christian homes. For the most part, they show little evidence they have been schooled in the Scriptures, have a clear understanding of what it looks like to follow Jesus, and are able to explain the Gospel in a clear, articulate way. This after having spent 18 years being raised in a Christian home and participating in what their churches offered for children and youth! If compared to the markers of a good public education, by any measure it would be a failure or seriously flawed. I brought an indictment against the American Church in general and allowed them to draw their own conclusions about their own responsibilities and shortcomings.
At the church door, as I greeted the parishioners on their way out, the responses of many were interesting. “I really enjoyed that,” was the most common response. “Good to have you here,” was another frequent one. And a few said, “That was a good reminder,” or something similar. And this is exactly what I expected. I have preached in churches many times over the years, and where it is customary for the pastor to stand at the door and greet people as they leave, these are the normal responses. If I desired to have my ego stroked, these are the things I would want to hear, but I was hoping for expressions of true conviction rather than platitudes.
If we are followers of Jesus, at the time we first made that decision, it was made with deep conviction. If it was authentic, our sin weighed heavily upon us and we were in desperate need to get right with God. However, over time our fallen nature naturally leads us into complacency. The fire of God’s grace and mercy lessens and we begin to go through the motions of faith as the essence of it fades. We get stuck where we are or, worse, begin to recede into who we once were before meeting the Lord. We become a shell of what God intends for us. And so, when the truth is spoken, it rolls off of us like the proverbial water off a duck’s back. It has no impact on our thinking or on our lives.
This is why I believe the Hebrew writer exhorts his audience (and us) to encourage one another daily so we can avoid the spiritual complacency to which we are so prone. Once it sets in, our hearts become deceived and hardened. Daily encouragement from fellow believers is essential if our original conviction is to remain strong and fresh.
Today, where are you compared to your original conviction to follow Jesus? Have you grown complacent? Are you merely going through the motions? Has your heart become impervious to the truth? If so, there is a simple solution: Confess and repent. Then seek out others who are living out your original conviction to help you find your way back to it. Our calling as followers of Jesus is not to step in behind Him and coast thereafter, but rather to maintain our original conviction for the remainder of our lives.
© Jim Musser 2018
“When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.’ And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:13-20 NIV)
The early spring weather where I live, like many places, can be crazy and unpredictable. Within the last month we’ve had mid-70’s temperatures, freezing temperatures, snow and rain and fierce winds. The poor plants and flowers have suffered greatly.
We all know the weather can be unpredictable, that we can rarely assume once it gets warm in the spring that it will stay that way. It is also that way with life. Things may be going along smoothly and then, suddenly, boom, we find ourselves in a whirlwind—a break-up, an illness, losing someone we love, an unexpected financial challenge, or a late semester project a professor decides to assign. In so many ways, life can come at us and shake us.
This passage can be difficult to understand, but the central point is God can be trusted regardless of what is happening in our lives. The believers to whom the writer was writing felt under siege by Roman persecution. They were frightened and discouraged. What the author reminds them is they are not alone and abandoned. The Lord who was able to provide permanent access to God by removing the stain of sin from our lives continues to be present in our lives. Our hope in Him is the anchor that will hold us steady in the midst of the many and varied storms of life.
If we trust in Him, we will be safe regardless of our circumstances. If we are not anchored in Him, like a ship unmoored, we will be tossed about and carried along by the stormy waters.
Today, where does your trust lie? In yourself? In your pleasant circumstances of the moment? If it is in anything besides the Lord, know you are in for a wild ride when the inevitable storms of life come upon you. It will be much better for you to be anchored to the One who has overcome the world and can overcome whatever it is you will face.
© Jim Musser 2018
