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Category Archives: Spiritual Leadership

5 Steps to Protect the Next Generation from Godlessness

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Legacy of faith

Kathy with her parents, Christmas 1961

We are only one generation away from godlessness. Christians today must fight the battle for the souls and eternal destinies of our children and grandchildren.

Sound a bit dramatic? Just take a look around. The wind has shifted. God has been removed from our schools and our politics. The only religion that has no rights is Christianity.

We’re told we can believe whatever we want, but we have to keep it to ourselves. Do you know what happens if we succumb to that pressure? History has already shown us.

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10, NLT

Only one generation after God miraculously brought the Israelites into the Promised Land, His people had forgotten Him. The children and grandchildren of those who experienced God’s power and provision first-hand did not follow Him.

Why not? Their parents and grandparents stopped telling the stories. They failed to share God’s Word.

We can make the difference between a generation who does not know the Lord and one that embraces Christ. God gave us the plan for passing down a legacy of faith. All we have to do is follow it.

Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deut 6:4-9, NLT

  1. Start with ourselves – We must first internalize the faith we long to share. Only when we fully commit ourselves to God and submit our will to His can we pass it down. A legacy of faith must flow from an individual who loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength.
  2. Accept the responsibility – God made us stewards of these young lives. Too often we Christians want to completely pass this God-given task to the church. We must be the primary faith teachers.
  3. Teach the Word – Be purposeful in teaching the Bible to your children and grandchildren. Use formal teaching times, but also take advantage of every opportunity throughout the day to share a nugget of God’s truth.
  4. Share your personal journey – Talk about your personal faith journey. Show your children that your faith is real and active. Share your successes and your struggles.
  5. Tell the “remember when” stories – Tell them what God has done in your family, church, and community. Don’t let these experiences die with you! Let your family know how God has been an active presence in your life.

There is something precious about faith handed down from generation to generation. Like a cherished family heirloom, it will not be easily tossed aside. Let’s accept the responsibility God has given us and claim the next generation for Christ.

What do you do in your family to purposefully pass along your faith?

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Jealousy Can Be a Good Thing

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protection, God's jealousyOne spring morning while out jogging (back when I still jogged), I was attacked by a bird. The paved path I had traveled on many times passed within feet of a tree where this momma jay apparently had a nest full of new babies. I thought the first close “pass by” was a fluke. Surely this feathered creature did not mean to brush my arm with the tip of her wing. But then she circled around and dove at me again and again.

Anyone watching surely had a good laugh. As the momma bird kept up her assault, I attempted to scare her away with frantic hollering and wild waving of my arms. I even managed to perform these defensive maneuvers while continuing to stumble down the path as fast as my legs would carry me. But she made sure I was a good 50 yards away from her babies before she returned to the nest.

“Jealousy” fosters protection

The apostle Paul reminds me a bit of this momma jay. He had a fierce desire to protect the Christians in Corinth from false teaching that might lead them away from the pure Gospel of Christ. These feelings of spiritual protection fostered what he referred to as “godly jealousy.”

2For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. 3 But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 4You happily put up with whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach, or a different kind of Spirit than the one you received, or a different kind of gospel than the one you believed. 2 Cor 11:2-4, NLT

There’s sinful jealousy and godly jealousy

We usually consider jealousy as something we must get out of our lives – a sinful attitude to turn away from. In fact, as we mentioned in Monday’s post, Scripture warns us over and over to forsake jealousy (Romans 13:13, James 3:14). And while “jealousy” is defined as “envious and contentious rivalry,” the same Greek word also means “ardor in embracing, pursuing, or defending anything” (Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary).

Like the mother bird fought to protect her babies from the dangerous middle-aged jogger, Paul arduously fought to protect the Corinthians from teachers that would lead them astray from God and His truth. Paul’s jealousy was not selfish or self-serving. His only motivation was to protect God’s honor and glory by guarding His possession from those who wanted to do them harm or steal them away.

Our God is Jealous

Paul’s jealousy reflects the character of God. When God dictated the second commandment to Moses He described Himself as “jealous” (Exodus 20:4-5). And later in Exodus, when God gives Moses the commandments a second time, He not only refers to His jealousy again, He names Himself “Jealous” (Exodus 34:14). For more on God’s jealousy, see Monday’s post.

God pursues a relationship with us and will fight to defend that relationship when anything or anyone threatens to come between us. For instance, when we give something else God’s rightful first place in our lives, He will move to get our attention.

Those of us who have a saving relationship with Jesus, who have been born again by the indwelling presence of His Spirit, belong to God. We are not our own. We don’t have the right to give ourselves to another. God will jealously fight for us and for His honor. And – like Paul – as God’s people we also can jealously fight for God’s glory and honor.

What is the motivation behind “godly jealousy”? Is there a situation in your life now that could use a little godly jealousy?

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To Judge or Not to Judge

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Last week’s post about holiness (“Holiness is Not a Shade of Grey”) initiated very passionate discussions on my site, Facebook, and Twitter. Most comments echoed the need for holiness in every area of a Christian’s life. Other comments raised the question of judgment, even citing Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:1. For instance, is it wrong for one believer to tell another believer she shouldn’t read “Fifty Shades of Grey?”

should Christians judge?, Do not judge

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“Do not judge.” I’ve been studying and praying about this since last week so I could address the question in a biblical way. One of my constant prayers and desires is that whatever I teach or write will be accurately aligned with the truth of God’s Word. So I’ve been in the Word and in prayer. Today’s post – the result of this study and prayer – seeks to answer the question:

When, if ever, is it okay for a Christian to correct another Christian’s behavior or call specific behavior “sin?”

Do not judge?

Here are the two primary Bible passages referenced in last week’s discussion against “judging”:

  • Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (words of Jesus) Matthew 7:1, NIV
  • There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4:12, NIV

Wait, do judge?

Sounds pretty straight-forward, right? Well, consider these words spoken by the same people in the same biblical book:

  • If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.  But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:15-16, NLT
  • My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20, NIV

The Bible never contradicts itself

Now what? Those who acknowledge the Bible as the accurate, authoritative Word of God also believe the Bible does not contradict itself. Apparent “conflict” will always stem from our incorrect understanding of a passage or issue and never in God’s truth. One of these two mistakes are often the culprit:

  • We fail to consider the entire counsel of Scripture.
  • We try to interpret one verse or passage outside of the larger context.

The Whole Counsel of Scripture

As we read through the entire Bible, we see these clear truths we can apply to the question of “judging.”

  • God calls His people to holiness. (Eph 5:3, 1 Peter 15-16, 1 Thess 4:4,7, 1 John 3:3)
  • God commands believers to encourage each other to holiness and hold each other accountable in our personal relationship with Christ. (2 Timothy 4:2, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 10:24, James 5:16)
  • God commands other believers and the church to point out sin and call individuals to repentance. (Matt 18:15-17, James 5:19-20, Gal 6:1-2, 1 Cor 5:1-5)
  • It is to be done with love and gentleness. (Gal 6:1, Eph 4:15)
  • The goal is the protection, restoration, and welfare of the believer who has sinned. (Matt 18:15, 1 Cor 5:5, Gal 6:1, James 5:20)

Context of the passage

  • In the larger context of Matthew 7, Jesus does not condemn what we might call “judging” in every sense. To follow His command in verse 6, we will have to make a discerning judgment call. Instead, Jesus condemns a hypocritical, self-righteous attitude that points out others’ failures without first dealing with their own.
  • In the larger context of James 4, James himself points out the sins of the believers and calls them to repentance (James 4:1-10). In verses 11-12, James continues his call to righteous behavior. The problem James condemns is “slander,” a type of judging that is harsh and unkind.

Conclusion about “judging”

Both Jesus and James condemned a harsh, critical “judging” of people’s motives. This kind of “judging” is motivated by a self-righteous, hypocritical attitude. In the whole of Scripture, God clearly commands Christians to lovingly point out sin and exhort each other to holiness. It is not our place to determine their motives, but it is our responsibility as a member of the body of Christ to gently identify behavior that God has already judged to be “sin.” The goal is to reconcile that person with others and with God and to keep the sin from spreading to others (1 Cor 5:5-7, Heb 12:15, James 5:19-20).

So, when and how should we approach another believer about sin?

  • First, check to see if there is sin in your own life.
  • Check your attitude. Only act if your goal is the welfare of the other person.
  • Make sure God calls this behavior sin. Only God has the right to determine right and wrong.
  • Speak in love and gentleness with the goal of protection and restoration.

Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly. John 7:24, NIV

Let’s Talk. How do you think our “tolerant” culture has affected the way the church approaches this difficult topic?

Other posts you may find helpful:

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5 Ways to Impact Your Children with Easter’s Message

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My brother, my father, & me, Easter 1969

Rich memories of childhood Easters keep popping up in my mind. I can still feel the cold metal of the folding chair as I sat with my family in the church parking lot waiting for the first rays of the sun to make their appearance. And with the sun, the somber notes of “low in the grave He lay…” became the joyous thunder of “up from the grave He arose (He arose), with a mighty triumph o’er His foes.” After prayer and singing, everyone escaped the chilly air and enjoyed pancakes and sausage in the church fellowship hall.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about the impact Easter had on me as a child. I also have wonderful memories of Christmas, but Easter took root in my soul from an early age. Even then, I must have sensed the eternal significance of Christ’s death and resurrection. As parents and grandparents, we have a great opportunity – and God-given responsibility – to make sure our children understand the great truth and power of Easter.

Below are five easy, but memorable, ways to help your children understand the Easter story. Make sure you check out the links for details and more information:

1. Make a set of Resurrection Eggs – This is a fun way to “concretely” share the Easter story with your kids. You can purchase a ready-made set, but putting them together with your kids is part of the fun. Here are the instructions for making your own Resurrection Eggs.

2. Watch a movie together – One great way to start a conversation with your children about the Easter is by watching a movie that portrays the Easter story or illustrates its truths. Several great ones are available. Just choose one that is age-appropriate for the kids in your life. Here are a few suggestions:

3. Attend a Good Friday service or event – Many churches have services on Good Friday to help us remember Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. This is a great opportunity to talk about Jesus’ death and what it accomplished for us. Cochrane, the small town where we lived in Canada, had a “Cross Walk.” Members from all areas of the community met downtown and prayerfully followed the cross as a volunteer carried it through the streets.

4. Make Resurrection Cookies – Use this tasty object lesson to teach your kids about the empty tomb. Make them on Saturday night and enjoy them first thing Sunday. Here’s the recipe and how-to’s for Resurrection Cookies.

5. Experience the Easter Sunrise – Like the women who went to the tomb, be up and ready to greet the first light of Sunday morning. You can do this at an official sunrise service or in your own backyard. Friday was somber. Sunday is a celebration! (And don’t forget the pancake breakfast!)

I’d love to hear about your childhood Easter memories! Also, please share ways you celebrate Easter with your kids and grandkids.

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Principles for Relationship – Ephesians 5:21-6:9

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This is the seventh lesson in an online Bible study through the book of Ephesians. The entire lesson is posted below. You can read it here and answer the questions in a journal or you can download the PDF or Word Doc and print a hard copy.

On Black Friday in November 2008, hundreds of out-of-control bargain hunters busted through the front doors of a Long Island Wal-Mart. The frenzied mob barreled through a line of employees in the entry knocking some to the ground and sending others fleeing for their lives. In the stampede, one young male employee was trampled to death.

Although extreme, this is an example of our selfish sin nature in action. With no concern for others, each person selfishly acts to fulfill their own desires, charging ahead no matter who might get hurt in the process. Every man – and woman – for himself.

But this is not God’s way. He is not a God of chaos and selfishness, but of order and love. He has established a hierarchy for His people and our relationships. Ephesians shows us God’s ordered design for marriage, family, work, and the church. When we willingly follow His design we will discover the joy, peace, and fulfillment in community that God intends.

Rules of Engagement

Read Ephesians 5:21-33 and 6:1-9. Make a list of all the categories of relationships Paul discusses.

Write out 5:21 below. Circle the verb Paul uses as a command. Underline the reason we should obey that command.

The word “submit” has been misused, misunderstood, and abused.

Let’s start by digging into the dictionary definition for the Greek word hypotasso, which is translated as “submit” in English.  According to Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Dictionary, the verb “submit,” – found in 5:21, 22, and 24 – is a Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In general use, it means to put things in an orderly fashion under something else. It communicates the idea of voluntarily yielding to an established hierarchy.

Disorder produces only chaos. Therefore, God has established an order for all our relationships. His proper order brings about our good and results in His glory and honor.

In 5:21, Paul begins his discussion of God’s order with a blanket statement of mutual submission. All Christians are to voluntarily “submit” themselves to other Christians (5:21). This attitude of reciprocal yielding requires humility and selflessness. The basis of this position is our love for Christ and our desire to please and serve Him. The outcome is the edification of the church.

Read Philippians 2:1-5. How does this passage help us understand what it means to “submit to one another?” Who do we imitate when we do this?

Husbands and Wives

One specific relationship in which submission is needed for order to reign is marriage. Imagine the chaos – perhaps you’ve even seen it – when both husband and wife strive for their own will and way without consideration for the other person. Paul’s prescription for marriage, although radical to first-century ears, takes Christians back to God’s original design.

In the Greco-Roman world of Paul’s day, wives had obligations to their husbands, but nothing was expected from the men. God’s standards for the marriage relationship were revolutionary. Yes, women should respect and follow their husbands’ leadership. But the husbands must love and care for their wives like they do themselves.

This kind of mutual relationship had its roots in Genesis. A husband and wife are one flesh, a union forged by God (Genesis 2:20-25). A relationship created with a specific chain of authority to produce order and glorify God.

Reread Ephesians 5:22-24. List the God-ordained lines of authority you find.

I readily admit that my sin nature rears its ugly head when I read “the husband is the head of the wife.” But of course I nod my head approvingly just two sentences later: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her…” Oh yeah, I want my husband to fulfill His God-given role without me fulfilling mine. But without both of us following God’s design there will be chaos and need within the marriage.

The Greek word translated as “love” in this passage is agape, which we explored two lessons ago. It’s the same kind of intentional, selfless love God has for us. Husbands are to deliberately choose to act in love towards their wives with their welfare in mind.

Before we move on to the other relationships Paul explores, I want to share a quote with you from The NIV Application Commentary: Ephesians.  Commentator Klyne Snodgrass explains this difficult passage of Scripture far better than I ever could:

Ephesians 5:23 does not focus on authority, but on the self-giving love of both Christ and the husband. “Head” in this context suggests “responsibility for”. The husband has a leadership role, though not in order to boss his wife or use his position as privilege. Just as Jesus redefined greatness as being a servant (Matthew 20:26-27), Paul redefines being head as having a responsibility to love, to give oneself, and to nurture. A priority is placed on the husband, but contrary to ancient society, it is for the benefit of the wife. The activity of both wife and husband is based in their relationship to Christ and in his giving himself for the church.

Although the roles of husband and wife are unique and different, this passage assumes the unity and equality of the marriage partners. Husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. And the two will become one flesh.

Paul boils our marriage roles down to their essence in 5:33. What is the primary task for the wife? For the husband?

Note: For a wonderful exposition on these roles, check out “Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs” by Emerson Eggerichs.

Children and Parents

We’ve all seen unruly, disobedient children whose parents allow them to run all over them and others too. This situation not only hurts the children in the long run, it also dishonors God. God has established a pattern for parents and children that benefits the children, the family as a whole, and brings glory to God. Like marriage, this is a relationship with mutual responsibility.

Read Ephesians 6:1-4. What are God’s expectations for children?

What are God’s expectations for fathers (parents)?

“Obey” in 6:1 means to do as you are told. God makes it clear: children are to do what their parents tell them to do. And God promised to bless their obedience.

However, God has also established some boundaries for parents. The stronger parent has an obligation to the weaker child. We are not to be demanding, harsh, or unreasonable.

Read Colossians 3:20-21. What reason does Paul give here for parents to not act in a way that creates bitterness in their children?

A parent’s concern should be the welfare of the child. We discipline, train, and teach them for their good, not for some kind of self-satisfaction.

According to verse 4, what is the parenting goal?

What are some ways you can – or have – help your child to love God more and know Him better?

Masters and Slaves

Read Ephesians 6:5-9.

Once again, Paul writes to apply God’s expectations to a primary relationship. It’s estimated that there were more than 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire during Paul’s time. That would have been 1/3 of the entire population! And the majority of these were employed in the home. Although slavery is no longer a part of our culture, the principles in this passage apply to any authority/subordinate relationship like employer and employee.

Based on the passage you just read, mark the following statements as true or false:

___ We should obey our employer just like we should obey Christ.

___ We only have to obey them when they are watching us – just enough to look good.

___ My service and obedience is based on my devotion to God.

How does Paul apply the idea of “mutual responsibility” to the slave/master relationship?

Did you notice the common principles found in each kind of relationship?

  • All relationships should be based on our relationship with God.
  • There is a mutual responsibility in all relationships.
  • God’s design for relationship brings us peace and joy and Him glory!

As we close today’s lesson, reflect on the relationships in your life: church family, parents, children, spouse, and “master/slave.” Are you finding joy and peace? Do they bring honor to God? Where do you need to allow God to work?

Weekly Challenge

(Each week, in addition to the weekly lesson, I will provide an opportunity – for those who have the time and desire – to go a little deeper. If you are unable to do this, please don’t worry, but if you can, take the plunge!)

Read Colossians 3:18-25 and 4:1. Compare it to this week’s passage in Ephesians. What additional insight did you gain about God’s design for relationships?

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