The Word Became Flesh: A Christmas Poem 

(John 1:1-14)

Before time began he was.  

Eternal, uncreated, only begotten son of God, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  From everlasting to everlasting he has been and will be.  Creator of all, all was made by him and for him.  

Seated on his throne, he is the forever King.  Eternal majesty and glory were his before the mountains were brought forth.

And yet, this ancient of days became flesh.  

Into the world he came, the true light through whom sinners are saved.  Light and life for all who believe.   

With sinners he dwelt that we might behold him, to see his glory come.  Full of grace and truth, it is from him we have received grace upon grace.  

And we remember:  

The Word of God appearing with divinity unceasing, as a babe he came to us.  Humble, average, ordinary, with only the fanfare of the lowly.

Before him a wooden cross, nails and blood- the plan of covering whereby wretches become children of God.  Born of God, not of man, are those whom he calls his own.  

For this he came and was willingly made flesh: that all of this might be so.  

Joyful hearts praise God the Father who has made him known, the one who forever reigns.  With gladness crown him with many crowns, the King who became flesh and dwelt among us, the Christ, our Emmanuel.           

Rich in Deed

This past June marked four years since the advent of my reading addiction.  It began innocently enough with the goal of reading one book per month but this craze has now culminated to a point of madness.  Case in point: I frequently find myself reading 3 (sometimes more!) books at a time and endlessly adding to my carts on both Amazon and Ebay.  Oh yes, and I also frequent our local library.  I seriously did not see this spiral coming- nor did I foresee the way this would radically change my life.  

While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all the classic fiction and biographies I’ve read over the last 48 plus months, it has been the deep delve into theological books that has been transformative- but not in the way you might think.  While yes, those books have been incredible instruments of growth, the real change that has transpired from these readings is the desire to study Scripture more in depth.  Without question, my love of the Word has truly been a sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.  

Yet, I know that although knowledge moves my heart and affections towards my heavenly Father and Savior, it is insufficient if my actions do not reflect what I have learned.  For as James 1:22 so convictingly reminds, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  I can only pray the fruit of the Spirit has been increasingly evident in my life, if even in the smallest measure.  

The truth is, as followers of Christ we all have a command to love in light of the love that has been lavished upon us; to forgive as we have been forgiven, and to be rich in deed as we have so abundantly received the mercies of God.  Consider the words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to Timothy: “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share” (1 Timothy 6:18).  In light of all the riches that we have in Christ, how could we not be rich towards others? 

Perhaps you, like myself, are currently completing a quick mental inventory of what these deeds include.  To help us out I quickly referenced the Greek term “good works.” “Kalos ergon” translates to “beautiful (or valuable/virtuous) action or task.”  In light of this definition, I think the list is infinite!  As I evaluate my own life, it seems the challenge lies in both my attentiveness to the opportunities around me and with intentionally seeking out ways to be generous with others. 

In order that we might further consider how to be rich in deed, let’s consider the following reflective questions:

Who in my everyday life could use help/support?  What are some ways I could meet these needs? 

Who in my life could benefit from my financial generosity?  (Or what organization?)

Who could currently benefit from my time and attention?  

For whom could I be in prayer?  

What is an everyday life situation that I have overlooked as an opportunity to be rich in deed?  How could I use this situation to bless others? 

Who have I not spoken to for a while that I could reach out to?   

May we pray diligently to obediently walk in the good deeds that Christ has prepared in advance for us to do.  Let us not love in word only but in deed and in truth.  

Rich in Christ

Honest writer moment here: Aside from the typed title, I’ve been staring at this otherwise blank screen for the better part of an hour trying to decide where and how to start.  I thought about leading with the story of how I saved my hard earned money to buy a $13 Mr. Potato Head when I was 7 years old.  In my mind I would then connect that experience to other times in my life when I felt temporarily rich and how riches in this world are just that…temporary.  But then so many verses and song lyrics came to mind about all that we have in our Savior that I just couldn’t make sense of where to start.  

So, I’m starting with this: “Blessed be the God and Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3).   To the glory of God, we are infinitely rich in Christ.  The Apostle Paul continuously made this known in his letters to the churches at Ephesus and Philippi.  Remarkably, he penned these words while he himself was in prison.  I can only imagine what it was like for him in that dark, dingy cell- how uncomfortable and lonely it must have been.  Yet, it was in that place he wrote of the secret of being content in every situation: he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him.  A few verses later Paul confidently encouraged his brothers and sisters in Christ, stating, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).  

I praise God that He revealed these truths to Paul because these truths have not changed.  He will supply every need through the riches of Christ.  There is nothing that we can experience that is outside the scope of his knowledge and power.  He is just as aware of our physical needs as he is our spiritual and emotional needs.  Too many times I have doubted this; yet he has never failed to take care of me.  I have always had food, clothing, and shelter.  He has been a friend in loneliness, a comforter in grief, and my source of peace during anxious times.  Just as his riches in glory are unlimited, so are the graces he gives.  He indeed is our all in all.  As C.S. Lewis once said, “Look for Christ, and you will find him, and with him everything else thrown in.”  

Not only does Christ supply all of our needs here on earth, but through him we have an unfathomable inheritance.  Through the letter writing of Paul we again learn more of the truth revealed to him about our life in Christ: “But God, being rich in mercy…made us alive together with Christ…and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-7).  No wonder Paul could not contain his joy, even in the pit of prison!  Peter spoke of this glorious truth as well when he wrote, “By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3b-4).  This rich inheritance is only possible through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, through whom we have everything.  

Through his perfect life on this earth he has become our righteousness; for we have no righteousness of our own but only that which we possess in him.  Through his death he became our substitutionary sacrifice, having bore the wrath of God we so mightily deserve.  Through his resurrection he became our victory, raising us to new life with the promise of eternity with him.  We indeed are abundantly rich through the power of the gospel!

As I conclude this writing, I find myself in the same predicament as described in the beginning of this post.  So I will only end with this: 

I praise God that we are permanently rich in Christ; for just as we have him now, so we will have him forever in the place where no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor heart of man has imagined; the place prepared for us where we will sing medleys of these riches for all eternity…

Hallelujah, all I have is Christ; Hallelujah, Jesus is my life;

Riches I heed not nor man’s empty praise, thou mine inheritance now 

and always, thou and thou only first in my heart, high king of heaven my 

Treasure thou art;

Hallelujah, all I have is Christ; Hallelujah, Jesus is my life.

Dwelling Richly

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”  Colossians 3:16

Sometimes I just try to let the first part of that verse sink in: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.  Doesn’t that sound so lovely?  So refreshing and at the same time empowering?  I wanted to dive deeper, to learn more of what it means to dwell richly.  The following is what I have learned.  I pray it will bless and encourage all who read. 

Although it may seem backwards, my mind first focused on the word “dwell.”  I wanted to really consider the meaning of this word and found the Greek word used in this verse was “Enoikeo,” which means to live in or inhibit.  To put it this way, the word of Christ is to live in us, to inhabit us; to take up residence in our hearts and minds.  It is to be a part of us forever!   

And not only are we to allow the word of Christ to dwell in us, but to dwell richly.  This Greek word “Plousios,” means generously or abundantly.  The word of Christ is to live in us abundantly.  However, the only way this can happen is if we are in the word regularly, asking the Holy Spirit to press it into our hearts and minds.  Dear readers, I know this is not always our desire.  But please know that it is more than okay to ask God for the desire for His word.  Know that you can boldly ask Him to give you passion for the word of Christ and for the Spirit to give you understanding of what you read.  He will do it! 

Finally, I revisited the phrase “word of Christ” as this is the subject of what is to live within us generously.  Jesus himself is the Word and the entire written word is about him.  John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He is the Truth and from Genesis to Revelation he is proclaimed.  In light of this it struck me that at the beginning of Colossians 3 Paul reminded us of the good news of the gospel- that we have been raised with Christ, hidden with Christ, and that Christ is our life!  The middle verses of the chapter call us then to put to death the things of the old self and to put on the things of the new self; to be renewed in the knowledge of our Creator.  This is the word of Christ which is to inhabit us abundantly!  It is a beautiful command with a beautiful result.    

The remainder of verse 16 tells us that the word of Christ dwelling richly results in teaching, admonishing in wisdom, and singing hymns with thanksgiving.  Because isn’t it true that what dwells in us comes out of us?  Whatever we put into our minds- what we see and read with our eyes, what we listen to with our ears- is what comes out of our mouths and is displayed in our actions.  This begs us to ask ourselves the following question: What am I allowing to inhabit me- the word, or the world?  As 1 John 2:15-17 makes clear, these are the two choices from which we chose.  

I pray that God will give us, His people, a great hunger and desire for Christ and his word.  May it be our greatest aim for the truth of the gospel to reign supremely in our hearts and minds so that all we say and do will be a reflection of what dwells in us so richly.  To the glory of God alone may it be so.

Rich Conversation

I’m going to be really honest:  I’m writing this post as a challenge to myself.  As an extroverted person, I love being around people and am always up for hanging out with my friends.  However, I’m not always great with initiating conversation, usually preferring that others lead.  When I do initiate, I tend to stick to the typical questions about work, kids, current happenings, and the like.  While there’s certainly nothing wrong with “catching up,” I’ve recently had an increasing desire to deepen my everyday conversations.  

As I was thinking through practical ways to change the dialogue, it occurred to me that the best starting point is Scripture.  After all, there is no better place to learn about rich speech than in God’s Word!  So what does the Bible say should characterize the nature of our conversations? Let’s take a look: 

Our speech should be edifying and gracious.  The King James version of Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”  The NIV and ESV  translate the word ‘edifying’ as  “building up.”  It’s important to note that edifying does not merely mean to give encouragement or praise (more on that in a moment) but to provide moral or intellectual instruction.  Our conversations should sharpen and challenge one another as a means of ministering grace.  As Colossians 4:6 says, our speech should “always be gracious and seasoned with salt.”  

Our speech should focus on thanksgiving and encouragement.  I daily think about the things I am thankful for in my life yet my thought to speech ratio in this category is easily 10:1.  But how wonderful it would be if we allowed thanksgiving to take center stage in our conversations on a frequent basis!  Ephesians 5:4 says, “ Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”   Along with thankfulness, we are to encourage one another in the roles and ministries God has given us so that we might strengthen one another’s faith.  Acts 14:21-22 records that as Paul and Barnabas travelled they strengthened the souls of their disciples and encouraged them to continue in their faith as they suffered for Christ.    

Our speech should focus on bearing burdens and prayer.  As brothers and sisters in Christ we can go to one another for comfort and wise counsel.  We don’t have to carry the heaviness of life alone.  Instead, we can be honest about our struggles and pray for one another.  This is one of the great gifts of the body of Christ!  Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  Likewise, James 5:16a says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.”   

Of course there is a time and place for “catch up” conversations- they are a necessary part of life!  But in light of the above points, here are some starter questions to enrich the conversations with your brothers and sisters in Christ: 

What is something you are learning about right now?  

What has God been teaching you? 

What have you been reading right now (book wise as well as Bible study wise)? 

What is something you have been thankful for lately?

How has God been answering your prayers?  

How are you using your gifts to serve God (and others) now? 

In what ways have you been challenged recently?  

How can I be praying for you?  

May we all intentionally seek and be blessed by these rich conversations.  

Chasing Perfection

I can’t tell you how many times in the last few months the topic of perfectionism has come up in conversations with both my clients and friends.  At least a dozen times I’ve thought, I need to write about this.  So here it goes, my feeble attempt to touch on this difficult topic and to present the gospel as the needed remedy.  As with everything else I write, this one is just as much for me as anyone who happens to read these words.  

I want to first begin by clarifying what I mean by perfectionism.  By this I’m talking about the expectation that you can- and should- be perfect at x.  This belief goes beyond the idea of putting forth your best effort to do x well.  This kind of perfectionistic thinking results in anxiety or panic, produces fear, and potentially keeps us from doing what we’re called to do.    

To be sure, the degrees of perfectionism may vary but if we’re all really honest, there is at least one area of our life in which we struggle with perfectionism.  For some it may be in the realm of academics, athletics, or in regard to physical appearance and beauty.  Likely there are many who strive for perfection in their career or in their role as a spouse or parent.  Still, many seek perfection in their everyday lives through the pristine maintenance of cleanliness, order, and organization.  (My husband can emphatically  attest that my struggle is not with the latter.)  My battle with perfectionism can be found in the kitchen and at the computer as I type the written word.  

Whatever realm(s) you find yourself seeking perfection, the first question I believe to be answered is this:  What do I want this perfection to do for me?  This is a necessary question because perfection is not an end in itself- it’s a means to an end.  Namely, control, value, approval, and acceptance.  

First, let’s talk about that c-word because I believe it’s the hinge on which the other three “ends” swing.  Control brings a sense of comfort and security and is therefore a highly sought after commodity.   For example, if we operate under the belief of, “If I’m doing x perfectly then everything will be alright,” we are using perfection to attain control of an outcome.  And if we obtain that control then we have some sense of the aforementioned peace, safety, security, or even power.  

The only trouble is that perfection is an impossible standard to achieve and our ability to have control in life to the degree we desire is limited.  Here we have the set-up for perpetual anxiety: when our efforts to be perfect at x cannot be attained we then feel we are losing control- which results in us trying even harder to attain what we are incapable of.  And on and on it goes for the pursuit of control is an elusive game.  We must come to realize that our attempt to reduce anxiety by gaining control through perfection only creates what we’re trying to eliminate.  

If control is the end we seek, we must lay that aside and instead pursue a life of surrender and obedience to our King.  Isaiah 55:9 states, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”  This verse is a wonderful reminder that God is infinite in His knowledge and wisdom and that He sees above and beyond what we possibly can.  It’s because of this truth we can trust that He will not lead us astray.  

While trusting God’s ways does not always come easy, Hebrews 11 reminds us that the righteous will live by faith, and that without faith it is impossible to please God.  These are some convicting words!  We exercise our faith when we trust God with the outcomes of our life and when we surrender our ways to His.  If control has been your end game, repent and ask God to help you submit your life to His will.  He himself will give you grace and faith to walk in obedience with Him.  

Perhaps somewhere along the way you have come to adopt the belief that you must be perfect at x to be valuable.  Or, maybe you have gained a sense of value and worth from being near-perfect at x.  Either way, holding the belief that our value is tied to our ability to be perfect in some realm is both enslaving and honestly, prideful.  That may sound harsh, but think about it: there is no freedom in feeling pressure to live up to an impossible standard; and if we are in fact deriving value from our achievements, pride is most likely a factor.  

Ask yourself this question: Who told you you had to be perfect at x to hold value?  For some, this message has come from a critical parent or spouse.  If this has been the case for you, consider taking time to work through these wounds and examine the untruthfulness of such messages.  If, however, these messages have come from your own determination, recognize that your reliance on yourself to create your value is ultimately pride.   

True freedom is found not in what we can achieve by our own talents, abilities, or merits, but through the person and work of Jesus Christ.  While our wavering talents produce a shifting foundation on which to base our worth, who we are in Christ never changes.  In him we are chosen (Ephesians 1:4-5; 1 Peter 2:9), adopted (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1), forgiven and redeemed (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:23-24), and an heir together with Christ (Romans 8:17).  This is the foundation from which we derive our value- and it has nothing to do with us!  It is a gift of grace so that we may not boast in our own works, but only in Christ.  To combat the temptation to use self-reliant perfection to determine our value, we must ask God to impress upon our hearts the truth of who we are in Christ, and we must study His Word which teaches us these amazing truths!  It is this truth which will also help us with the next point…

Not gonna lie- these next “ends” hits home: the use of perfection to gain approval and acceptance.  Let me first say that the desires for approval and acceptance are not sinful in and of itself.  The problem comes when we seek these from men rather than from God.  (I also think the points of this article piggy back off each other- for example, one’s perceived value is often closely related to being accepted and liked by others. Not to mention we often like to control how others perceive us.)   

As I mentioned in the beginning, I can be very perfectionistic about writing.  To be clear, I hope the words I write both enrich and challenge others while pointing them to Christ! But when I press myself regarding the perfectionistic aspect, it seems to come down to wanting the approval of others… which in turn boosts my ego…which absolutely is pride.  To combat both pride and the desire for others’ approval there are two truths I desperately need to keep in mind.  I pray they will encourage you as well.

The first truth in combating the desire for approval via perfection is to remember who it is we truly work for; who it is we serve.  If we have any doubt about this, Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…you are serving the Lord Christ.” This is so beautiful and so freeing.  God does not ask perfection of us, only that we work heartily for Him.  When I am able to fix my mind on these words I am less inclined to feel the need to be perfect.  After all, God uses both our strengths and weaknesses to accomplish His purposes.  Our part is to work heartily and submit to His ways.  Lately I’ve been praying this one sentence prayer to remind myself of everything I just wrote: Lord, please bless this imperfect work as I work heartily for you.  This prayer brings both humility and peace.

The second truth we must realize is that we do not exist for our own glory, but for the glory of God alone (Psalm 115:1).  Soli Deo Gloria has become the aim of my life and my heart’s desire.  However, I must constantly check in with myself, asking the question:  Who’s glory am I seeking?  I firmly believe the battle to glorify self will be a battle we will fight until our last breath on earth!  But this I do know: when I focus on giving God glory I am Him-focused rather than self-focused.  And when this is the case I am not pursuing the approval of man.      

Although approval and acceptance are closely related, I think it’s important to distinguish that while approval relates to confidence and affirmation, acceptance relates to belonging.  How many times in life have we felt the need to be perfect in hopes of being accepted by others- or, even God?  Probably more than we would care to admit.  Yet, how many times has this “perfection pursuit” only led to fear and anxiety? 

I pray those of you reading have people in your life who love you unconditionally and genuinely, and that you can rest in assurance of your acceptance despite your imperfections.  But more than that it is my prayer you will know that God’s acceptance of you is not based on your attempt at perfection, but on the person and work of Christ.  It is through his perfect life, death, and resurrection that we are counted righteous before God.  The Apostle Paul made this clear in both of his letters to the Corinthians:   

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21);  “And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).  Praise God that Christ has done for us what we could not do for ourselves! 

As I conclude this section on acceptance, allow me to say a word about sanctification.  To grow in holiness is a work of the Spirit and the calling on our lives as Christians.  Paul put it this way in Romans 8:29, “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”  To be sure, as long as we are on this earth we will be in the flesh and we will still sin.  However, we are called to be doers of the Word and not just hearers (James 1:22).  Jesus himself stated in John 14:15 that if we love him we will keep his commandments.  While we are not saved by our works, our works are the fruit- the evidence- of our salvation.  As we abide in Christ our desire for the Spirit’s work of sanctification will replace our desire for human perfection.  

When I began writing this particular blog I honestly didn’t know the direction it would take.  And while I am fully aware that this post has contained a lot to chew on, I hope the basic tenets have been clear: that the anecdote to human perfectionism is surrender, obedience, and a desire for sanctification; resting in the assurance of who we are in Christ and the work he has done on our behalf; knowing in humility that the answer is not self-glorification but living to the glory of God alone.  Try as we might, we come up empty-handed when we seek from others, ourselves, or the world to give us what only God can.  As Romans 8:6 says, to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 

One last thought…

I entitled this blog “Chasing Perfection” because ultimately the perfection we pursue in this world is unattainable.  However, the day is coming when in our glorified state we will be perfectly free from sin; for we have the promise that “those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:30).  Praise be to God that we can be confident that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).  May we faithfully serve him here as we await that most glorious day.   

That We Should Suffer

“The problem with dogs is they do dog things.”  This is a comical (and true!) saying from the father of one of my best friends.  As a runner I’m not an overly huge fan of dogs and this statement perfectly sums up my thoughts regarding that species!  Happily, on my morning run yesterday there were no barking or chasing dogs, only the quiet of the early hours and the rising of the sun.  However, my mind was heavy- heavy with the recent events in the news and with the burdens of people I love. As I thought about the overwhelming amount of suffering and injustice in the world I landed on this thought: The problem with the world is it does world things.  

As Christians, we know the problem of the world is the problem of sin.  It is this sin which produces suffering.  Consider these three points: 1) Because of the Fall (Genesis 3) our bodies are no longer perfect.  Not only do they age, but now they are also subject to disease and deterioration.  2) We each have inherited a sin nature with desires that are contrary to holiness.  While through Christ we are saved from the eternal consequences of our sin, our sinful actions still have consequences here on earth.  As we all have experienced, these consequences include mental/emotional pain and broken relationships, among others.  3) We also experience the consequence of others’ sin.  There is no way around this.  We all are affected by the sinful choices of others.  To be sure, some to a greater extent than others.  Still, the reality remains: we cannot escape being hurt by people. 

While there are good institutions to provide justice in the world, they are not perfect.  And though some world/political/cultural leaders seek after God, the vast majority do not.  1 John makes it very clear that the world’s values are in opposition to those of God, and that we must choose whom we will serve.  That the world and culture operates in a way contrary to God is of no surprise to us.  That people hate us for speaking the truth isn’t shocking.  Jesus told us to expect persecution.  In light of all this, why should we think that we will not suffer?  Why do we believe we will be unaffected by sin and the ways of the world?  Though we all want to be the exception, this is an impossibility.  

I am aware I’m only briefly touching on a weighty topic, but let me conclude with some thoughts regarding an appropriate response to suffering.  Though these points could be books unto themselves, I pray these few words will spur us on to further reflection. 

In respect to numbers 2 and 3 discussed above, let us daily examine our hearts and repent of the sin from which we need to repent; and when we have been wronged, let us seek to forgive others through the power of Christ.  Repentance and forgiveness are the means by which we gain healing and are a demonstration of obedience to our sovereign heavenly Father.  Which leads to my next and final point…

There is nothing in this universe that is not under the sovereignty of God (Isaiah 45:7-9, Matthew 10:29-31, Lamentations 3:37-39.)  Although I nor anyone else can perfectly explain the reason for what God allows and does not allow, we trust in His holiness and goodness knowing that He is sovereign over every ounce of sin and suffering.  Romans 8:28 assures us that the sovereignty of God works all things for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purposes.  But dear friends, let us not make the mistake of misunderstanding what is meant by “good.”  Our good here on earth is our sanctification- being conformed to the image of Christ.  Though painful and tear wrought, suffering brings about our sanctification.  Our response then is submission to the sovereignty and purposes of God knowing that His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). 

And yet our good continues, for our good goes beyond this earthly realm.  Our good culminates in an eternal resting place with the triune God, living in perfect communion with Him.  Our good is that every wrong will be made right and all of the effects of sin in our life will be completely and perfectly undone.  Our good is that we will simultaneously bear witness to God’s incomprehensible mercy and perfect justice.  Indeed, we will be the recipients of the King’s promise that he will make all things new.  This is the truth that gives way to hope and rejoicing in the midst of earthly suffering.  As the Apostle Paul said, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).  

Praise God that our sufferings produce something of infinite worth both here and in the age to come.  And best of all, in all things God is and will be glorified.  Our good.  His glory.  This is the assurance we possess as we live in a world that will only continue to do world things.  

The Goodness of the Hard

Today as my daughter neared the end of her 45 minute morning run she reported to me that she was, “hungry, thirsty, and sweaty.”  Pedaling alongside her I answered back, “That’s a good way to be at the end of a run.”  I found myself envious of her at that moment and thought to myself, “Man, I miss that.”  For those who are unaware, I’ve been nursing a bum heel for what seems like forever.  In fact, the last bit of real training I did was in the fall of 2018.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been famished after a workout or since I’ve felt the classic achiness in my legs after a really hard run.  I miss the challenge of a speed workout and the mental and physical exertion of pushing the pace in the midst of discomfort.  I even miss the tiredness in my legs after a long run.  And why do I miss all this you might ask?  Because the hard is what makes it good.  

I firmly believe that anything worth anything is going to be hard…and worthy of effort.  We might be tempted to think this is not truly what we want or how we really want life to be.  But why would we want it to be otherwise?  The true beauty of a thing- the true glory- is the effort required to try.  Think about it:  Anything you have ever truly valued has taken a good measure of hard work.  Be it an academic or athletic goal or a relationship of any kind, we value most what we work the hardest for.  Indeed, the hard is what makes it good.  

I also believe that this is how God meant it to be, how it needed to be.  Though God had promised the land of Cannan to the Israelites, they had to endure the hardness of battle to obtain it.  Even before the Fall, Adam was given work and responsibilities which required his effort- and this was good!   And while it’s true that sin and its effects have riddled our lives with suffering and trials (thereby increasing the hardness of life) the goodness of redemption that comes only from God is magnified all the more.  As stated in Isaiah 61:3, He gives us beauty for ashes.  

Yet, in spite of this knowledge our natural bent is not to embrace the hardness. Rather, we’re tempted to tap the breaks or check out when the going gets rough.  As a runner I try to consciously embrace the pain and welcome the uncomfortable- but just as in everyday life, this is a difficult task to execute!  There are moments in both life and racing when I find myself relenting.  But praise God for His continuous reminder that we are not in the hard alone.  Because while the hard is good, we were never meant to shoulder it solo.  Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  What a Savior we have, for he knows better than anyone that the hard is necessary for the good.    

Whatever you’re facing this week- be it the hardness of singleness, marriage, parenting, work, illness, or any other matter- be encouraged that your labor is not in vain.  The hard that is being required of you is serving a purpose: your sanctification and God’s glory.  For this may we continue to labor as we embrace the goodness of the hard.   

Unpopular: Male and Female He Created Them

“Did God really say?”  Oh, those four dreadful words; the catalyst for the fall of man and the demise of our society today.  After all, isn’t that how all deception begins- with the questioning of the word of God?  It seems our rebellious hearts just can’t accept that God meant what He said.  We have questioned everything from creation to women preaching in the church, and certainly everything pertaining to the family and sex.  Somehow we’ve even come to the place of questioning the words of Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” 

Male and female He created them.  Two humans, two different sexes, biologically distinct to determine one from the other.  And it pleased Him to do so.  A few verses later we read, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”  He made it so simple and so clear yet with a profound and amazing purpose.  In verse 24 of Genesis chapter 2 we see the first glimpse of His purpose in this created order:  “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”  

This covenant relationship required a male and a female and was the ultimate example of the union and fellowship of Christ with his bride, the church.  In Ephesians chapter 5 the Apostle Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 and then states, “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church,” (v.32).  How awesome that marriage is a representation of this relationship; for Christ is represented by the man, and the church is represented by the woman.  (Although not the focus of this post, this also underscores why biblical marriage can only be between one man and one woman.)   

With the background of God’s purpose in the creation of biological males and females and His design for marriage, I would like to focus the remainder of this post on the gift of maleness and femaleness.  As has been discussed, God created men and women with distinct biological differences, and these differences are their own unique gifts!  It is a gift to have physical strength in order to work hard and to protect one’s family, just as it is a gift to bear and care for children.  So often that previous statement is scoffed at as “outdated” and “sexist.”  However, we cannot deny that our physical bodies were created with intentionality and purpose- and the above sentence is certainly a part of that purpose!

Even more than the purpose of our physical bodies is the gift of being a part of the aforementioned representation!  I can only imagine the tremendous honor and privilege for men of knowing they are the head of their wife as Christ is head of the church.  What a gift for men to submit to God as a spiritual leader and servant of his bride; what joy in the readiness to sacrificially lay down his life for her!  And just as Christ is the defender and protector of his church, so the man is to be of his wife.  This is the true gift of maleness! 

Likewise, what a gift it is for women to serve their husbands in the same way the church is to serve Christ.  As followers of Christ we are to joyfully place ourselves under submission to him because he has given us new life through his life, death, and resurrection.  While the word submission can be a hard word to swallow for some, we must remember that we have no need to fear, for we are safe in submitting to Him.  Our Savior has given himself up for us and does everything for his glory and our ultimate good.  Our sanctification is the result of this submission.  Similarly, in Christian marriage there is joy in submitting to and serving a man who loves his wife as Christ loved the church.  The true gift of femaleness is to love and be loved in this way.  

To be certain, though we are a redeemed people we are still in our flesh.  Consequently,  we will not carry out these roles in a perfect manner- yet God’s good purposes in creating two sexes and marriage still stands.  We can therefore rejoice that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator, knowing that it is He who has chosen us to be male or female.   Let us celebrate the gift He has given us by finding joy and satisfaction in the purpose of His creation.  

Unpopular: Every Good and Perfect Gift

Oh the nature of mankind.  Hasn’t that been the debate for the past several millennia? Countless scholars, philosophers, and theologians have written on this subject and yet confusion still exists on this matter, even among Christians.  

I understand the appeal of wanting to believe we are innately good, and that humankind is by and large composed of people who are naturally kind hearted, compassionate, and loving.  The only problem with that is it stands in stark contrast to what God’s Word tells us about our fallen nature.  As this is meant to be a shorter post, consider the following summary:  

Sin entered the world through one man, Adam.  The effect of this sin was total, meaning that sin has affected every part of human life.  For this reason it is written, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23).  Therefore, apart from Christ we are children of wrath, undesiring of God, and dead in our sin (Ephesians 2:1-3). As Romans 3:10-12 tells us, “There are none who are righteous, not even one.” 

With that being established we can now talk about the heart of this post: that anything good residing within us is a gift of God.  For some that may sound extreme; for we desperately want to hold on to the idea that there is a shred of righteousness within us for which we can take credit.  But dear friends, let us consider that we cannot take a breath without the sustaining power of our Creator, through whom we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).  How much less then can we do good on our own?  

I can hear the objections coming, so let me also say this: Every human being is made in the image of God.  And because we are made in God’s image we have the capacity to love, be compassionate, and be doers of kind deeds.  Yes, sin has corrupted and distorted our created nature, but it has not nullified the fact that we are capable of loving actions.  We must only remember that this capability is the result of being made in the image of God.  Furthermore, His common grace extends to all, including non-believers.  This grace includes blessings and the giving of personal characteristics and gifts as He sees fit.  Consider the following verses: 

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change,” (James 1:17).

“The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made,” (Psalm 145:9).

“For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike,” (Matthew 5:45).  

For those in Christ, we must also recognize that our regeneration was a gift of God.  As we were spiritually dead in our sin we could do nothing on our own to come to Christ.  Saving faith and the sanctifying work of the Spirit is purely a gift of God.   This is made clear in Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”  The great George Muller echoed this truth when he said, “It is true that faith which I am able to exercise is God’s own gift.  He alone supports it, and He alone can increase it.  Moment by moment, I depend on Him.  If I were left to myself, my faith would utterly fail.”  

The longer I have studied God’s Word, the more I have come to see that everything God does is for His glory and His name’s sake.  He is the provider of every good thing so that in all things He is glorified.  There is nothing of our own accord in which we can boast.  As the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:14, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”  All good things- even our salvation- is unto the Lord alone. 

It’s interesting: the more I know that there is nothing good in me apart from the Lord, the more I love Him.  And the more I love Him the more I desire to see Him glorified.  Let us thank Him today for His good gifts that His name may be praised.