How often do you encounter Christian entitlement? It may be the person that tells you how much better they are than you because they attend church. Maybe their church is "better" than yours. Maybe they come across that they have no sin. Maybe you attend the same church and they act like something is owed to them. Once you start thinking about it chances are that you have encountered it a lot more often than you should. In all honesty you should never encounter it.
Why would a Christian feel entitled to anything? I don't have the answer to that unless it is their pride, greed, or selfishness. When you think you are entitled to something because you are a Christian then you have completely missed the mark. We are entitled to something as human -- HELL. We are not entitled to anything beyond that but God gives us his grace, love, and mercy. We are not entitled to those blessings from God but he still gives it to us because he loves us. Christians then take those blessings and turn them into entitlement. That is not the purpose of those blessings. We are supposed to take those blessing and share God's love. Instead we get a sense of entitlement and turn others from God.
God created us, sent His son to die for us, Jesus died for our sin but then we think we are entitled to something. No. God is entitled to his kingdom being expanded, and us praising him. What have we done for God that we should be entitled to anything? We placed the burden of sin on his son, we placed the hurt in his heart, and we placed hurt in the world. Why would we then be entitled to anything but hell? Instead God saves us, and gives us eternal life.
The next time you feel that you are better than others, or entitled to something because you are a Christian just remember a few things:
1 - the only thing you are entitled to is Hell
2 - you should praise God and bring others to Him, not use his love to drive them away
3 - what has God given for you vs what you have given for him
4 - why not share God's love instead of us it against others
5 - what if you are the only Christian the person sees today - what impression will you be leaving on them?
Monday, March 23, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
Who will step up?
In today's society we are often being persecuted as Christians. You can turn on the news, read on the internet, or open a newspaper and read about Christians being murdered in other countries. You may initially think "gad that is not here", well I agree that maybe Christians aren't being murdered here. However, Christians are being persecuted daily regardless of where they live.
Christians read books, see moves, listen to music, and even say things that make God cringe. However, some are quick to judge because "I am a Christian, and they aren't so I am better". Sorry to inform you but you are wrong. We are all broken people, we all have sin, and we all have a chance to change our lives.
Last year in my home county there was a huge debate over gay marriage because a magistrate was forced to resign when he voiced his religion to the judges stating that he couldn't preform a marriage. Some came out saying it was his job so it didn't matter what his religious beliefs were. Some said it was just a political stunt. Some came out supporting him and some came out against him. Can you guess which side Christians were on? Actually there were on all sides. I saw Christians who strongly voiced their opinion against gay marriage attacking Christians who came out supporting this man. I heard Christians talking bad of other Christians based on their standpoint on this topic. The most shocking part for me were the Christians persecuting other Christians. Name calling, hateful words, mean actions, and shocking comments. You may think this isn't persecution of Christians so lets look at the definition.
Persecution - hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs
To be persecuted doesn't mean you are killed, doesn't mean you are caused bodily harm, it means the treatment. Do you think you win anything by persecuting fellow Christians? Maybe you gain pride, stance in your group of friends, and maybe gain acknowledgement from others. However, you do not gain from God.
2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
Notice it doesn't say will persecute but instead says will be persecuted? When a Christian is persecuted we can take that and glorify God. We have to stop persecuting each other. If we see a fellow Christian hurting we hurt with them, if we see them rejoicing we rejoice with them, but we should never persecute each other.
Due to persecution Christians have become quiet. We don't want to mention God and upset someone, don't want to end a friendship by talking about God, and don't stand up when other Christians are being persecuted. This has to stop because we are to share the joy of God, we are to lead others to Him, and help each other. We have to speak up, talk about God, and join together with other Christians.
Imagine walking into a church for the first time and you hear two in the church talking about another church member. Imagine walking into a restaurant and hearing people gossiping about someone, and then you realize they are gossiping about their preacher. Maybe you hear people talking about someone and then see them sitting next to each other at church. What are they showing you? There is a longer list of what they are not showing you verses what they are showing you. the first thing on the list is that they are not showing you how a Christian should behave.
We have to be conscience of what we say and what we do because the world is waiting for us to act unchristian so they can use that as evidence against us. We are all human and we all mess up. However, we can use those moments as teaching moments for others. We can explain how we are sinners, but we have a God that forgives ALL of us! We can't go around acting like we are perfect, because we aren't. If you ask non-churchgoers why they don't go to church many will tell you it is full of hypocrites. How true is that? You may say no it isn't. However, it is sad that we act as if we are perfect and don't sin.
I challenge you to a couple of things 1) do not persecute other Christians but instead pray for them and step up for the ones being persecuted 2) do not act as if you have never sinned because all of us have and by pretending that we haven't we do become a hypocrite.
Christians read books, see moves, listen to music, and even say things that make God cringe. However, some are quick to judge because "I am a Christian, and they aren't so I am better". Sorry to inform you but you are wrong. We are all broken people, we all have sin, and we all have a chance to change our lives.
Last year in my home county there was a huge debate over gay marriage because a magistrate was forced to resign when he voiced his religion to the judges stating that he couldn't preform a marriage. Some came out saying it was his job so it didn't matter what his religious beliefs were. Some said it was just a political stunt. Some came out supporting him and some came out against him. Can you guess which side Christians were on? Actually there were on all sides. I saw Christians who strongly voiced their opinion against gay marriage attacking Christians who came out supporting this man. I heard Christians talking bad of other Christians based on their standpoint on this topic. The most shocking part for me were the Christians persecuting other Christians. Name calling, hateful words, mean actions, and shocking comments. You may think this isn't persecution of Christians so lets look at the definition.
Persecution - hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs
To be persecuted doesn't mean you are killed, doesn't mean you are caused bodily harm, it means the treatment. Do you think you win anything by persecuting fellow Christians? Maybe you gain pride, stance in your group of friends, and maybe gain acknowledgement from others. However, you do not gain from God.
2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
Notice it doesn't say will persecute but instead says will be persecuted? When a Christian is persecuted we can take that and glorify God. We have to stop persecuting each other. If we see a fellow Christian hurting we hurt with them, if we see them rejoicing we rejoice with them, but we should never persecute each other.
Due to persecution Christians have become quiet. We don't want to mention God and upset someone, don't want to end a friendship by talking about God, and don't stand up when other Christians are being persecuted. This has to stop because we are to share the joy of God, we are to lead others to Him, and help each other. We have to speak up, talk about God, and join together with other Christians.
Imagine walking into a church for the first time and you hear two in the church talking about another church member. Imagine walking into a restaurant and hearing people gossiping about someone, and then you realize they are gossiping about their preacher. Maybe you hear people talking about someone and then see them sitting next to each other at church. What are they showing you? There is a longer list of what they are not showing you verses what they are showing you. the first thing on the list is that they are not showing you how a Christian should behave.
We have to be conscience of what we say and what we do because the world is waiting for us to act unchristian so they can use that as evidence against us. We are all human and we all mess up. However, we can use those moments as teaching moments for others. We can explain how we are sinners, but we have a God that forgives ALL of us! We can't go around acting like we are perfect, because we aren't. If you ask non-churchgoers why they don't go to church many will tell you it is full of hypocrites. How true is that? You may say no it isn't. However, it is sad that we act as if we are perfect and don't sin.
I challenge you to a couple of things 1) do not persecute other Christians but instead pray for them and step up for the ones being persecuted 2) do not act as if you have never sinned because all of us have and by pretending that we haven't we do become a hypocrite.
Friday, March 13, 2015
The importance of church community
How often do you participate in a community within your church? Do you just go to service and leave, or do you find yourself drawn to being more involved?
Our church is very large and while some fear that the personal relationships would be impacted. I believe that you can go to a church of hundreds and still be connected just like you can go to a church of twenty and be disconnected. Regardless of the size of the church you have to make an effort and follow through to connect. The church is supposed to encourage, support, motivate, and help you. However you have to step up to be a part of the community in the church.
I have been helping in our preschool ministry for a couple of years and love it. I meet more of the parents, get to love on the babies, and grow closer to people serving in the preschool ministry. I have taken some classes at church and become part of those communities. I feel a closer connection to not only my church through these but also to God and fellow Christians. These relationships are important so we can continue to grow as Christians and lead others to God. We as Christians are often looked at and judged by non believers based on actions of other Christians (good and bad).
My most recent class gathered last night to watch a movie and it was honestly like a group of friends hanging out. It changes the relationships because you become more than members of the same church. You really become friends who uplift, encourage, and inspire each other. Of course the first few nights of class everyone is learning each other, but slowly a community is forming.
If you are not a part of a Christian based community please become part of one. There are times in life that a Christian based community helps more than just a group of your friends. If you are having a test of faith, test in life, or marriage test the Christian community guides you in God's word rather than the world. Some times the world tells us things that go against God's word so we need the community there to lead us back to God.
I love my church! It encourages me to make those connections and maintain those connections. I have gained knowledge, friends, and support through these connections. The connections are a community based on God, a community of support, and a Christian community that improves my life.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
The day God yelled at me.
Have you ever felt like God yelled at you? I did a few weeks ago, and it is not something I will ever forget.
As you know I lost my job at the end of 2014. I immediately had a peace about it, and knew God was planning something amazing for me. I knew I would be losing my job, and as others would ask what I was going to do I would say, "I don't know yet, God hasn't sent me a memo". This was my way to let them know I trust God, and I knew God was doing something for me.
However, a few weeks ago someone asked what is the hardest part of losing my job. Of course I could have said loss of friends, loss of direction, or loss of having a job in general. I already had peace with each of those because I had given it to God and knew something amazing was coming. Keep in mind I have worked since I was 16, worked while going to college full time to get my Bachelor's Degree, and really enjoyed the job that I had. I have never had to rely on my husband or anyone else because I would take care of it. I know rely is a crazy term to use when I refer to my husband, but I was raised that you work for what you have. I want to contribute and ensure Emma's future has open doors. I was also relying on employers, which is so hard for me. I had to rely on them to look over my resume', respond, and think I would be a fit for the job. I found that this would pull at any and all insecurities that you have. Instead of going into all of this I decided that my response would be that I have never had to rely on someone else to provide for me. Simple, right to the point, and innocent right?
WRONG! Immediately I heard God "so you don't rely on me?" Picture the dagger that pierced my heart and brought tears to my eyes Yes, I rely on God, but I didn't think of that in the same way. How can I trust God with everything, and not think that He would be in the middle of this whole process lining things up in my favor? I immediately got by myself because I needed to apologize to God. I had to tell Him that I do trust Him, and more importantly I am relying on Him to provide for me.
To think of the hurt on God's face when I said those hurtful words still brings tears to my eyes. Imagine your child telling you those same words. In the beginning of this whole process I asked God to take my anxiety, to take my hurt, to take my stress, and to take my worries. Guess what? He did without hesitation, and here I stood saying I had never had to rely on anyone.
God has blessed me so much through all of this. While I still do not have a job, I do have an amazing God, a indescribable sense of peace, and yet excitement for what is to come. During the past two months I have grown so much closer to God. I have asked God to show me the job He has planned for me, and I am trusting entirely. In the meantime, He is doing amazing things for me and growing my faith. He is putting opportunities in front of me that I never expected, and guiding me into amazing roles to expand His kingdom.
**Side note - while typing this God pointed out that I was really struggling with letting go of control. I have struggled with this so many times in the past, and I know being human I will continue to. I have to keep a check on myself in this area because God is in control of my life!
As you know I lost my job at the end of 2014. I immediately had a peace about it, and knew God was planning something amazing for me. I knew I would be losing my job, and as others would ask what I was going to do I would say, "I don't know yet, God hasn't sent me a memo". This was my way to let them know I trust God, and I knew God was doing something for me.
However, a few weeks ago someone asked what is the hardest part of losing my job. Of course I could have said loss of friends, loss of direction, or loss of having a job in general. I already had peace with each of those because I had given it to God and knew something amazing was coming. Keep in mind I have worked since I was 16, worked while going to college full time to get my Bachelor's Degree, and really enjoyed the job that I had. I have never had to rely on my husband or anyone else because I would take care of it. I know rely is a crazy term to use when I refer to my husband, but I was raised that you work for what you have. I want to contribute and ensure Emma's future has open doors. I was also relying on employers, which is so hard for me. I had to rely on them to look over my resume', respond, and think I would be a fit for the job. I found that this would pull at any and all insecurities that you have. Instead of going into all of this I decided that my response would be that I have never had to rely on someone else to provide for me. Simple, right to the point, and innocent right?
WRONG! Immediately I heard God "so you don't rely on me?" Picture the dagger that pierced my heart and brought tears to my eyes Yes, I rely on God, but I didn't think of that in the same way. How can I trust God with everything, and not think that He would be in the middle of this whole process lining things up in my favor? I immediately got by myself because I needed to apologize to God. I had to tell Him that I do trust Him, and more importantly I am relying on Him to provide for me.
To think of the hurt on God's face when I said those hurtful words still brings tears to my eyes. Imagine your child telling you those same words. In the beginning of this whole process I asked God to take my anxiety, to take my hurt, to take my stress, and to take my worries. Guess what? He did without hesitation, and here I stood saying I had never had to rely on anyone.
God has blessed me so much through all of this. While I still do not have a job, I do have an amazing God, a indescribable sense of peace, and yet excitement for what is to come. During the past two months I have grown so much closer to God. I have asked God to show me the job He has planned for me, and I am trusting entirely. In the meantime, He is doing amazing things for me and growing my faith. He is putting opportunities in front of me that I never expected, and guiding me into amazing roles to expand His kingdom.
**Side note - while typing this God pointed out that I was really struggling with letting go of control. I have struggled with this so many times in the past, and I know being human I will continue to. I have to keep a check on myself in this area because God is in control of my life!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Do you use your listening ears?
How may times do you tell your children we need them to use their listening ears? How often do you ask why someone doesn't listen to you? If you are like me, it is probably pretty often.
How often do you pray that God will lead you? How often do you pray for direction? How often do you ask God to tell you something? Again, if you are like me pretty often.
Do you ever think that maybe God is waiting for us to listen, and use our listening ears? I know for me I will ask for guidance, ask for answers, ask for God to tell me something then quickly go on to something else. When I get frustrated that I have not gotten an answer I have to realize that I never gave God a chance to answer. I was too busy asking and then going on with my agenda. I never stopped to hear what God wanted to tell me.
Lately, I have really worked on this, and I will be honest God has really opened my eyes! I am currently working with a friend on a project. I asked God the other night to show me what He wants this project to show/tell people. I cannot explain how I stood there in silence with a clear mind and God poured words into me. I felt as if he had been waiting for me to listen because the words kept coming. Afterwards I stood there in awe of what had just happened. I later asked Him to pour the words and goals on me again (this time so I could write them down) and again He did. I now have a sense of confidence, hope, joy, and encouragement that I am not sure I would have had if I hadn't listened.
I feel like God wants us to ask, but more than that He wants us to listen. Last night I was wide awake, and finally said "okay God what do you want me to hear tonight?" as I laid there watching Em sleep He poured into my heart again. This time it wasn't about the project but instead was about me. What He wanted me to know - how priceless is that?
I am not suggesting that this is easy, but it is oh so worth it. You may wonder where can you find the silence to listen. I will be honest the first pouring of words that I mentioned happened while I was in the shower, the next time was while I sat on my couch (but I had to make the effort by turning off the tv and any distractions), and then last night was while laying in Em's bed. Before an interview I asked God to show me what I needed to read. I sat in a parking lot opened my Bible and was led to passages that I needed. It talked about work, and doing your work for God not for man. How fitting of my day to hear that. I went into the interview knowing God was with me, and leading me.
In all honesty if you decide to completely listen, God will talk to you regardless of where you are. You may be in church, driving, or having a conversation with someone. All of those have happened to me. We just have to have our listening ears on!
I encourage you to make a time to sit and listen to God, you will be shocked by what you gain from it. If you are looking for guidance you may want to have a notebook handy to write all of it down. Let me know how turning your listening ears on changes your life!
How often do you pray that God will lead you? How often do you pray for direction? How often do you ask God to tell you something? Again, if you are like me pretty often.
Do you ever think that maybe God is waiting for us to listen, and use our listening ears? I know for me I will ask for guidance, ask for answers, ask for God to tell me something then quickly go on to something else. When I get frustrated that I have not gotten an answer I have to realize that I never gave God a chance to answer. I was too busy asking and then going on with my agenda. I never stopped to hear what God wanted to tell me.
Lately, I have really worked on this, and I will be honest God has really opened my eyes! I am currently working with a friend on a project. I asked God the other night to show me what He wants this project to show/tell people. I cannot explain how I stood there in silence with a clear mind and God poured words into me. I felt as if he had been waiting for me to listen because the words kept coming. Afterwards I stood there in awe of what had just happened. I later asked Him to pour the words and goals on me again (this time so I could write them down) and again He did. I now have a sense of confidence, hope, joy, and encouragement that I am not sure I would have had if I hadn't listened.
I feel like God wants us to ask, but more than that He wants us to listen. Last night I was wide awake, and finally said "okay God what do you want me to hear tonight?" as I laid there watching Em sleep He poured into my heart again. This time it wasn't about the project but instead was about me. What He wanted me to know - how priceless is that?
I am not suggesting that this is easy, but it is oh so worth it. You may wonder where can you find the silence to listen. I will be honest the first pouring of words that I mentioned happened while I was in the shower, the next time was while I sat on my couch (but I had to make the effort by turning off the tv and any distractions), and then last night was while laying in Em's bed. Before an interview I asked God to show me what I needed to read. I sat in a parking lot opened my Bible and was led to passages that I needed. It talked about work, and doing your work for God not for man. How fitting of my day to hear that. I went into the interview knowing God was with me, and leading me.
In all honesty if you decide to completely listen, God will talk to you regardless of where you are. You may be in church, driving, or having a conversation with someone. All of those have happened to me. We just have to have our listening ears on!
I encourage you to make a time to sit and listen to God, you will be shocked by what you gain from it. If you are looking for guidance you may want to have a notebook handy to write all of it down. Let me know how turning your listening ears on changes your life!
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