The cost of doing right can be an expensive one and it may become more so in the years to come. It’s part of what has become known as the cancel culture.
At times, it means risking friendships and popularity. It might mean the loss of a job or business, a social media platform, or a reputation from the world’s perspective. Sometimes it means the risk of legal action. Some believers must risk their very lives to serve and obey God.
The question is, are we willing? Are we willing to trust God? Are we willing the risk the cost of doing what is right?
We not only need to be willing to stand up for righteousness ourselves but we need friends who will speak the truth to us. Too often we choose people who will tell us what we want to hear, not what we need to hear. Many people, especially unbelievers, actually hate the truth. They will attack anyone who challenges them on their behavior or lifestyles. But we need to be careful not to fall into subtle forms of the same reaction.
Are you discouraged? Or do you know someone who is? Even those of us who know and walk with God can get exhausted, disappointed, and discouraged. We may be discouraged over our own or someone else’s progress with God. We can, also, be discouraged and disappointed with God’s answers or lack of answers to our prayers. And most of us, probably, find it hard not to be discouraged over what has been going on in our nation. Other times we can be just plain tired. And fatigue, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can give us a warped sense of reality.
Elijah had just witnessed one of the most incredible and dramatic moves of God. But in today’s reading, he has decided he is the only one left serving God, that those in charge are going to kill him, and that God isn’t really working at all. In short, he is having a big pity party. He is so discouraged that he asks God to kill him. Instead, God gave him what he really needed. We often need the same thing when we’re depressed and ready to give up.
Almost everyone agrees that it’s a challenging time in America. But there is little agreement about who is at fault and what to do about it. Is it the police, the Democrats, the Republicans, systemic racism, our form of government, the rich, or the poor? Perhaps, the answer is “yes” to some or all of them to one degree or another. But the real answer lies somewhere else. What is it and what can we do about it?
Nothing breaks a parent’s heart more than to see our children make foolish choices that can result in consequences for years to come. But there are some things we can do early on so God doesn’t have to allow more serious consequences later. What are some of those things?
God’s commands and principles are not intended to limit our happiness but to protect us and lead to true joy and blessings. Wisdom is the ability to understand and apply those principles to our own lives. When we reject God’s wisdom, we often learn too late that doing things our own way or listening to the wisdom of fools leads to disaster and heartache. So, how can we recognize and avoid that trap?
We’re never standing still when it comes to spiritual things. Either we’re growing and becoming more like Christ or we are drifting away from God. Worse yet, like Solomon, we can get comfortable or even play around with sin, thinking we’re too smart to get caught in its snares. But if we do, we could find ourselves heading down a slippery slope.
And in our New Testament reading, Jesus rides into Jerusalem after a meal with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. As He does, the people welcomed Him by praising God and throwing palm branches in front of Him. But in five days, they would be yelling, “Crucify Him!” Have you ever wondered how people could be praising Him one day and crying for His death in almost the next breath? And could there be a parallel between that and some people we know who are excited about the things of God one minute and nowhere to be found the next?
When it comes to Christian parenting, I don’t believe there has ever been a time when it has been more challenging to make wise decisions. Goals that parents have had for generations may need to be rethought in light of the educational, professional, social, and business environment today.
In the area of education, I know I find it harder and harder these days to rejoice with friends when they tell me their son or daughter has received a scholarship or been accepted into a secular college or university. And frankly, some so-called Christian colleges are not much better. I’ve seen too many young people wooed away from the truth by worldly, liberal professors with unbiblical and in many cases anti-biblical agendas.
The combination of liberal secular ideologies wrapped in deceptive, yet appealing, packaging and our failure to properly prepare many of our young people for the all-out war for their souls has cost our families and the body of Christ dearly.
So, when it comes to Christian parenting, what do we need to consider?
Unfortunately, none of us passes through this life without pain and heartache. Some of it is self-inflicted. And some perpetrated by others. Sometimes the pain is small and quickly forgotten. Other times it’s deep and life-changing. So, how should we respond when people hurt us?
Can you or I lose our salvation? Many people believe if you have walked an aisle, prayed a prayer, were baptized, or fulfilled some other requirement, that’s it. You’re in! Others say we can lose our salvation through sin or neglect. But is there another consideration?
What about you personally? Do you have doubts about your relationship with God? If you died tonight, do you know beyond a doubt where you would spend eternity? Or do you lack assurance of your salvation?
Do you know the voice of God? Would you know if it was the enemy speaking to you or even your own heart? Jesus said that one of the benefits of belonging to Him is that we know His voice. But that doesn’t just happen. So, how do we grow in our ability to hear His voice?
