Matthew 7:21-23
“Not
all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me
as ‘Lord,’ but still won’t get to heaven. For the decisive question is
whether they obey my Father in heaven. At the Judgment many will tell
me, ‘Lord, Lord, we told others about you and used your name to cast out
demons and to do many other great miracles.’ But I will reply, ‘You
have never been mine. Go away, for your deeds are evil.’
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
A
friend posted an aerial photo on Facebook of the home of a well-known
televangelist. Her caption was, “Room for a refugee or two? Too far out
of your comfort zone? I just can't relate to you, Mr. XYZ.” I get it…I
truly do. It’s hard for us to believe those who want to tell us what
God’s word says to those who are struggling, hurting and downtrodden,
while they live in “McMansions” and fly around the country on luxury
jets – all while calling on us to “give until it hurts” at the altars of
their churches.
Please open your heart and mind to what I am about to say. This is not for us to judge.
We don’t have to listen to these people or follow their teachings. We
do not have to attend the churches in which they lead. But we cannot
condemn them or make any judgments about how they conduct their own
lives. There are two reasons for this that come to mind, and I will try
to explain both of them.
The first is a no-brainer…Jesus tells
us not to judge others. It’s scriptural, and that should be all that we
need to know. But there is another thing to consider...we do not know
how God might be using this person. Almost two decades ago, I found
myself compelled to watch the teaching/preaching of a certain
televangelist. I began to study his sermons…to dig deeply into my Bible
and to discover what God had to say to me. I started watching other
televangelists and Bible scholars and reading their books and
commentaries.
I learned a lot about my relationship with God
and what the scriptures have to say…I was reawakened to the power and
presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I was also prayerfully cautious
to sift through what these people were saying and find God’s truth. I
did not buy what they were “selling” hook, line and sinker. And yes, I
was disappointed when some of them began to take an ugly
turn…to ask for millions of dollars for new jets…to be arrested for
domestic violence…to be investigated by the federal government for
alleged violations of “possible misuse of donations.”
But here’s
the thing…God used these people to speak to me – and to countless
others. And while they may have taken a wrong turn, haven’t we all?
Except for His grace, couldn’t others criticize us just as much for our
own hypocritical words and actions?
So what does this all mean
for us as faith-filled Christians? Are we to turn a blind eye to
hypocrites and those who claim the name of Jesus to support their own
selfish desires and agendas? For me, the answer is that we must let God
do the judging. And just as importantly, we must make sure that our
own thoughts, words and actions are above board at all times. We must
not fall into the devil’s trap of saying and doing one thing while
acting in another manner. We must be certain that we are about the
LORD’s business…and busy minding that instead of someone else’s.
We
must be careful about who we follow and remember that we are all mere
mortals…sinful, vulnerable, and capable of falling into the traps of the
devil at any given moment. We must make sure that we are truly “Godly”
in our daily living…and not merely giving others the appearance that we
are “religious.”
It’s time to check our words and actions to
see where we are truly showing up for Jesus…and where we are simply
making a show. I pray that God will use you and me to further His
kingdom…in spite of our own sins and shortcomings…and that He will grant
us wisdom and restraint to always reflect His teachings - and not our
own agendas. I also pray that God will grant me humility…that I may let
Him make the judgment on others - and render their verdict as He deems
appropriate.
©2015 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label hidden motives and agendas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hidden motives and agendas. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for January 21, 2015
Philippians 1:17-18
But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail. But that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad.
I will keep on being glad...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg recently helped his mother purchase a new computer. I was visiting her one day, and she asked me to help her find something on the Internet. I am not familiar with this new machine, but I fumbled around and found what she was seeking. She turned to me and said, “You and Greg do things differently on the computer, don’t you?!” I agreed with her that, aside from my unfamiliarity with this particular computer, our “methods” probably differ a little…but we achieve the same end result.
These words of the Apostle Paul have great relevance for us today. It has become common in certain situations for a person to have a “platform”…a cause that he/she champions – often with great passion. Some people have missions that are near and dear to their hearts…and yes, some people simply have personal agendas. But many folks from all of these “camps” have a common denominator…they truly love Jesus and desire to live for Him and serve others in His name.
Many people want to share the love of Christ with others…but their “methods” of doing so can vary greatly. This doesn’t make them bad or wrong. As Paul points out…all that matters is that they share the message of Jesus Christ. Instead of criticizing our friends and neighbors because they don’t mirror our politics, lifestyle choices, skin color or ethnicity, economic level, preferences in style and physical appearance – or they root for a different sports team! – let’s look at their heart.
Consider whether they love Jesus – and it shows! Do they minister to others in His name? Do they demonstrate His teachings and operate in grace, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, compassion, and unconditional love? If the answer is yes, then be glad. The rest is all just immaterial “fluff” that doesn’t truly matter in the quest to love and serve God and further His Kingdom. This is the real mission!
Are you focused on what really matters…or are you bogged down by the extraneous distractions that the devil wishes to flood into our lives? Isn’t it time we dropped all of the judgments and looked at the heart of others? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail. But that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad.
I will keep on being glad...
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Greg recently helped his mother purchase a new computer. I was visiting her one day, and she asked me to help her find something on the Internet. I am not familiar with this new machine, but I fumbled around and found what she was seeking. She turned to me and said, “You and Greg do things differently on the computer, don’t you?!” I agreed with her that, aside from my unfamiliarity with this particular computer, our “methods” probably differ a little…but we achieve the same end result.
These words of the Apostle Paul have great relevance for us today. It has become common in certain situations for a person to have a “platform”…a cause that he/she champions – often with great passion. Some people have missions that are near and dear to their hearts…and yes, some people simply have personal agendas. But many folks from all of these “camps” have a common denominator…they truly love Jesus and desire to live for Him and serve others in His name.
Many people want to share the love of Christ with others…but their “methods” of doing so can vary greatly. This doesn’t make them bad or wrong. As Paul points out…all that matters is that they share the message of Jesus Christ. Instead of criticizing our friends and neighbors because they don’t mirror our politics, lifestyle choices, skin color or ethnicity, economic level, preferences in style and physical appearance – or they root for a different sports team! – let’s look at their heart.
Consider whether they love Jesus – and it shows! Do they minister to others in His name? Do they demonstrate His teachings and operate in grace, mercy, forgiveness, tolerance, compassion, and unconditional love? If the answer is yes, then be glad. The rest is all just immaterial “fluff” that doesn’t truly matter in the quest to love and serve God and further His Kingdom. This is the real mission!
Are you focused on what really matters…or are you bogged down by the extraneous distractions that the devil wishes to flood into our lives? Isn’t it time we dropped all of the judgments and looked at the heart of others? Will this be the day that you get started?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for January 9, 2015
Galatians 2:4
While we were in conference we were infiltrated by spies pretending to be Christians, who slipped in to find out just how free true Christians are. Their ulterior motive was to reduce us to their brand of servitude. We didn’t give them the time of day. We were determined to preserve the truth of the Message for you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Someone shared a link on Facebook to an article titled “Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You”* Of course, this title grabbed my attention…and I have to say, the article is filled with valid points. As I read this scripture passage from Galatians, I was reminded of one particular comment made in “Point #5”…
I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and Bible study and determine “the truth of the Message”…then do everything you can to preserve it. Honor your relationship with God – and your commitment to Him - by turning a deaf ear to the noise of those who have ulterior motives and/or a personal agenda. Appreciate that your fellow believer’s “path” may not be exactly like yours…that his/her missions and ministries may not exactly line up with yours – and that’s okay.
As long as we are serving God with an obedient, faithful heart, we belong to Him…and God is bigger than any “church”. If we are the problem – from either side of the equation – it’s time that we made some changes. This is a good day to begin…wouldn’t you agree?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.faithit.com/dear-church-heres-why-people-are-really-leaving-you/.VK7OXdDwj30.facebook
While we were in conference we were infiltrated by spies pretending to be Christians, who slipped in to find out just how free true Christians are. Their ulterior motive was to reduce us to their brand of servitude. We didn’t give them the time of day. We were determined to preserve the truth of the Message for you.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Someone shared a link on Facebook to an article titled “Dear Church, Here's Why People Are Really Leaving You”* Of course, this title grabbed my attention…and I have to say, the article is filled with valid points. As I read this scripture passage from Galatians, I was reminded of one particular comment made in “Point #5”…
I let you know how judged and ridiculed I feel when I'm with you, how much like a hopeless, failing outsider I feel on the periphery of your inward, judgmental communities, and you proceeded to tell me how "lost" I am, how hopelessly "in love with my sin" I must be to leave you, reminding me that I never really belonged with you anyway. Maybe you're right, Church. Maybe I am the problem.We always have to guard our heart – against discrimination and intolerance of others, AND against those who wish to judge us and make our relationship with God look just like theirs or fit their personal agenda. You do not have to “drink the Kool-Aid” for every single idea your fellow church members have. You should not be pressured with guilt or shamed into participating in missions or practices that you know in your heart are not what God has ordained for you. You don’t have to agree with the pervading positions on politics, economics, lifestyle choices, cultural differences, and more. Just because “everyone else is doing it” doesn’t make it right for you…even in the church!
I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and Bible study and determine “the truth of the Message”…then do everything you can to preserve it. Honor your relationship with God – and your commitment to Him - by turning a deaf ear to the noise of those who have ulterior motives and/or a personal agenda. Appreciate that your fellow believer’s “path” may not be exactly like yours…that his/her missions and ministries may not exactly line up with yours – and that’s okay.
As long as we are serving God with an obedient, faithful heart, we belong to Him…and God is bigger than any “church”. If we are the problem – from either side of the equation – it’s time that we made some changes. This is a good day to begin…wouldn’t you agree?
©2015 Debbie Robus
*http://www.faithit.com/dear-church-heres-why-people-are-really-leaving-you/.VK7OXdDwj30.facebook
Daily Devotional for September 1, 2014
Psalm 51:16-17
Going through the motions doesn’t please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I saw a post on Facebook the other day that absolutely astounded me. Out of kindness, I will not name this person...but the wife of a well-known television evangelist stood before her congregation and told the people that... “When we obey God, we’re not doing it for God...we’re doing it for ourselves, because God wants us to be happy...that’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy.” She continued...”Just do good for yourself...and this will make God happy. When you come to church and worship Him, you’re not doing it for God, really...you’re doing it for yourself...because that’s what makes GOD happy!”
The punch line to this Facebook post was an added video of Bill Cosby as “Cliff Huxtable” on “The Cosby Show”, saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my LIFE!” I almost fell off my chair laughing! Can I get an “Amen!” here? I am guessing that this woman has not read Psalm 51:16-17 lately! Here’s a news flash for her and the rest of us...”It’s not about you or me!” I think I know what she might have been trying to say, because yes, God does want us to be happy. But that is not His end goal!
Here’s another way to look at it...one of my best friends has two sons., and when they were little, she was telling me about how other children in their play groups were rude and disrespectful. She said that she did not tolerate such behavior from her own children. She told me...“I don’t care if my boys like me, but they are going to respect me and do what is right!” My friend loves her sons...and she loved them then...but she wanted them to be polite and act appropriately. Of course, she wanted them to be happy! But showing kindness and respect for others...or humility and sincerity for serving God...does not equal displeasure or rob us of our joy - at least, it shouldn’t!
I hope my illustrations are making sense. God loves us and wants us to be filled with joy. He shows us tremendous grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness and compassion...and often gives us far more leeway than we deserve! I know we serve a God of second, third, and fourth chances – and more! But this is not a license to run willy-nilly through life serving our own interests. And yes, there will be times when things are hard, and we really don’t necessarily like the direction in which God steers us. But we are to swallow our pride and humbly submit to His plans. THIS is what pleases God and makes Him truly happy – and what will ultimately bring us the most joy, as well.
My message to you this day is that being a Christian disciple is not always easy. In order to truly be “successful”...to operate in God’s blessings and truly honor His commitment to us...we must humble ourselves, set aside our pride and stubbornness, and come before Him with a “shattered heart”. We must say, “Here I am, LORD...ready to do whatever You need - wherever and whenever You need me...and to give YOU all of the glory.” I’m pretty sure that our “performance” will be anything but flawless...but that’s okay. God doesn’t care about our “motions”...He’s interested in our motives! Anyone can pretend to love and serve God and others...but GOD knows our heart and what we are really thinking and feeling. What does He know about you today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Going through the motions doesn’t please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered.
Heart-shattered lives ready for love
don’t for a moment escape God’s notice.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I saw a post on Facebook the other day that absolutely astounded me. Out of kindness, I will not name this person...but the wife of a well-known television evangelist stood before her congregation and told the people that... “When we obey God, we’re not doing it for God...we’re doing it for ourselves, because God wants us to be happy...that’s the thing that gives Him the greatest joy.” She continued...”Just do good for yourself...and this will make God happy. When you come to church and worship Him, you’re not doing it for God, really...you’re doing it for yourself...because that’s what makes GOD happy!”
The punch line to this Facebook post was an added video of Bill Cosby as “Cliff Huxtable” on “The Cosby Show”, saying, “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my LIFE!” I almost fell off my chair laughing! Can I get an “Amen!” here? I am guessing that this woman has not read Psalm 51:16-17 lately! Here’s a news flash for her and the rest of us...”It’s not about you or me!” I think I know what she might have been trying to say, because yes, God does want us to be happy. But that is not His end goal!
Here’s another way to look at it...one of my best friends has two sons., and when they were little, she was telling me about how other children in their play groups were rude and disrespectful. She said that she did not tolerate such behavior from her own children. She told me...“I don’t care if my boys like me, but they are going to respect me and do what is right!” My friend loves her sons...and she loved them then...but she wanted them to be polite and act appropriately. Of course, she wanted them to be happy! But showing kindness and respect for others...or humility and sincerity for serving God...does not equal displeasure or rob us of our joy - at least, it shouldn’t!
I hope my illustrations are making sense. God loves us and wants us to be filled with joy. He shows us tremendous grace, mercy, forgiveness, kindness and compassion...and often gives us far more leeway than we deserve! I know we serve a God of second, third, and fourth chances – and more! But this is not a license to run willy-nilly through life serving our own interests. And yes, there will be times when things are hard, and we really don’t necessarily like the direction in which God steers us. But we are to swallow our pride and humbly submit to His plans. THIS is what pleases God and makes Him truly happy – and what will ultimately bring us the most joy, as well.
My message to you this day is that being a Christian disciple is not always easy. In order to truly be “successful”...to operate in God’s blessings and truly honor His commitment to us...we must humble ourselves, set aside our pride and stubbornness, and come before Him with a “shattered heart”. We must say, “Here I am, LORD...ready to do whatever You need - wherever and whenever You need me...and to give YOU all of the glory.” I’m pretty sure that our “performance” will be anything but flawless...but that’s okay. God doesn’t care about our “motions”...He’s interested in our motives! Anyone can pretend to love and serve God and others...but GOD knows our heart and what we are really thinking and feeling. What does He know about you today?
©2014 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for May 9, 2013
May 9 ~ 1 Timothy 1:16
But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz shares the story from John 2:1-11 of a wedding party attended by Jesus, His mother Mary, and other family members and friends. During the party, the servers ran out of wine… a situation that could have shamed the bride and groom forever – and possibly even ruined their marriage. Mary went to Jesus and told Him that the wine had run out. She didn’t ask Him to do anything… she merely stated this fact. Jesus informed her that it was not His time – meaning, it was not time for Him to reveal to a crowd that He was the Son of God with Supernatural powers!
Lotz goes on to make the observation that Jesus probably saw a hidden agenda in Mary’s comment. Perhaps she wanted everyone else to know who Jesus really was as a matter of pride. Maybe it was the wedding of another son or close relative… and Mary was trying to “save face.” Regardless, Jesus could have been irritated by His mother’s ulterior motives… and her impatience. Mary’s implication may have been… “The wine has run out… fix it now!”
As I read this and thought about my own relationship with Jesus, I wondered how often my prayers really contain a hidden agenda or ulterior motive? When I pray for someone else to develop a stronger connection with Him… am I really saying, “If he/she had a deeper faith, then I wouldn’t have to pick up their slack.”? When I ask God to work in a situation where someone is sick, is it because I’m tired of having to care for them? When I call on Jesus to work in any particular instance, am I subconsciously tapping my foot and asking Him to hurry up about it? Anne Graham Lotz points out that in many cases the “wine” ran out “one glass at a time”… but we expect Jesus to refill us in an instant!
Does Jesus grow impatient with my impatience? Surely He must! How many times have I dragged my feet about doing what He asks of me? And yet, I expect Him to be front and center with “more wine.” This is what the Apostle Paul was talking about in this letter to Timothy… that Jesus exercised tremendous patience with a sinner such as he – and He will do the same for each of us.
Frankly, I’m a little embarrassed to think that God would use me as an example of impatience. But if Jesus’ example of grace, mercy, and forgiveness extended to me helps another person to draw closer to Him… count me in! Meanwhile, I am going to examine my prayers a little more closely. I’m going to work on waiting on the LORD to answer… and asking for His will – and not my hidden motives. It’s a tall order… and I doubt God will fix me overnight. But I’m learning to be patient… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In her book, Just Give Me Jesus, Anne Graham Lotz shares the story from John 2:1-11 of a wedding party attended by Jesus, His mother Mary, and other family members and friends. During the party, the servers ran out of wine… a situation that could have shamed the bride and groom forever – and possibly even ruined their marriage. Mary went to Jesus and told Him that the wine had run out. She didn’t ask Him to do anything… she merely stated this fact. Jesus informed her that it was not His time – meaning, it was not time for Him to reveal to a crowd that He was the Son of God with Supernatural powers!
Lotz goes on to make the observation that Jesus probably saw a hidden agenda in Mary’s comment. Perhaps she wanted everyone else to know who Jesus really was as a matter of pride. Maybe it was the wedding of another son or close relative… and Mary was trying to “save face.” Regardless, Jesus could have been irritated by His mother’s ulterior motives… and her impatience. Mary’s implication may have been… “The wine has run out… fix it now!”
As I read this and thought about my own relationship with Jesus, I wondered how often my prayers really contain a hidden agenda or ulterior motive? When I pray for someone else to develop a stronger connection with Him… am I really saying, “If he/she had a deeper faith, then I wouldn’t have to pick up their slack.”? When I ask God to work in a situation where someone is sick, is it because I’m tired of having to care for them? When I call on Jesus to work in any particular instance, am I subconsciously tapping my foot and asking Him to hurry up about it? Anne Graham Lotz points out that in many cases the “wine” ran out “one glass at a time”… but we expect Jesus to refill us in an instant!
Does Jesus grow impatient with my impatience? Surely He must! How many times have I dragged my feet about doing what He asks of me? And yet, I expect Him to be front and center with “more wine.” This is what the Apostle Paul was talking about in this letter to Timothy… that Jesus exercised tremendous patience with a sinner such as he – and He will do the same for each of us.
Frankly, I’m a little embarrassed to think that God would use me as an example of impatience. But if Jesus’ example of grace, mercy, and forgiveness extended to me helps another person to draw closer to Him… count me in! Meanwhile, I am going to examine my prayers a little more closely. I’m going to work on waiting on the LORD to answer… and asking for His will – and not my hidden motives. It’s a tall order… and I doubt God will fix me overnight. But I’m learning to be patient… are you?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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