Character Counts

In life it is often those who lack character who reach the "top". Whether it be greed or thirst for power, the world view of what it takes to achieve success is in complete opposition to the Spirit of God. Concepts like; "survival of the fittest" and "every man for himself" destroy loyalty and create discord in the work place. Additionally, the wake of such individuals is usually filled with brokenness: promises, marriages, families and lives left in pieces.

On the contrary,those seeking higher planes of intimacy with the Lord, must pay close attention to their character. According to Oswald Chambers; "A higher state of mind and spiritual vision can only be achieved through the higher practice of personal character."

Keeping our focus on Christ indeed will help us stay on the center of the path marked out for us. Likewise, tending to any frayed edges in our character will certainly aid in our ascension to higher thinking and behavior. Revelation of what Christians are to aspire to--what character traits they are to possess--are found in the scriptures. God makes the path to Himself clear for any who choose to take it.

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy," (1 Peter 1:15-16NIV).

Holy living does not come natural to man, therefore, believer's are dependant on the work of the Holy Spirit to instruct and guide them along the way. However, the Spirit will not do all the work. Christians seeking higher ground must labor on their end of the relationship as well. Spending time in prayer, reading God's word and obeying the Lord's teachings are important practices to experience accurate hearing of the Spirit. How will a believer recognize the Lord's voice if they do not spend time listening...getting familiar with it? One comes to know the character of God through His Word and therefore, can identify what is of God in life.

For instance, when the flesh wants to respond to an injustice, the believer's spirit seeks counsel from the bank of knowledge they have in Christ. Scripture is brought to mind by the Holy Spirit: like, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also," (Matthew 5:39NIV) or "forgive everyone who sins against us," (Luke 11:4NIV), and "A gentle answer turns away wrath," (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). These prompts help the believer and caution them as they encounter life day by day.

Journeying with the Spirit and heeding the Lord's instructions, over time builds holy character in the believer. Thereby, the Father, "invites" focused seekers to higher paths, where grander visions and deeper intimacy with God is found,(Chambers). Oswald Chambers encourages the Church with this insight; "if you live up to the highest and best that you know in the outer level of your life, God will continually say to you, "Friend, come up even higher."

Higher planes of intimacy with the Lord are indeed attainable. However, invitations from our heavenly Father are extended according to the heart of His child. While the world clambers about, trying to climb a rickety ladder, Christians will gain spiritual success with their knees firmly planted on the ground. In the humble state of submission, the Lord will reveal more of himself and expand our view. The elation which comes from beholding something more of God, is beyond any satisfaction the world has to offer. Likewise, eyes that are granted spiritual sight, are of greater worth than all the treasure on earth.

In the Batter's Box

Christians are called to purity: to be set apart from worldly thoughts, motives and actions. Oswald Chambers states; "God makes us pure by an act of His sovereign grace, but we still have something that we must carefully watch. It is through our bodily life coming in contact with other people and other points of view that we tend to become tarnished.

This reality is lived out day by day in our lives: work, school, politics, even sports, all place challenges on the seeking soul to remain set apart. For the follower of Christ there is no rest in witnessing; no time-out for moments of carnality. Once you claim to be a Christian, people watch you and listen to what you say. If believers are not careful, they may adopt the bad attitudes or behaviors of a peer group and taint their witness.

Sitting in the bleachers at a game it can be difficult to tell believers from non-believers. The crowd is always passionate and hungry for a win. However, in the pursuit of victory, lines can be blurred of who are sealed with the Holy Spirit and who is not. One error on the field or a "perceived" bad call by the umpire and insight to character is instantly revealed. While, competitive Christians may feel liberty to engage in the chirping from the stands, or complaining about a "bad call," the price paid can be high. For though a game is won, often a soul is lost.

Chambers addresses the Christian's need to conduct themselves properly in all situations; "If we want to maintain personal intimacy with the Lord Jesus Christ, it will mean refusing to do or even think certain things. And some things that are acceptable for others will become unacceptable for us."

For if we do not keep ourselves in step with Christ, we may be the recipient of ridicule. "I thought you were a Christian!" These cutting words slay a saint and are sometimes used by non-believers looking to reinforce their stand against God or the church. Their misguided belief that Christian's are somehow perfect beings, fuels their judgment. Still, their perspective of what is appropriate for a Christian is often accurate and the rebuke warranted. Though the words may bring satisfaction to the critic it weighs heavy on the heart of the believer: for no follower of Christ desires to have their testimony tainted. Fortunately, followers of Jesus can not foul out. Still, our at bat is being recorded, strike one...strike two...

When children of God stumble, it is imperative they confess their sin to the Lord and ask the Spirit to guide them in making amends. Is there an apology to be made, a confession of wrong doing to be shared? Perhaps, a gentle reminder of the call to witness is appropriate to share with a fellow brother or sister in Christ who is veering off the path. While these steps may not erase poor conduct, an apology which is divinely inspired, can witness in a profound way.

Prayer of course is essential to living victoriously in this life. Believer's need to seek the Lord's will, and pray for His wisdom and strength. Likewise, their minds need to renewed, so in times of challenge and trial, their thoughts remain pure and Christ focused: competitors do not become enemies, umpires are not devils and players are not devalued based on performance.

In closing, Oswald Chambers instruction on keeping pure minded is note worthy; "A practical help in keeping your personal purity unblemished in your relations with other people is to begin to see them as God does. Say to yourself, "That man or that woman is perfect in Christ Jesus! That friend or that relative is perfect in Christ Jesus!"

When Christians purpose to have the attitude of Christ: whether in the office, class, or on the field, regardless of the score, they will be champions.

Standing Behind the Groom

The need for Christ to be supreme in our lives and in our message to others is important for Christians to remember. For if we are not careful, as Oswald Chambers warns; “A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself,” our eternal bridegroom.

There is a fine line between praising the Lord in our conversation and setting ourselves up as grand recipients of God’s grace. When we focus on our relationship to the Savior we highlight our position rather than His. The result of boasting in the Father’s goodness in our lives may become a mental block for others. They may feel less valued if there story is different, or worse they might believe the devil’s lie that there is something special or unique about you: God would not do for them what He has done for you.

Yet, as believers we find our strongest weapon against the enemy of souls is our testimony. Telling our story of salvation—how we were rescued from a life of sin and eternal death—is sure to emphasize points of our past contrasted with our new self in the risen Christ. I truly enjoy sharing the work of God in my life with others. For my heart wants to shout to the world of His tenderness, intimacy and jaw dropping affection!

So what are smitten followers to do? How do we testify to the love and power of Almighty God and remain humbly in the shadow of the cross? Pondering this is important, because I believe the steps necessary, though common in purpose, will be different for each follower. For we consciously and subconsciously spotlight our role based on our personal desires and insecurities. For instance, are we eager to share because we like the idea of being an evangelist? Is there a desire to be revered as set apart or righteous? If we are not careful our desire to make a catch may cause us to jerk the pole back premature, spooking the fish. Patience is critical in fishing, whether fishing in the water or sea of humanity. Carefully following a few steps can help us be successful in both.

The first step when presented with the opportunity to share the gospel with another is to pray. When we take a second to ask the Spirit to guide our sharing, we immediately place our focus on Jesus and take it off ourselves. The Spirit will absolutely answer this prayer…expect a response.

The second step should be to listen for the Spirit’s response? Does a scripture come to mind, a vision, do you have a physiological reaction to the opportunity to speak of Jesus? Are you being told to hold back? Heeding the Spirit’s nudges, are so important to keeping Jesus as the focus.

A third step is to ask questions. Show interest in the person, not a goal. In this self-centered culture, someone taking time to listen to what you have to say is unique and will naturally move the conversation. Listen to what they say. Do they mention they are stressed from work, struggling with a loss or illness? Is there spirit broken or depressed? If it is a divine appointment chances are something they say will trigger a connection or prompt what you share about Jesus.

For example; if stress and worry are part of their circumstances, sharing about the promise of Jesus to carry the load—take it off our shoulders--would be applicable and speak to where they are.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls,” (Matthew 11:30NIV). The power in the scripture acts like a balm and though you may not in that moment harvest a crop of salvation, the seed of hope is planted in their field of trouble.

Once we have prayed to Jesus, been the ears of Jesus, have shared the Word (which is Jesus), sharing part of our story would be appropriate. The key is keeping Jesus before us. This way we do not upstage the bridegroom. Rather, like true friends, we stand behind him as he proclaims his love.

Chambers cautions; “Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends “of the bridegroom,” we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against him while we use His weapons.” (John 3:29).

Boasting about Jesus is indeed a privilege of the saints. Jesus is indeed worthy of endless praise. Yet, there is much more to God than the work he does in our lives. Pondering the Great I AM, we find more than we can possible grasp or comprehend still, the WORD tells us God has revealed himself to all men.

“…since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse,” Romans 1:19-20NIV).

When we seek to share Christ with others, remember they have a God placed knowledge of his existence. Holding up or pointing to what they know of a Creator God naturally places us in Christ’s shadow: a wonderful place to rest.

True Love Prays for Transforming Pain

While compassion moves us to pray for our loved ones to be delivered from pain and failure, seeking their deliverance rather than their perseverance is a short sighted perspective. Actually, praying for the worst in someone’s life may be the truest act of friendship or love.

Oswald Chambers rocks the boat of love with his devotional on our need to decrease in the lives of others, so the Lord may be exalted in their eyes: that God may be the wind in their sails. Though it goes against our instinct to want to help or fix our loved one’s problems, sometimes it is imperative to their salvation or spiritual growth to endure the travesties of life: for we are all refined through the fire.

The vast trials and tribulations we suffer may be the very instruments God purposes to use for His glory. Chambers puts it this way; “And when you begin to see that person in the middle of a difficult and painful struggle, don’t try to prevent it, but pray that his difficulty will grow even ten times stronger, until no power on earth or in hell could hold him away from Jesus Christ.”

This perspective hit me some time ago when a friend asked me to begin praying for her child. This young adult was deeply entrenched in a sinful lifestyle and was rejecting the family upbringing of Christianity. Week by week her child drifted farther and farther away, carried off by the lusts of the flesh into the deepest and darkest waters. Unwilling to allow the Spirit of God to direct life, the headstrong and deceived soul dropped their sail, becoming vulnerable to the terrors of the sea: a loving mother’s heart, broken and desperate left in her child’s wake.

No amount of input would penetrate the hardened heart. Prayer was our hope. We realized if waters were smooth and skies were sunny and clear, what need would there be for God? Repentance would likely come through peril and pain. So we vowed to pray for storms and rough waters to tip the boat, knowing we would be there to extend comfort and support. We sought the Lord’s wrath to awaken a godly fear and awe in a rebellious heart. Life and limb were willing sacrifices for redemption. For what good was a body if the soul was doomed for hell.

How true are these words of Chambers; "You may often have to watch Jesus Christ wreck a life before He saves it". The Lord's own words testify to His righteous purpose in our lives; "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword...anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me..." (Matthew 10:34-37NIV).

People don’t like to watch someone suffer or struggle. Sometimes it is out of compassion, often it is because we transfer their pain to ourselves, and it makes us feel uncomfortable. Truthfully, people avoid discomfort at all costs. This is why those who risk their own lives to help others, or endure hardship and pain for the good of others, are heroes in our eyes. They do what most are not willing to do.

Watching someone we love struggle is extremely difficult, seeing our children suffer is agonizing. Yet, we should be more uncomfortable witnessing someone go to hell than suffer the pains of this world: for life is but a flash compared to an eternity of horror.

Therefore, our prayers for those lost and struggling with strongholds should be focused on God’s purpose rather than deliverance. Likewise, we need to apply this same concept to our own life: praying for the Lord to inflict you if necessary to help you break free from sinful patterns and practices. The adage; “no pain, no gain” is a spiritual principle. We must die upon the cross of Christ to be resurrected with Jesus into a new life and eternity.

Unfortunately, the term, “your will…not mine,” has become a silly tag on to our prayers of deliverance. Only after an outpouring of our desires and our wants in prayer do we consider what God desires. How would lives be transformed if only we would have the courage and selflessness to pray for the Lord’s refining fires in our lives? What miracles would we see? Most important what glory would be God’s?

Father, grant us the strength to follow you through the valley of death with our hands holding fast to your love and goodness. Bless us with the ability to see you in the fiery trials of life . May our prayers for others reveal our trust in you to save those lost at sea by whatever means. We ask hard hearts would throw away their oars, hoist their sail and make a tack into the wind: may they come under your guidance and remain eternally surrendered to your will.

Unspeakable Joy After the Fall

Oswald Chambers reminds Christians that being carnally minded is a sign that we are still living in resistance to the Holy Spirit's sanctification work in our spirit. Habits of quarreling or short tempers, he attributes--as did the apostle Paul--to carnality.

He goes on to say; "If the process of sanctification is continuing in your life, there will be no trace of that kind of spirit remaining."

Overcoming our character flaws is certainly a day by day and often moment by moment battle. Life long patterns of thinking, as well as behaviors, are difficult to put off...in our own strength. Yet, Jesus can grant us the ability to successfully loose the chains that bind us to ugly behaviors.

"Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh," (Galatians 5:16).

How true is the Word of God. For in my own walk, I have seen the power of Christ's presence keep my spirit calm when I would have boiled. Chambers states; "The proof is in a very practical test. You will find yourself saying, "If this had happened before, I would have had the spirit of resentment!"

Likewise, prayers binding my mind to the mind of Christ: that His thoughts would be my thoughts,have helped to transform my mind. My days are no longer consumed with brooding over transgressions. Instead, my mind is more often bent towards higher ground thinking and forgiveness. This reality humbles me and continually prompts praise, or as Chambers claims; "you will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside." Each little victory in my life is a sign of the sanctification taking place within me. Hallelujah!

This feeds my great hope in Jesus, to complete my transformation. I will one day be completely free of the carnal--yuck--that taints the image of Christ in me. Though I see wonderful changes in my character and behavior, I am far from the saint I am called to be. Therefore, my prayers and efforts to exercise the Holy Spirit within me continue. And while I can not produce my own sanctification...I must certainly, "accept the light of truth" in all areas of my life, so that the Lord is free to work his miracle in me,(Chambers).

Chamber's addresses this phase in the Christian life this way; "Never deceive yourself; when carnality is gone you will know it--it is the most real thing you can imagine. And God will see to it that you have a number of opportunities to prove to yourself the miracle of His grace."

Often I find myself facing situations that prick my old nature, and they usually immediately follow my prayers for strength in those ares. Sometimes I realize the refining test in the middle of forming an unrighteous response. More and more, I am realizing the challenge after I have already responded in my new character. The joy which comes after a natural Spirit led response, both encourages and inspires me. Do you not feel elation when you see Christ move through you?

We have all been carnal Christians at some point. Nobody is without flaws! Those who work hardest to make you think otherwise are likely to be the most carnal. The truth is, Christians are not magically purified upon salvation. Yet, carnality is to be addressed with fervor! Attack the areas of your spirit that are in opposition to the Spirit of God: spiritual growth depends on our continual confession of sin and repentance. Ignoring or putting off the battle of our sinful flesh once saved is outside of the will of God... it is carnal behavior according to Chambers.

"A child of the light will confess sin instantly and stand completely open before God. but a child of the darkness will say, "Oh, I can explain that." When the light shines and the Spirit brings conviction of sin, be a child of the light. Confess your wrongdoing, and God will deal with it. If, however, you try to vindicate yourself, you prove yourself to be a child of the darkness."

Father help us be children of the Light. Grant us the desire to put off sinful behavior and attitudes. For only where the Lord reigns, is there peace,unmeasurable joy and glory to God!

Our Very Great Reward

The more I face in life, the more I find that nothing comforts or satisfies my spirit more than Jesus. Material possessions, achievements and comforts are wonderful blessings. Yet, without the Lord's companionship, none of these matter. What I have learned most over the past few years, is that my relationship with God matters most and is my greatest treasure.

My husband, our children and their families fill my life with love and joy. I can’t imagine life without my husband, he is more than a spouse: he’s my best friend, confidant, advisor, playmate, sojourner, encourager and reality check. Likewise, my son brings more love and laughter into my life than I thought was possible. My step sons fill me with pride and keep life full of fun. And while life is not always peaceful or pleasant, this family unit is my pleasure and I am richly blessed and thankful to love and be loved by them.

There is no “but” in this situation. My family is what they are meant to be. God is also what He intended to be: my rock, my salvation, my comfort, my refuge, my strength, my courage, my all. The Lord is indeed “my very great reward,” (Genesis 15:1NIV). No one in my life could take God’s place, nor should I want them to. For it is through these roles, the Lord determines to build our relationship. If I allow anyone else to attempt to fill the Lords shoes, I will be tragically disappointed and will prevent a close friendship from developing with my heavenly Father.

When I was recovering after a major surgery a few years ago, I developed a new intimacy with the Lord. The days were spent in fellowship, praise and prayer. What could have been a monotonous and boring recuperation --with my family at work and school most of the time—actually became a treasured experience. It was during this time the Lord revealed His desire to be my main source of comfort.

God first reminded me of our history. When my mom died in January of my junior year in high school, I was fifteen, afraid and so angry that I cursed God and told him I wanted nothing to do with Him. God, allowed me to walk away from His comfort. My mother’s death soon became the first of many traumas following my rejection of God. Years later, after I had become a Christian, my father died as well. It was sixteen years later and death once again visited in the month of January.

This time though married with children, I was very much alone. My husband had been on the road to take our eldest to college. They had just arrived at my sister’s in Missouri after a two day drive of absolute misery: grid lock, snow storm, icy roads, car breakdowns, and then rental car breakdowns. They were exhausted when they finally reached my sister’s house just before midnight. Our middle son was away at winter church camp. I was home alone with our two year old son, when my step mom phoned with the news my dad had suddenly died.

Two of my sisters live nearby and yet I was unable to reach either of them by phone. My nephew had fallen asleep with the phone line switched to the computer and my younger sister didn’t hear her phone ring. I was completely without someone to comfort me in my sorrow. It was several days before my husband returned and nearly twelve hours before I reached anyone in my family.

It was during my recovery ten years later that I asked God why he allowed me to be alone in my greatest time of need. His response was a surprise and absolutely amazed me. The Lord revealed His desire to be the one I turned to for comfort. When my mom died I had cursed Him and turned to others. With my father’s death, there was none I could turn to…but the Lord. He wanted my sorrow and pain this time around. Since this revelation, I have come to see my moments of isolation differently. Now I see them as invitations to draw closer to God, and I no longer resent them.

Oswald Chambers, notes there are “delights” and “difficulties” in our friendship with God. In regards to the delights he states: “This friendship means being so intimately in touch with God that you never ever need to ask Him to show you His will. It is evidence of a level of intimacy which confirms that you are nearing the final stage of your discipline in the life of faith.” This intimacy doesn’t come without effort. Time is necessary, trust is crucial and obedience is a must to become one with God in mind, body and spirit.

According to Chambers, one of the signs that we are not as intimate with God as we may like, is indecision. “Whenever we stop short of our true desire in prayer and say, “Well, I don’t know, maybe this not God’s will,” then we still have another level to go. It shows that we are not as intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as Jesus would have us to be—“…that they may be one just as We are one…”(John 17:22). The Lord desires to be intimate with us in times of sorrow and joy. He cares about the big issues in our lives as much as the little things.

Regardless of where we are in our friendship with the Lord, we have the gift of a perfect promise: when we seek the Treasure of heaven, we will find Him. God desires a deep and intimate relationship with us all. While blessings certainly abound in our relationship with Jesus, the God of heaven and earth, the Great I Am is indeed, our very great reward.

Set Apart For Service

There is need to be determined in our efforts to be the hands and feet of Christ in this life. Believing we are living as the Lord desires, may give us a false sense of what we are set apart to do. Yet, when we look to the words of Jesus, we find a clear expectation of what work God's children should be involved in.

Jesus, speaking about when He returns to gather up His followers, has this to say. "When the Son of Man comes in his glory...all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance , the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me," (Matthew 26:6).

This passage goes on to show how the goats on the Lord's left were told; "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me," (Matthew 26:41-43NIV).

Christ has set us apart, to minister on His behalf,to the lost and in need of this world. Therefore, I can measure the eternal value of my work to a large degree, based on who and how I am serving others. Did our Lord not proclaim; "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor," (Luke 4:18-19NIV). We who have the Spirit of the Lord within, are also anointed to do as Jesus.

Oswald Chambers teaches: "Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led. But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading." Trusting in God is key to living a successful life set apart from others. Chambers points to the faith of Abraham to leave everyone and everything he knew behind to be set apart for God. It is amazing that Abraham removed himself--without a bible or scripture to encourage his steps--from those he loved. How can we do less?

I have been set apart to do good works. I have also be set apart to receive: the truth, a renewed mind, a new self, holiness and an eternal inheritance.

I am called to be a lamb in a world of goats. For on the day the Lord returns--as promised--He alone will determine who are of His flock and who are of the devils herd.

Lord, may my life reveal my heart to be yours.