Weight of glory?

Earlier this week we attended a conference for NC Baptist pastors.  The speakers were fellow pastors who opened God’s Word and encouraged our hearts. 

Ed Litton, pastor of FBC North Mobile, shared from the heartache of his wife’s accidental death a few years ago.  He opened up his life and challenged the pastors to seek God’s presence in the midst of our storms by:

(see 2 Cor. 4)

1.  Renewing the heart daily  (“…being renewed day by day.” 4:16 )
2.  Seeing the unseen (spiritual warfare of 4:1-6)
3.  Focusing on eternity (4:18)

Hearing these things applied from a heart that has suffered moved me deep within.  Paul called incredible earthly hardships “light afflictions” when compared to the “incomparable eternal weight of glory.” (4:17)

I have a lot to learn about the eternal weight of glory!

Identity and Work

Labor Day has been celebrated in the U.S. since the late 1800’s. It began as a way to honor American workers…many of whom were working 12 hours a day—7 days a week. 

The work week is much shorter now.  Yet, in any environment, the Christ-follower needs to know that the Scripture speaks clearly to the value of our work:

“ Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…”  (Col. 3:23)

Although we recognize the temporal nature of earth life, we know that our approach to work goes beyond the immediate production of goods and services. In fact, our approach to work gives us the opportunity to worship and honor Christ.  Really?  Worshiping Christ while working?

Paul challenged the slaves of his day to look beyond their earthly masters and work like God was in charge.  He said, don’t fake it!  Work hard like you know God is watching your work. (at least that’s my paraphrase)…

 “not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.  Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.  (Col. 3:22-24)

We know that our true Identity goes beyond our work.  Life is more than what we do to earn a paycheck and provide for our families.

But, knowing our true Identity in Christ sets us free to work and let the Life of Christ shine through our attitude and actions for His glory.  Saved by His grace, we know that…   

“we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works….” (Eph. 2.10)

Wrong Question!

What will motivate us to live out the Gospel and focus on fulfilling the Great Commission?

It’s easy to ask the wrong questions.  Those first disciples asked the wrong question and we do too!

In Acts 1 they asked: “Lord, will You at this time  restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Jesus answered–wrong question!  “it is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority….BUT…”   

Acts 1:8 begins with a strong word of contrast– “but”  and He turns the question back around.

 Jesus essentially says, “in opposition to what you are asking,  here’s what you need to know…and expect…and do!

If we are not motivated to live and share the Gospel of Jesus, perhaps it is because we too are asking the wrong questions. 

Are we asking:

• what’s in it for me?
• what can I get out of it?
• what will others think about me?

Don’t misunderstand my point. I am not saying that we should roll up our sleeves and obey God hoping that we can earn His favor.  Nor am I saying that we should serve God out of guilt: somehow thinking it is more ”spiritual” when I face a dreaded duty and obey anyway!

We must learn to ask, “how can I delight in the purpose of God revealed in Messiah and receive Holy Spirit’s power to be His witness?”

If we learn to ask the right question— He turns duty into delight!

A Challenge to my Friends

Dr. Al Mohler is an incredible man of God. God has gifted him with a mind like few people I have ever met. Come to think of it, I don’t know of anyone I have met who is even in Mohler’s league! (O.K. maybe Ravi Zacharias - but that’s it!)

Recently, I was in a meeting where Dr. Mohler made a presentation.  When he finished, a friend of ours leaned over and said to me (with a grin), “that’s what I meant to say.” 

Check out Dr. Mohler’s latest blog entitled Why Moralism is not the Gospel.  I challenge you to read it!

After you read it–hear me saying:  “That’s what I meant to say!” 

Benediction

A few months ago I spent some time reading through the “benedictions” found in the N.T.   Looking at these passages reminded me that too often we have the wrong focus. ( Here’s some of these benedictions)

Webster’s gives this etymology for benediction:  (Middle English benediccioun, from Late Latin benediction-, benedictio, from benedicere to bless, from Latin, to speak well of, from bene well (akin to Latin bonus good) + dicere to say).

When the New Testament writers ended their letters, or a section of a letter, they would remind the readers of the goodness of God, the good work that He is doing and the nearness of His presence.  

As a kid, I remember my pastor raising his hand saying some words as the service came to a close.  The 21st Century Baptist Church does not usually end with this kind of benediction…but maybe we should.  If you let these good words sink in, they will change your focus!

I’m raising my hands today and believing the Word of God.  He is a good God and He’s working good purposes; He is worthy of my attention, allegiance and affection:

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.  (Jude 1:24-25)