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Good Habits And Dedication Require Hard Work - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:05:00 +0000

(This is part two of a three-part series on the seven habits of highly effective Christians)

“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

Webster’s defines a habit as a recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition; an established disposition of the mind or character. It is the latter statement that inspired me to examine what I consider to be the seven most important habits that every Christian should possess. Mind you now, my list is not all-inclusive. I do not have the market cornered on the list of all the habits that should how up in our lives. In fact, my list is no better or more correct that your list. It’s just mine and its purpose is simply to inspire all of you to address important Christian qualities that you would like others to see in you.

Last week’s column discussed three important habits that should show up in the life of every Christian: trustworthiness, humility and a forgiving spirit. Who would not want to see these qualities in a most trusted friend? Indeed as weight loss guru Jenny Craig states, “It’s not what you do once in a while, it’s what you do day in and day out that makes the difference.”

Here are three of the other four habits on my list.

Habit # 4: Church Attendance: I can hear you now. “Oh, here we go. If I don’t attend church, I am not a Christian and won’t go to heaven.” That is not the point. Attending church has nothing to do with salvation, but it has everything to do with learning how to build Christian relationships and help others who are trying to do the same.

Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” In other words, we attend church because we need to get to know our Christian family and encourage one another. It’s how we begin to learn to return the love that Christ showed for us. Learning to love and encourage one another prepares us to take what we have learned beyond the walls of the church. There is simply no better place to develop our gifts and shape our Christian character.

Habit #5: Cheerful Giving: My church dedicates a part of every service that permits its members to come to the altar and leave offerings. This is separate from tithing, which I believe we’re commanded to do. Offerings, however, are in addition to the tithe. It is an important part of our Sunday service and I marvel at the joy I see in children who come down to leave a small token of their appreciation. They give cheerfully, never thinking how much they need the money for something else in life. Attitude is frequently developed through habits. If we teach ourselves to give cheerfully, a cheerful attitude will begin to show up in other areas of our lives. I never give out of a need. I give to my church because I am so grateful for what Christ has done for me. I expect nothing in return – just glad to be a part of the kingdom.

Habit #6: Knows and applies the Word of God: The Apostle Paul told the church at Rome, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) I agree but I am amazed at how much I know about the Bible and how little I often apply it. The problems that come my way often come from not following the advice and counsel that Scripture provides.

Knowing the Word of God and applying it in life are two different things. The more important habit comes from applying what we know. Golfers in last week’s U.S. Open hit great golf shots under pressure because they’ve committed what works best to memory through repetition. Simply stated, we must practice what we preach. “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:8)

Next week’s column is devoted the most important habit of all. Until then, remember the words of another minister, “Habits are safer than rules. You don’t have to watch them. And you don’t have to keep them either. They keep you.”

Good Habits Require Dedication And Hard Work - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:31:00 +0000

(This is part one of a three-part series on the seven habits of highly effective Christians)

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Nothing could be truer, right? If only we only understood that the same principle applies to our adult lives, too. Indeed, if we are willing to train ourselves, we can develop the habits that we would like to see in ourselves and other Christians. Even Aristotle agreed. “We are what we repeatedly do,” he said. “Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Dr. Stephen Covey’s 1989 best seller, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, got me to wondering. What are the habits that highly effective Christians should have? I will admit that my list is not all-inclusive. There is any number of habits beyond the seven I will mention that should show up in our Christian life. So consider my list as nothing more than a good starting point for you to debate among yourselves.

I will discuss only three habits this week and follow up with the final four habits in next week’s column.

Habit #1: Trustworthiness: The worst witness a Christian can have is to be unreliable. When unbelievers see it in our lives, it leaves a bad taste in their mouths and becomes a turnoff to what we might want to say to them about the importance of Christian faith.

Being known as trustworthy is not just the first of twelve character traits that are taught to Boy Scouts. It was very important to Jesus as well. “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ Jesus taught. “And your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37) If it was this important for Jesus to mention with such emphasis, it simply has to show up in our walk with Him.

Habit #2: Humility: When I was first saved, I was so proud of what God had done in my life. I just had to share my pride with my friends. One of them kindly reminded me that pride was not what God wanted to see in my life. “Humility,” he told me, “is the true mark of a Christian.”

How could one argue with him? The Bible could not be clearer. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

The Apostle Paul also taught about humility. He had every reason to be proud. He was smart, well-educated, and - in his Jewish life - had won great respect among his peers. So much so that he was a Pharisee, a member of the ruling party of Jews in his day. Yet, Paul understood that he could never reach the lost through his accomplishments or the pride that goes with them. In his letter to the Church at Rome, he emphasized, “Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” (Romans 12:6)

Habit #3: Forgiving Spirit: It’s hard to understand. How can Christians justify carrying around all the unforgiveness that we see them carry? Unforgiveness is unforgivable – at least that is what Jesus said. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14)

I have a whole lot more to say next week about 4 other habits that we must have to be known as highly effective Christians. Until then, ask the Lord to help these habits show up in your walk with Him.

When Faith And Doubt Meet

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:10:00 +0000

“‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:29)

In the late 1970’s, I vacationed frequently at Nags Head. I remember one summer in particular. Several of us decided to go deep-sea fishing in the Gulf Stream, which is not far from North Carolina’s Outer Banks and offers some of the finest dolphin fishing that a charter boat captain can muster.

We awoke early that morning because we had to be at the dock by 5:00 a.m. It was windy and our charter boat captain told us that it would be rough going through the Oregon Inlet.

You’ve may have never heard of Oregon Inlet, but it has a reputation among seasoned boatmen in North Carolina. It can provide some of the smoothest waters an inlet can offer; and yet when the winds are up, it is almost impossible to navigate. This narrow inlet, where the ocean meets the sound, has capsized more than its fair share of boats, bringing an early and sometimes tragic end to what should have been a day of fun and excitement.

My friends didn’t know enough to be afraid. I had been through the inlet several times and knew that it was a rough ride at best. But on a windy day like this one? They had no idea of what was in store for us when we pushed off. In fact, our captain had already told us that it wouldn’t surprise him if we had to turn around. “Aw come on,” they said. “It’ll be rough, but it’ll be worth it when we get on the other side.”

When we got to the inlet, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I saw enough white caps to last me a lifetime. “No way,” I thought. “Let’s turn around and try it again tomorrow.”

Our captain idled the boat several hundred yards from the inlet. He just sat there, staring at it. I knew he was trying to make up his mind. His doubts made me even more fearful.

Finally, he looked at us for a nod of approval. “Go for it,” my friends pleaded. And away we went, full speed ahead.

We made it through all right, but it wasn’t a ride I want to take again. Several of us became seasick and the wife of one of my friends even started crying just minutes into the inlet. She finally realized the chance we were taking.

I thought of this experience the other day when my pastor told the story about Peter walking on water. He analogized Peter’s experience to living on the edge and offered some great advice when we approach those inlets in our lives where faith and doubt inevitably confront one another.

Think about it. Peter thought he saw Jesus walking on the water, but it was night and he wasn’t sure. “Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus replied, “Come”. (Matthew 14:28-29)

The Bible records that Peter didn’t give it a second thought. He got out the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. It wasn’t until he took his eyes off the Lord that he became afraid and began to sink. “Lord, save me,” Peter cried. Matthew reports that Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, after which he said, “You of little faith. Why did you doubt.” (Matthew 14:30-31)

I know just how Peter felt. It’s easy to be a faithful, doubt-dodging Christian when things are going well. But when those storms come, the winds of doubt enter into the reaches of the mind where you thought only faith could dwell. And it’s there where you realize that you’ve come to a spiritual inlet and must make a decision to trust the Captain’s judgment.

Peter died with a faith in Christ that was second to none. I believe it came from a life filled with storms where somehow he finally learned to bridge the inlet where doubt and faith meet. Peter learned to trust Jesus.

God brings the same opportunities our way and if we’ll trust him, we’ll find that just like Peter, the wind will die down when we climb back in the boat with Jesus.

Is It A Question You Are Afraid To Ask?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 11:04:00 +0000

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)

One or two designated Sundays during the year, churches often ask you to invite someone who is unchurched. Some call it “Friend Day” or “High Attendance Sunday”. The names may vary, but you get the point.

“Make a difference,” they will tell you. “Be a real friend and help Jesus change a life.”

Sadly, many of us let that challenge go through one ear and right out the other. “That’s going a little too far,” we say to ourselves. “Our church shouldn’t make us feel like we have to bring someone else. Lord knows it’s hard enough just to get my own family in the pews on Sunday mornings.”

Well it wasn’t the church that was the first to suggest that we need to get to know our neighbors and give them a chance to get to know us. The truth is Jesus was the first to challenge us to witness to those who live and work around us. No, Jesus didn’t ask us to bring a friend on High Attendance Sunday. He commanded us to go to them and share the gospel. Listen to him: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Paul Harvey once said, “Too many Christians are no longer fishers of men but keepers of the aquarium.” He’s right, but he wasn’t the first to come up with that idea either. Jesus said the same thing during his Sermon on the Mount, except he analogized the stale or reluctant Christian to salt that had lost its flavor.

Jesus told believers that day, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13)

Those present understood exactly what Christ meant. The roads leading to the place where he preached were littered with salt that had once been used to help retain heat in massive outdoor ovens. However, the chemical reaction that took place rendered it useless, except to gravel roads and other travelways in the immediate vicinity.

Christ makes two extremely important points in Matthew 5:13-16 about Christian witnessing.

First and foremost, our lives should always reflect the difference that Christ made. “You are the light of the world,” he told us. “A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Jesus also told us that we should be willing to talk about the difference that he has made, and he warned us that our continued failure to tell others about him may not just limit our effectiveness as Christian witnesses, but may also damage our relationship with him. “But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything.” (Matthew 5:13)

Remember, there’s a false teaching at work in this world that says we can be evangelical without being evangelistic. All we have to do is believe that we "go” to church and forget that we are the church.

You don’t need to wait until your church has a “Friend Day”. You need to take a look around you at those who do not attend church and invite them this Sunday. Don’t wait another (Sun)day.

Remember Who Masters The Wind

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:26:00 +0000

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalms 37:74)

This week is Hurricane Awareness Week in my home state of North Carolina. Its purpose is to remind us to prepare for the hurricane season, which begins on June 1. It reminded me of a devotion I wrote 10 years ago after Hurricane Floyd ravaged my hometown. It’s a very special devotion to me. You’ll soon realize why.

The Bible is full of stories about men and women who thought they had all the answers, only to find out that they could not save themselves from what life brought their way. It’s the very foundation upon which the Plan of Salvation is built. God’s hope is that all of us will eventually realize that we can never save ourselves from our own pride and folly.

True salvation can only come if we realize that we are born to sin, will continue to sin, and will never be able to solve the problems that come from a sinful nature. That’s why Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) In other words, all Christians ultimately understand that most problems in and of themselves have no real solutions. The real peace and joy comes not from life, but from the relationship we have with God, who loves us in spite of ourselves.

As Christians, we have to place our trust not in what we know, but in what we believe. The Bible describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Indeed, the Apostle Paul was right. “We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I don’t have to read the Bible to understand about the faithless. I simply need to look at my own life. It seems I spend far too much time trying to see God rather than learning to feel his presence and understand that he has always been there to help me, if I would just ask.

There’s a lady in my hometown who is like a mother to me. She lost everything she owned to Hurricane Floyd. There she sat in her apartment, unaware that floodwaters were inching towards her front door. By the time she finally noticed, water was filling the apartment and no one was in sight.

“The only thing I could think to do,” she told me, “was to get a flashlight and keep shining it out the window. But no one was around. I just prayed that God would save my life.”

She had no other choice but to wait on God’s amazing grace. But I’ve known her all my life and I’ve watched God save her time and time again from all the travails that life has brought her way. The difference between her and most of us in this world is that she never intended to rely on anyone but God in the first place.

So there she stood in her flooded apartment, standing in water that was almost up to her neck. Most of us would have given up on God by now, but not her. God brought someone her way and saved her just in the nick of time.

When Sunday came around, she wasn’t feeling sorry for herself. She had nothing but rags to wear to church that morning. “If all I had to wear was my petticoat, I was going to church to praise him for saving my life. He isn’t looking at what I’m wearing anyway. God looks at the heart.”

I don’t know whether there’s a hurricane in your life or not, but I know the one who made it. Ask him to save you and wait on him, even if the water is almost up to your neck. Remember what Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:8)

Lust is a Deadly Sin for the Christian

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:34:00 +0000

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

Do you remember what Jimmy Carter once said about the sin of lust? Then President Carter shocked the nation in November of 1976 when he admitted that he repeatedly looked at other women with lust.

“I try not to commit a deliberate sin,” Carter confessed. “I recognize that I’m going to do it anyhow, because I’m human and I’m tempted. And Christ set some almost impossible standards for us. Christ said, ‘I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery’. I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do—and I have done it—and God forgives me for it.”

I admire Mr. Carter for his honesty. The sin of lust is a common problem for a lot of Christians. And President Carter is correct. God has and will forgive him for it. Indeed, Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

My problem with President Carter’s statement is that he exhibited no conviction about lust. He’s right. Lust is a human quality that is difficult if not impossible for many of us to overcome. What Carter overlooked, however, is that nothing is impossible for God to overcome. In fact, God’s expects us to fight temptation and seek his help with deliverance from sinful desires.

The Bible teaches us that God’s grace can and will offer guidance to us about issues like lust. Titus 2:11-12 promises, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Even Paul once admitted that he had prayed for deliverance three times about an unspoken matter in his life only to hear God say, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Paul realized that God’s grace and only God’s grace could help him to overcome imperfections in his life. He told the church at Corinth that he actually took delight in his hardships. Finally he understood as he exclaimed, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Several years ago there was a movie about a shipwreck with only a few survivors who were left drifting aimlessly on the ocean in a lifeboat. Their rations disappeared in a few days and they were left deliriously thirsty under the scorching sun. One night, while the others were asleep, one man ignored his shipmates’ warnings and gulped down some salt water. He was the first to die.

Ocean water contains seven times more salt than the human body can safely ingest. Salt water accelerates dehydration because the kidneys demand extra water to flush the overload of salt. In other words, the more salt water someone drinks, the thirstier he gets. Ironically, the man in the lifeboat actually died of thirst.

Christians who lust are much like that man in the lifeboat. They thirst desperately for something that looks like what they want. But they don’t realize that it is precisely what they do not need. If they fail to heed the warnings that are associated with it, it can kill them. That’s what Paul meant when he said, “For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23)

Living In Post-Christian America

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:00:00 +0000

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

It is my favorite Bible verse, although it was the Apostle Paul who proved how much it meant to him. He gave his life for it. His government, Rome, could not understand the power of the Gospel and beheaded him for his beliefs. The Bible records he insisted on a trial before the Roman Emperor and traveled to Rome to be heard. I would have loved to have heard that testimony. I am quite sure it was one for the ages!

Not very much has changed since the days of Paul. Indeed as the 19th century French critic Alphonse Karr once said, “The more things change, the more they remain the same.”

We still live in a word where Christians die for their beliefs, although we are fortunate that our country does not allow such behavior. However, we have become a country that reviles Christians because we don’t believe everything is relative. We believe some things are absolutely wrong, and are not ashamed to stand up for what we believe. Just like Paul, however, we are misunderstood. We may not agree with certain behaviors, lifestyles, or character traits we see in individuals, but we do not condemn the individuals – only the behaviors that we believe do not line up with the Gospel. We are all immoral from time to time and that will not change. But our critics do not understand the power of salvation, or the forgiveness that comes with it.

This truth has played itself out over the last several weeks. Ironically, it was a beauty pageant where it happened. Isn’t it interesting that we judge politicians more on how they look, and beauty pageant contestants on what they believe?

Such was the case with the Miss USA Pageant that was held last month where Miss California was eliminated as a finalist because of what she said. Carrie Prejan, 21, got herself in hot water when she answered a judge’s questions about the same-sex marriage. We all know is it was a setup. This judge was very much aware that Prejan is a born-again Christian. He knew what her answer would be to his question, and he made the most of it to promote his cause rather than judge her for her ability to defend what she says and to think on her feet. That’s really what the purpose of the question-and-answer portion of the pageant is about.

Prejan was asked how she felt about Vermont becoming the fourth state to permit same-sex marriages. Her answer, “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised.”

Frankly, that’s about as diplomatic as you can be on the subject. But others, including one of the judges. saw it as an opportunity to strike back and promote a personal cause. It makes my point. Christians are misunderstood, and so is the power of salvation.

We live in a country that no longer embraces Christianity. Just last month, the cover of Newsweek depicted a cross with words, “The Decline and Fall of Christianity in America.” Here’s what Albert Mohler, a seminary president and staunch defender of the Gospel, had to say about the Newsweek story: “This much I know -- Jesus Christ is Lord, and his kingdom is forever. Our proper Christian response to this new challenge is not gloom, but concern. And our first concern must be to see that the Gospel is preached as Good News to the perishing -- including all those in post-Christian America.”

Worry Says A Lot About The Quality Of Our Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:42:00 +0000

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

When you look worry up in the dictionary, my picture should be next to it. I even worry about the fact that I worry.

Worry is not a Christian quality. It is sin and represents nothing more than an innate fear of the unknown. It's exactly what our Christian faith should remedy. So just what does the Bible have to say to those of us who worry? How can we work through our faith to rid ourselves of a trait that can have such disastrous consequences, not only to our health, but in our relationships with others, and especially with God?

Jesus had a great deal to say about worry. In fact, Jesus was the only one in the New Testament who had anything at all to say about worry. Isn't it strange that while he is very much a human quality, no other human, but for Christ, could teach us how to deal with it? Frankly, I think that God's way of suggesting that the solution to worrying can only be found in our relationship with him.

There is a direct relationship between worry and quality of our own faith. Matthew records an incident between Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is an unusual body of water. It is 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, 150 feet deep, and 680 feet below sea level. Storms can surface quickly and quite unexpectedly on this body of water, and that's exactly what happened one day when Jesus and some of the disciples were fishing and soon found themselves in a life threatening situation. “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” (Matthew 8:25). Jesus, who was sleeping, woke up and said to them, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26)

Think about it. Here is a group of men who had already witnessed countless miracles and in spite of the fact that God was right there in the boat with them, they panicked. And don't forget that most of these men were fishermen. In other words, they were not in strange waters. This storm was no surprise. As experienced sailors, they knew the danger, but what they failed to realize was that Christ was in control of everything, even the forces of nature.

We often worry about matters over which we have absolutely no control. What we fail to remember, however, is that we have God right there in the boat with us and he controls it all. Indeed, when we understand who he is, we realize that he not only controls the storms of nature, but he also controls the storms of the troubled heart.

Jesus questioned his own disciples on the water that day about their faith. In Matthew 17:20, he tells us that if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. In other words, the amount of faith we have has nothing to do with our ability to overcome worry, anxiety, panic, or whatever label you may want to use. Instead, it is the quality of that faith, and we don't need a lot of quality to conquer that fear of the unknown.

Several years ago, my wife's now deceased maternal grandmother thought she was dying. She was 82 years old at the time, and had been experiencing declining health. When she suddenly became ill, she thought death was knocking at the door. Did she panic? No, she just telephoned her daughter - not to ask for help - but to say, "I'm think I’m dying and just wanted to call you so no one would worry about me when they showed up down here and found me. I'm okay.”

You bet she's okay. She had that "mustard-seed faith" and knew that Jesus was right there in the boat with her.

We Can All Learn From Loving Correction

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 02 May 2009 10:57:00 +0000

“He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.” (Proverbs 10:17)

I’ve often said that I learn as much from my readers as I teach. Last week’s column about degrees of sin, and the story in Exodus 1 of the Hebrew midwives’ decision to lie to the Pharaoh in order to save the lives of newborn Hebrew male children, reminded me again just how much I can learn from you.

In case you missed the column, the point I made was that we sometimes face conflicting moral truths and have to make a choice. I emphasized from the story of the Hebrew midwives that while lying is a sin, the Bible records that God blessed their decision. “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was, because the midwives feared God that he provided households for them.” (Exodus 1:20-21). I then concluded, “Is it okay to lie to save a child? Both are sins in the eyes of God, but none of us would blame the Hebrew midwives for their chosen course of action. Apparently, God did not either…There are times that we must choose the more righteous course of action. As long as we have peace about it and repent of it, God will continue to love us.”

My story drew several comments, but it was one from a reader in Nigeria that made me think about what I said:

“I agree completely that not all sins are equal, that's just nonsense. However, I think something must be missing or incomplete here. Using the example of the Egyptian midwives, ask the simple question, ‘What was God's will for them at the time?’ Whether "sin" means what's morally wrong or that which opposes the will of God, it is self-contradictory to say that the midwives did the right thing by sinning. It's self-contradictory to say that God approved of what they did although it was a sin. It seems to me there are these possibilities:

1. Lying was the right thing to do in the circumstances, hence not a sin; or

2. Lying was the wrong thing to do, i.e. not God's will, hence sinful, and there was a better alternative. Then God's approval was a merciful recognition that the midwives’ sin was ‘for a good cause’ and the result of limited knowledge, wisdom, or strength to do what really was God's will.

To say that there are times we must sin means that, on those occasions, God wants us to sin. Again, it makes no sense.”

I took his comment to my Sunday School class. “Where do you think God stands?” I asked. “If sin separates us from God, how could he reward the Hebrew midwives for sinning, even if it was what we would refer to today as a ‘little white lie’.”

“It cannot be sin,” one member responded, “if it’s God’s will.”

We then turned to God’s Word and realized that the Bible is replete with examples of what modern-day Bible critics cite as sin condoned by a sin-hating God. The distinction, however, is in every example, it was God’s will.

So there are at least two answers to the issue of what to do when there are conflicting moral truths. If it’s God’s will, then it isn’t sin at all; or if it is sin, then genuine repentance always bring divine forgiveness. In either case, we can move on with the assurance that it will not keep us out of heaven!

Thanks to all of you for reading, caring and lovingly correcting me from time to time. As I have said many times before, I haven’t arrived. I’m still on my way!

What Does Scripture Teach About Conflicting Moral Truths?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:53:00 +0000

“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19)

We have all been taught that any sin is a deadly sin, and but for repentance, it will send you to hell. The above verse certainly supports this spiritual truth. However, many of us have also been taught, wrongly I might add, that there are no degrees of sin. There certainly are degrees of sin and there are a number of verses in the Bible that point to why I would reach such a conclusion. For the sake of argument, I will provide one passage from the lips of Jesus himself:

“The master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:46-48)

The greater spiritual question here, however, is what to do when there is a greater moral truth that would be served by committing one sin at the expense of ignoring another? Stay with me here. I never want to be perceived as encouraging sin. The truth is, however, that we all find ourselves in moral dilemmas where we must make choices, any one of which could be viewed as sinful. What’s the right thing to do on such cases?

I am not sure I can broadly answer such a question. In fact, it would not be appropriate for me without knowing more about the specific circumstances. However, there may some guidance in the Old Testament that at least supports that God recognizes that decisions like these occur in life. In Exodus 1, the Egyptian King was concerned about an exploding Hebrew population and commanded Hebrew midwives to kill every male newborn child. “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women,” the king stated, “and see them on the birth stools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” (Exodus 1:16)

The midwives refused to do as the king ordered, but when asked why, they lied to him about it. “So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, ‘Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?’ And the midwives said to Pharaoh, ‘Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.’” (Exodus 1:18-19)

Is it okay to lie to save a child? Both are sins in the eyes of God, but none of us would blame the Hebrew midwives for their chosen course of action. Apparently, God did not either because the Bible records, “Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty. And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that he provided households for them.” (Exodus 1:20-21)

Don’t let anyone tell you that any and all of life’s choices can be made free of sin. It is simply not true. The Apostle Paul clearly pointed out in his own life that he often did not understand his own actions. “O wretched man that I am!” the Apostle proclaimed. (Romans 7:24)

There are times that we must choose the more righteous course of action. As long as we have peace about it and repent of it, God will continue to love us. On that point, there can be no debate!

Does Jesus Really Hold The Keys To Hades?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:55:00 +0000

“I am he who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Revelation 11:18)

This verse answers the question posed in my headline. The Bible clearly records that between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Jesus went to hell and back for us. Pastors and Sunday School teachers have taught us over the years that Satan and all the evil that goes with him were conquered by Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection from the grave. They base this view in part on what the Apostle Paul said about it one of his letters to the Church at Ephesus:

“Therefore he says: ‘When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.’ Now this, ‘he ascended’—what does it mean but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.” (Ephesians 4:8-10)

First and foremost, I believe this to be true as I do with all Scripture. But it raises another question that happens to serve as one of the troubling spiritual questions of all time. If Jesus holds the keys to hades and death, why is Satan still the “prince of the power of the air?” (Ephesians 2:2) In other words, the Bible suggests that the victory has been won, but we don’t always see it here. It very much seems that demonic forces are still with us. Why does evil seem to enjoy favor over righteousness?

Bible critics use these verses and others to point out that the Bible contradicts itself. Jesus does hold the keys to hell, and Satan is the prince of the power of the air. What we must remember is we live in two dimensions as Christians – spiritual and physical. Jesus has conquered the spiritual world. The Bible clearly records that demons recognize him as Christ. Indeed, he went to hell and conquered all of them, and Paul’s point is we must grow in our faith and learn to believe that truth.

But Satan has not yet been conquered here in the physical world in which we live. Free will still reigns and evil is rampant. Scripture teaches us that as we march toward the end of time, it will get worse. Wrong will seem to be right and good will be seen as evil. That truth is already at play here in our world, and it will get worse, not better – at least not until Jesus returns.

The Bible also teaches that when Jesus returns, Satan will be conquered once and for all. “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

Why does Satan still seem to rule here? Because Jesus has not yet returned to finish him off. Jesus’ last words on the cross were “it is finished,” and it is finished. But faith requires we see the world not only through our natural eyes, but also through our spiritual eyes, which were given to us at salvation. In other words, we have to trust God’s Word as truth for those things we have not yet seen. The battle may not be over, but the war has been won!

Pilate’s Passover Pardon Was A Symbolic Pardon For All Of Us

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:27:00 +0000

“The governor answered and said to them, ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ They said, ‘Barabbas!’” (Matthew 27:21)

In Jesus’ time, the Romans had a long-standing tradition at Passover of releasing one prisoner as a gesture to illustrate its respect for the Jewish holiday. Mark’s account of Pontius Pilate’s decision to release Barabbas covers the exchange between Pilate, the Jewish leaders and others as Pilate struggled with his decision:

Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For he knew that the chief priests had handed him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with him whom you call the King of the Jews?” So they cried out again, “Crucify him!”

Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they cried out all the more, “Crucify him!” So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged him, to be crucified. (Mark 15:6-15)

Ironic, isn’t it? Here the Jews were waiting for their long-awaited Messiah and there he stood in front of them. Yet they played an important and necessary role in prophecy. As the story points out, it was their request for Barabbas’ freedom that led to the death sentence that put Jesus on the cross to save us all from our sins.

Barabbas was a convicted murderer who was sentenced to a cruel death on the cross for his acts. Romans - in that day - often crucified common criminals along the roadside as a deterrent to the passersby. Without some act of mercy, Barabbas knew his fate. He was, as they say, as “guilty as sin”.

So here stood two men in front of the Jews – one guilty and one innocent. But there was one more striking similarity at play that day. Names were important in Jewish culture. It told the everyday Jew a great deal about the parents’ expectations and hopes for their child. Jesus was referred to in many ways in the New Testament: Lamb of God, Savior, The Christ, King of the Jews, Rabbi, and Son of God. There are scores of references to him by names and titles other than Jesus. The one that means the most to me is the Son of God. Without that mantle, his death on the cross would mean nothing and our salvation would be futile. In other words, we all would still be dead in our sins.

Barabbas’ name meant “Son of the father”. So here in rather dramatic fashion, stood two men, both sons of the father – one innocent of the crime for which he was accused and one guilty as charged.

It was no accident for Barabbas to have been selected to stand of the platform that day. It was God’s divine plan and what a message God sent to all us. His only real son was sacrificed by death on the cross so all of us could live free and become children of God. Barabbas represented all of us that day. The Jews did not realize it at the time, but there on the platform stood the Redeemer and the redeemed.

Unless and until we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior, we are just like Barabbas – dead in our sins. But the Redeemer is always near, reading and willing to trade his righteousness for our sins. What a deal!

Happy Easter to all of you.

Jonah’s Fish Story Offers Great Lesson On Poor Choices

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 01:53:00 +0000

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” (Jonah 2:1-2)

If you grew up in church, you know the story of Jonah. God asked him to go to Nineveh, a city of 120,000, to help him save them from their own wickedness.

Like most of us, when we run from what we think is trouble, we often go somewhere we think we cannot be found. So, too did Jonah. He refused to obey God, went to Joppa, and boarded a ship to take to Tarshish, a place where he thought God would never find him.

But as so often is the case, God had other plans for Jonah, and needed to provide a little drama to get him to say, “Yes, Lord”. A great storm arose on the journey home. Jonah’s shipmates blamed him for their demise:

“Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you that the sea may be calm for us?” - for the sea was growing more tempestuous. And he said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of me.” Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, “We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows.” (Jonah 1:10-16)

The moral here: Sometimes God puts us on our backs (or in the belly of a great fish) to get us to look up. And boy did Jonah ever look up after he ended up in the belly of a fish. “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,” Jonah said, “and he answered me.” (Jonah 2:2)

This story, and its message to all of us, is no matter how distant God may seem, or how much trouble we are in, we are never out of his reach. God can deliver us from anything, even when the source of trouble is often of our own making. He can always be found – no matter what the storm.

We often blame God for the troubles that come our way because we know he is an omnipotent God. In other words, he has the power to stop it from coming, so when it does come, it must be his fault. This is flawed thinking. God lets trouble come our way for two reasons. First, it’s through and from troubles that we learn the greatest lessons of life. And because of them, we draw closer not farther from God. Second, God may let the trouble come our way, but we shouldn’t blame him for them.

Most of the time, trouble comes because of the decisions we make. God doesn’t always make it happen. But he does always lets it happen, and figures we are likely to learn something from it. He was right about Jonah. Hopefully, he’s right about us, too.

Sin Is Who We Are, Not What We Do!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:54:00 +0000

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

The story is told about a young child who prayed to ask Jesus to come and live in his heart during Sunday School. When he saw his mother, he proudly told her, “Mama, I asked Jesus to come and live in my heart today and take my skin away.”

His mother chuckled but later realized that her young child was serious. Several days later, he confided his concern to her. “I’ve been waiting, Mama, and I still have my skin.”

You can’t help but smile. But the illustration points to the child-like faith that Jesus suggests we need to possess to come to a saving knowledge of him.

I distinctly remember my own doubt as I weighed my decision to accept Christ. I was not a child, and just like any other adult, I could find any number of reasons to question whether a simple prayer would bring an end to my march to hell. I told my wife, who was my girl friend at the time, “It can’t be that easy.”

Her reply was ultimately what convinced me to take the childlike step in faith and ask Jesus to come and live in my heart. “What have you go lose if you’re wrong? You will have lived a better life for it.”

We are commissioned to take the Gospel story to the rest of the world. In doing so, it’s important to remember that adults will often dismiss salvation as too simple. Sin has so complicated their lives that even under conviction they find it very difficult believing their lives can become free of sin by a simple prayer.

Actually, it is not the prayer that saves them. It is the faith behind it. And the decision to use just a mustard-seed dose of faith with that prayer is the most difficult decision they will ever make. Why? Because it seems childish to believe it will work.

It is also very difficult for people to associate sin with who they are. Most adults believe themselves to be nice people, and to most of them, nice is the only criteria necessary to get into heaven. Sin to them is simply things they did that were wrong. It should not define who they are.

The Bible, however, has an altogether different view of sin. The Old Testament verse that comes to mind can be found in Isaiah. “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)

Isaiah’s point is we are born to sin. In other words, “nice” doesn’t get you into heaven. Unless and until the sinner views sin as something he can never personally overcome, he will never see the need for a savior.

This truth was also stressed by Jesus in a very direct exchange with the Pharisees. “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” Then some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these words, and said to him, “Are we blind also?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.” (John 9:39-41)

Long story short, sin is a killer. Long-time Southern Baptist pastor, Adrian Rogers, put it this way: “It’s not the amount of sin. It’s the fact of sin that damns us.”

We Should Worry About Tomorrow When Tomorrow Gets Here

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 11:23:00 +0000

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1)

As the chief executive officer of a county government with 1,900 employees and a $700 million budget, I have been swamped by the local impact of our national financial crisis. We have seen our investment earnings, sales tax revenue, and property tax income plummet. Like every other state and local government across the country, these reductions in income have forced us to examine every service we provide and how efficiently we provide them; and while government jobs have long been considered some of the safest around, words like furlough and layoff are now commonplace, not just in my neck of the woods but everywhere else as well.

I am fortunate to have a budget staff of seven employees that assist me in managing the budget crisis our county is now facing. I have a senior analyst who chides me every year for focusing mainly on the budget year in which I am working. This year he has again emphasized his concern as we consider strategies for dealing with a $16+ million budget shortfall. “You need to take a more long-term view of our situation this year, Mr. Manager. Any temporary measure we take such as furloughs, will only delay the inevitable. We need to take actions that will make our problems go away so we don’t have to face them again next year.”

On the surface, he makes a lot of sense. But because “actions that make our problems go away” affect employees and their families, I want to be sure I understand what tomorrow may bring before I make a decision about it today. So instead of permanently eliminating a job held by an employee, I have decided to opt for more temporary strategies wherever possible. Why? Because if the economy improves next year, a decision to layoff an employee today would turn not to have been the right decision. If the economy doesn’t improve, I still have time to consider such alternatives.

I told our analyst, the same thing I tell him every year. “I will worry about tomorrow when tomorrow gets here. It’s today that concerns me now.” Actually, my philosophy about dealing with annual budgets is made in light of a long-standing biblical truth that Jesus taught to his disciples. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34)

My experience has validated this truth time and time again. Jesus’ point here is we worry not only about things we cannot control, but also about things that often don’t matter. While the context of his warning is about how we fret over material things, the truth he is teaching transcends materialism. We can never really be sure about what tomorrow may bring, but we always know what today has brought. Jesus’ point is we should focus on what we know and not what we think. What happened today is always a known. What happens tomorrow will always be up for debate.

So while I choose not to worry about tomorrow, it does not mean that I choose not to prepare for it. And you shouldn’t either. But we should not let it consume us because we have a savior who is standing in all of our tomorrows – one who is watching out for us. He expects us to do what we need to do today, and trust him to help us with whatever tomorrow may bring our way.

What Kind Of Relationship Do We Have With Jesus?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 11:57:00 +0000

“Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you.” (Acts 17:23)

Do you remember when President Clinton was confronted by the press in 1998 about his relationship with Monica Lewinsky? What adult older than 25 could forget that moment when during a White House press conference, then President Clinton stared directly into the camera and the eyes of the American people, wagging his finger, and said, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.”

I thought about that quote this morning when one of my pastors talked about our “relations with Jesus.” It was the first time since that fateful day in 1998 I had heard that expression used in another context.

How are we relating to Jesus? I led today’s column with something the Apostle Paul said to a group of believers in Athens. He was likely speaking to a group of people who might not have known his God, but firmly believed they knew their god. They were after all characterized by Paul as being “very religious” – not necessarily a good thing. Interestingly, Paul was literally run out of town before he had the full opportunity to speak in depth about the God he knew. The Book of Acts records that he enjoyed very limited success on this evangelistic trip. “Some joined him and believed.” (Acts 17:34)

Most of us are afraid to stand in front of the world, and their god, and proclaim our God like Paul did in Athens. We live in cities and towns that are very much the modern-day Athens where we should recognize that while our neighbors may be very religious, they are not necessarily going to heaven when they die. Shouldn’t we care enough to try to make an eternal difference for them?

So why should you heed my call to see your neighborhood as a mission field? Because we are commanded to do so in Scripture, and warned about what will happen to us if we don’t!

Just before he ascended, Jesus told his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) Some believers do not believe that Jesus was actually commanding us to take the Gospel to the world. They challenge us to look at the context in which he made this statement, pointing out that this charge was to his disciples and not to us.

First of all, I think it’s important to point out that Jesus told his disciples to “go… and make disciples”. In other words, he told them to pass the torch so that the saving power of Christ could march forward until He returns. In context, I think it is pretty hard to argue otherwise. So I do not agree, but if we want to focus on context and make sure that Jesus is speaking to us, we should be willing to turn to Scripture and think about what will happen when we don’t.

In Luke, Jesus speaks directly to all of us, not just to his disciples. Think about His words: “Then he said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me”. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:23-26)

While Jesus was again speaking to his disciples, he clearly says, “If anyone desires to come after me.” There is no doubt here that what he means. He is speaking to all of us, and we should think twice about the life we lead in his name. I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want for him to be ashamed of me for not doing what I knew inside was the right thing to do all along.

Stop worrying about living a life that you can be proud of – one where you don’t offend others, or make yourself look too different from the rest of the world. Instead, live a life that Jesus would be proud of, one that would make him proud and say when he sees you: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21)

A Recipe For A Balanced Prayer Life

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:48:00 +0000

“Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.” (Psalms 54:2)

My son left for Miami this week to go on a Caribbean cruise. I drove him to the airport in a heavy snowstorm and knew he was in for a bumpy flight. He called when he arrived in Miami and let me know his flight had landed. “How was the flight,” I asked. “Sort of rough,” he said.

His response reminded me that air travel is one of the best ways to improve your prayer life. For example, several years ago, I had to fly to New York for a business meeting. I have always found the aisle seats to be the most comfortable, and since I had a two-hour flight, I asked the travel agent to reserve an aisle seat for me.

I boarded the plane and quickly found my seat. However, I looked up to see a young man in crutches who was to be seated beside me. Since he appeared in greater need of an aisle seat, I gladly offered him mine and moved over to the adjacent window seat. After getting situated, I settled in for the flight.

I am not particularly fond of flying, but I don’t have an unhealthy fear of it either. In fact, this flight began uneventfully and weather from Atlanta to New York gave no reason for any concern.

I noticed something on the outside of one of the engines. It looked like water and I didn’t give it a lot of thought. However, as the flight progressed, my concern grew. It wasn’t water coming from that engine. It was oil.

I leaned up to the seat in front of me and asked one of my travel companions if he had noticed the problem with the engine. We both agreed that the captain should be notified and immediately informed one of the flight attendants about the problem. The attendant returned and advised that the captain found nothing unusual with the instruments and would have it checked when we landed in New York.

I guess I didn’t trust the captain’s judgment and I know I didn’t trust his instruments. There was oil on the outside of that engine and it was getting worse by the minute. I didn’t know anything else to do but pray and I can’t remember a time when I’ve prayed more about anything.

I don’t believe the captain’s judgment or the accuracy of his instruments had anything to do with the fact that we landed safely and without incident. In my heart of hearts, I believe God answered my prayers. In fact, several of the passengers commented as we got off the plane that the oil problem had completely disappeared before we started our final approach.

The forty-five minutes I spent in prayer that day taught me something about my prayer life. I realized that I spend far too much time selfishly asking God to get me out of trouble. Oh don’t misunderstand me. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with putting our deepest fears before the Lord. In fact, the Bible says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18) So whenever my knees knock, I’m going to go to the Lord in prayer.

What I realized about my prayer life is that it does not have the balance that it needs. Sure I should feel free to ask my Father for anything. But prayer should include other things besides our petitions. For example, we should devote some time during prayer in simple adoration of who He is. “How right they are to adore you,” we are told by Solomon. (Song of Solomon 1:4)

Secondly, we should confess our sins every time we go to him in prayer. Remember, John told us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Finally, we should never forget to thank the Lord for his daily presence in our lives, which is exactly what the psalmist meant when he said, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving…give thanks to him.” (Psalms 100:4)

Guess What Happens When We Get Away From The Basics?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 12:26:00 +0000

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15)

System-wide test scores recently released by local school districts reminded me of a survey I saw several years ago by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). NAM reported that half of the employees in U.S. manufacturing plants lacked the basic reading, writing and math skills. Of the 4,500 manufacturers surveyed, 60% said their current workers lack basic math skills, and 55% said their workers have “serious deficiencies” in basic writing and comprehension skills.

Earnest W. Davenport, chairman of the manufacturers group that sponsored the survey, was obviously disappointed. “The shortage of skilled employees is not a distant threat anymore. The skills gap is now catching up to us and could threaten the amazing growth and productivity gains of the past decade.”

Do you remember in the 1970’s when Newsweek magazine proclaimed on one of its covers, “Learning Can Be Fun” and then just a few years later devoted one of its cover stories to the question, “Why Johnny Can’t Write”?

Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, wrote the senior editor of Newsweek after he read the second article and suggested that there might link between the two stories. “Perhaps Johnny couldn’t write because he spent too much time having fun in the classroom,” he told the editor.

A former superintendent of instruction in California made this observation: “To say that children have an innate love of learning is as muddleheaded as saying that children have an innate love of baseball. Some do. Some don’t. Left to themselves, a large percentage of the small fry will go fishing, pick a fight, tease the girls, or watch Superman on the boob tube. Even as you and I.”

It’s hard to take exception with that observation. The fact is most students will not put one more ounce of effort in their studies than the system requires. Obviously, the structure and discipline must be in place to produce the required behavior.

The problem with our school system is the anti-disciplinarians have had their way too long. Despite how most of us feel, rules governing student conduct have been diluted, not strengthened. In fact, it’s the teachers and principals whose hands seemed to be tied. And when they do try to enforce the rules, parents become so militant in their reactions that it’s just easier for them to look the other way.

But take heart. Schools systems across the country are waking up. Many have adopted dress codes that establish standards of reasonableness and outlaw T-shirts with profanity and any clothing that is sexually suggestive. In fact, several schools here in our own community have adopted dress codes that require uniforms.

It’s easy to blame our schools for what’s happening to our children. But what goes on in the classroom cannot be separated from the problems occurring in our own homes. We, too, have turned our backs on God’s advice.

A high school teacher recently polled 300 teenagers. She asked them one question: “What advice would you give your mom and dad?” As I read some of their answers, I realized that a great deal of the advice that they offered is also found in God’s Word:

• “Don’t let small kids watch a lot of TV. If you do, they will adopt the bad attitudes seen on TV and end up not respecting you.” (Proverbs 19:15)

• “Don’t curse or smoke unless you want your children to do the same.” (Proverbs 22:6)

• “Be consistent in what you say; follow through with your decision.” (Matthew 5:37)

• “Look for things that are good about your children instead of constantly finding ways to put them down.” (Colossians 3:21)

• “Guide your children toward good marriages by giving them a good example to follow.” (Hebrews 13:4)

The problems that plague our schools are not going to be solved by our school system, but they can be solved in our homes. Isn’t it interesting that the only lasting solutions to those problems are found in the one book that is no longer welcome in our schools?

Friendly Fire Is Alive And Well – In Our Churches

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:48:00 +0000

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4)

Friendly fire - it’s a term we often hear during wartime. Simply stated, it refers to the discharge of a military weapon that results in the death of an ally or fellow soldier. In fact, we heard it several years ago when it was used to explain the death of former Arizona Cardinal’s football player, Pat Tilman, who gave up his lucrative professional football career to serve his country in the war again terrorism in Afghanistan. Tilman, we later learned, had been accidentally shot by fellow soldiers who thought his patrol of Army Rangers was the enemy.

My father-in-law and I were discussing Pat Tilman’s fate one weekend. “I told a preacher I know that he ought to preach a sermon on friendly fire in the church,” he told me. “You see it in churches, too.”

“What do you mean,” I asked.

“I’ve seen too many good churches destroyed from within,” he explained. “And it’s being done by their own members.”

The more I thought about it what he said, the more I agreed. Friendly fire is alive and well in the church. Let me give you two examples of where we see it the most.

The most common example is where the church membership has run off a good pastor. If you’ve attended church for any length of time, you’ve either personally witnessed it or heard accounts from friends where it has happened in their church. I never cease to be amazed at how critical, sometimes vicious, church members can be when it comes to their pastor. Here is the appointed, and more importantly the anointed, leader of the church, who comes under attack because he doesn’t measure up to the expectations of the members. Hello - did anyone ever think about asking God what He thought?

Let me tell you something. God will deal with those who partake in such foolishness. The psalmist wrote, “Touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm.” (Psalm 105:15) Think about that verse the next time you hear someone “talk about the preacher.” Your pastor is called, not by the church, but by God. He deserves our respect and our support. The truth is, I don’t know of a more demanding and important role in our community.

Do you remember the comic strip Pogo? Pogo once worried out loud about the weakening environment of his swamp home near the Mississippi River bayous. He then found out it was the very ones living in the bayous who were destroying them. “We have seen the enemy, and they is us,” Pogo declared.

Amen. We destroy each other in our churches. We talk about other members and sometimes seem to revel in their troubles. That’s what the Apostle James meant when he said, “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” (James 3:6) Need I say more?

Think about your conduct in your church. Love your pastor and care for your members. Demonstrate the Christian witness that will serve as instruction for church members who might just be watching you to learn how to live out their faith.

Why Does Gossip Matter So Much?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:06:00 +0000

“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” (2 Timothy 2:16)

I was in church recently when an old friend of mine came to visit. It was the strangest thing. My wife and I were just talking about him. He was out of work and we felt so sorry for him.

As I watched him take his seat, I couldn’t help but wonder how he was handling his crisis. I not only heard about his misfortune, but I also had the not-so-rare pleasure to hear several conflicting accounts about what had happened. Frankly, I didn’t know what to believe.
Maybe some of these “accounts” were wrong and it really wasn’t his entire fault. After all, I remember when I was in high school, my church once talked about how my dad frequently fell asleep during our pastor’s sermons. What they didn’t know was that he had recently been diagnosed with diabetes and would occasionally doze off because he had not yet learned how to balance his diet with his medication. Sadly, he stopped going to church for a long time until our family’s pastor finally told him, “You come back and feel free to sleep during my sermons anytime. At least your eyes are closed.”

Paul Scott in The Day of the Scorpion wrote, “Ah, well, the truth is one thing, but in a way it’s the other thing, the gossip, that counts. It shows where peoples’ hearts lie.” Isn’t that the cold, hard truth?

Gossip is a frequent topic in the Bible. Obviously God knows that it’s going to take awhile before his opinion about it sinks in. He’s right.

Jesus’ half-brother, James, once wrote, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. (James 1:26) James understood the danger of gossip better than any of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus spent his entire life with James, so James probably knew Jesus better than anyone, including his own mother. He also knew that gossip helped to perpetuate the hatred and envy that destroyed his brother. I think that’s exactly why James devoted a portion of the Book of James to teach us about the nature of gossip. He saw firsthand what can happen when the flames of hatred are fanned by gossip. I think that’s why he said, “the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (James 3:5)

I guess what bothered me most about my friend’s visit was just as were singing praise choruses, someone turned around to me with a "Well-what-do-you-know” look on her face. I didn’t know what else to say except, “He lost his job, you know?” “I know," she said. “That’s the best Christmas gift I ever got.”

I was stunned by her comment. But I realized as I stood there that I was as much a part of the problem as she was. For all of us, James has something to say about that, too. "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness." (James 3:8)

How To Love Our Prodigal Children

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:25:00 +0000

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry’.” (Luke 15:22-24)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son: It is arguably the most “sermonized” parable in the Bible. But all of the sermons I’ve heard only concentrate on the prodigal son. Very rarely does a pastor focus on the father of that prodigal son.

I got the idea for this column from a songwriter, which is a little ironic, because a lot of Christian songwriters get the ideas for their songs from sermons. I’ve always believed that the Holy Spirit can speak to us through many different voices.

Parables were used by Jesus to teach. Spiritual truths, then and now, are particularly difficult to understand because we live in a lost and dying world. Jesus used parables to teach a spiritual truth from an everyday situation that the average person in His days on earth would understand. If He were living among us today, the examples would be different, although the spiritual truth is eternal.

In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, one of the two sons had left the family, seeking to live life as he wanted to live it. He hit rock bottom, literally coming to his senses in a pig pen. “I will arise and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you’.” (Luke 15:18)

If we look for it, we can learn something about parenting from the Lord Himself. I certainly hadn’t noticed it before, but the father’s reaction to his son’s return teaches us two very important practices that would go a long way in helping to heal broken relationships with our children and grandchildren.

First and foremost, when the son returned, the father didn’t wait for the son to apologize. He ran to greet him. It was only after the hugs and kisses that the son was finally able to utter an apology. As parents, we need to meet our children halfway when they return rather than allow our pride to convince us to wait for them to make the first move.

Secondly, nowhere in the parable does the father speak a condemning word. There is no “I told you so” or “I hope you’ve finally learned your lesson.” Instead, this father offered unconditional forgiveness. Notice the words that Jesus uses here to describe the reaction of the father: compassion, music and dancing, merry, and glad. Indeed, there is a lesson here for all of us.

The spiritual truth here is important. Compassion can best be learned from brokenness. The other son could not understand the father’s reaction to his brother’s return. He had not experienced his father’s pain. “It was right that we should make merry and be glad,” the father told the other son, “for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:32)

We often wonder why we suffer as we do. I think I know one of the answers. Perhaps some of it is meant to teach us to love as we should.

What Would Jesus Say If He Saw Me Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 13:04:00 +0000

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20)

A new 2800-seat performing arts center opened in the community in which Robbie and I live. It’s a wonderful facility, and its operator announced last year that it would sponsor a series of four Broadway plays this year. We were so excited we bought tickets to all four productions as soon as they went on sale and could not wait for the first production, “Rent”.

Here’s where our naiveté is going to show up. We both knew that “Rent” was a musical about a group of young people living in New York City, one of who was dying of AIDS and wanted to write a song before he died. We thought the story line was a warm one and maybe, just maybe, we could draw something from the story that would help us better understand the plight of those afflicted with a disease that has a 100% death rate.

The production was sold out and the excitement was obvious as we made our way to our seats. When the play began, however, we soon realized that “Rent” was not for us. We were offended, not by the story, but by the language and the immorality that the musical seemed to emphasize at the expense of what we thought could have been a great story to tell. At one point, one of the actresses even mooned the audience. We could not believe our ears and eyes.

I looked at Robbie and said, “I sure hope Jesus doesn’t come back tonight. I do not want Him to find me here!” She agreed and we immediately left the theatre offended, surprised and disappointed.

Both of us later discussed the musical with our office workers and friends. No one seemed very surprised but us about what we saw and heard. “I can’t believe y’all went,” one friend told Robbie. A co-worker told me, “I thought about you when I saw it on Thursday night. How long did you stay?”

What surprised me the most is how no one seemed to agree with us that the musical went way over the line. One co-worker told me, “I guess you’re a little too conservative to sit through a musical like that one”.

Conservative was the wrong label to explain my reaction to “Rent”. Political philosophy had absolutely nothing to do with our reaction to it. It offended our Christian principles. What I could not believe is the number Christians I know who attended and thought it was great.

The Bible talks about the day when wrong will seem right and right will appear to be wrong. That’s exactly what’s going on here. We have become so desensitized to vulgar language, nudity and immorality that we sometimes do not recognize it when we see it.

The Scripture verse I used includes the word, “woe”. Woe is used frequently in the Bible - depending upon which translation you use, around 125 times. Just about every time you see this word used in Scripture, it represents an alarm call – usually a denunciation, or a foreshadowing of God’s wrath.

Isaiah prophesied that the day would come when even Christians would have a hard time distinguishing right from wrong, or good from evil. I saw that played out last Saturday night. What scares me is while I recognized it this time, I am quite sure I don’t see it so vividly every time. And that truth, my friends, should scare us all!

President Obama Has Tough Job In The Toughest Of Times

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:35:00 +0000

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

I closely follow editorial pages, particularly in this season of time when our nation is in a period of transition. This morning, I read a post-inaugural Op Ed in The Washington Post and was struck by its title: “Words Made Flesh.” It was written by Harold Meyerson.

First and foremost, I refuse to join those who are decrying the election of Barack Obama to the Office of President. It is incumbent on the Church to support our president in prayer, words and deeds, and I intend to do just that.

Having said this, I cannot help but to state the obvious, which was portrayed in Mr. Meyerson’s editorial, not to mention news media accounts from across the country. Perhaps one of his readers said it best: “A lovely editorial, Mr. Meyerson, although I wish that you hadn't titled it "Words Made Flesh"; that's got to border on blasphemous, and although I believe, certainly hope, that President Obama may become one of our great presidents, allusion to a new Christ is too much.”

Indeed, there are many who think Obama is the messiah our country needs. Perhaps his leadership will bring great change in our country – change that is very much needed. But we should not refer to him as our savior.

For the last several years, our country has either demonized or deified its leaders. The contrast on Tuesday was obvious. President Bush is often portrayed as the demon who got us into all this trouble, and President Obama is the messiah who will save us from all of it. Neither is true. If things in Washington are to really change, it will take teamwork and consensus – a combination that many believe is not possible. This is where I think President Obama’s greatest strength lies.

I guess what concerns me the most is how many Americans do not recognize the irony in Meyerson’ editorial. His play on Scripture with “Words Made Flesh” is a perfect illustration. For example, just this month I read about a survey from the Barna Group of Ventura, California. Barna notes that 25% of Americans “dismiss the idea that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches.” I am not surprised. Many of our churches have held for years that the Bible is inaccurate. The Church’s dispute over the truth of Scripture has convinced many of us to abandon reading it.

I guess we are beginning to see what happens when we teach our children that the Bible isn’t true. They see no reason to read it, and obviously will never apply it. Why would we expect them to recognize the irony in Meyerson comparing President Obama to Jesus?

We may have “In God We Trust” on our coins, but the question is to which god are we referring - Jehovah, Yahweh, Allah, etc. In our nation today, there are many names for god, but there is only one God whose words became flesh. And He is only savior in whom we can completely trust.

There’s A Big Difference Between Religion And Salvation

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:34:00 +0000

“For there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:11)

My pastor made an observation a few Sundays ago that surprised me. He remarked that an alarming percentage of people who attend church are not saved. As I looked around, I realized that God’s the only one who can really tell the difference.

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16) But it’s hard to tell sometimes because "religion" can fool you.

The fact is some people attend church out of custom or habit. Their presence in the pews has nothing to do with whether they are saved or not. Going to church is a matter of religion for them. Even though they think the fact that they show up will earn them a ticket to heaven, unless and until they accept Jesus Christ, all they are really going to get in return is a one-way ticket to hell.

I ran across a Christian website the other day that dealt with the difference between religion and salvation. The author, a Texan by the name of Andy Neckar, put it this way: “Men and women are willing to believe in the moral precepts of God’s Word, as based on the Ten Commandments, while refusing to believe in, rest on, and receive God’s Son as Savior to their souls”.

He’s right. The Bible says that there is only one sure way to heaven. “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Scripture is clear: God has no use for religion. Consider these observations that I gleaned from Neckar’s website, all of which are supported by God’s Word:

“RELIGION is what man does for God; SALVATION is what God does for man.” “All we like sheep have gone astray. We have turned, every one, to his own way. And the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

“RELIGION clothes us with the robes of our own righteousness and God tells us in Isaiah that our righteousness are as filthy rags. SALVATION clothes us in the perfect righteousness of Christ, which alone can make us acceptable in the sight of God.” Titus 3:5 warns “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
“RELIGION depends on our behaving; SALVATION depends on our believing.” That’s why Acts 16:31 says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

“RELIGION depends on the sufficiency of character; SALVATION depends on the Sacrifice of the Cross.” “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

“RELIGION says we must be found in God’s house; SALVATION says “be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.” (Philippians 3:9)

“RELIGION tries to bring us from darkness to light; SALVATION…brings us from death into life." Jesus said it this way: “He who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24)

When the altar is opened at your church on Sunday, ask God to convict those who think they are saved, but are not. Ask him to give them the strength and courage to heed his call. And if you feel him knocking on the door of your heart, for your own sake, ask him to come in. Remember, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12)

The Gifts Of God For The People Of God

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Ruffin) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:15:00 +0000

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” (1 Corinthians 12:27)

In October of 1977, I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. I had no idea what being an Episcopalian meant. Instead, I saw confirmation as something that would enable me to improve my station in life. Episcopalians seemed to enjoy more success than members of other denominations.

By way of background, I had been reared in a Southern Baptist church and later joined Methodist and Presbyterian churches in my search for peace and happiness. I dressed out for the part no matter what church I frequented. But beneath that costume lurked an ambitious, albeit unhappy man. I saw God in others no matter where I worshipped, but I never saw God in me.

The Episcopal Church celebrates Holy Communion every Sunday. Larger parishes celebrate Holy Communion every day. Holy Communion for the Episcopalian is a Sacrament, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. It's the Church's way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present and encourages all of us to continually remember His life, death and resurrection, until He comes again.

One of my favorite parts of the Holy Communion is after the bread and wine have been consecrated, the Celebrant (usually an Episcopal Priest) announces: “The gifts of God for the people of God.” While I am ashamed to tell you how little those words meant to me then, words cannot express what they mean to me now.

Interestingly, I have returned to my Southern Baptist heritage. I guess all things in life really do come full circle. But this time around has been different. I wasn't saved in the Baptist Church. I found salvation in the Presbyterian Church. However, I realize now more than ever that when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I became a member of a larger family that has a common goal. Indeed, our charge, as the Apostle Paul explained to the Church at Corinth, is that our actions as Christians should reflect an attitude and character that are Christ-like. So while we stand united for a common purpose, to bring others to know who Christ is, we should embrace the diverse strengths that each of us brings to the table to accomplish that purpose.

When we accept Christ, we receive gifts from God that are intended to be used to bring others to Him. Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 that while we may receive different kinds of gifts, for different kinds of service or works, the same God, the same Lord and the same Spirit works all of them in us. In other words, one Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, works through us so that others may be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

What are you doing with the gifts that God gave you at the moment of your salvation? Are you using them to serve Him, or are you hiding them from those for whom they were really intended? And if you think that the gifts you have will not measure up in God's eyes, remember 1 Corinthians 12:22: “No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”

We are born again, and as brothers and sisters in Christ, we comprise the Body of Christ, each with the image of God and each with the ability to show His character. There could not be any more truth in the Episcopal proclamation, “The gifts of God for the people of God.”