Walking Bibles; March 11, 2020

Posted on March 15, 2020 by jgarrott

Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Earlier verses in this chapter are justly famous, and indeed I quote them often, but at this moment this verse resonates with me. To some people this might seem like pride to the point of hubris, but we need to remember that Paul’s readers didn’t have the New Testament to rely on; he was still writing it! I am reminded of the hymn, Let Others See Jesus In You. I translated it into modern Japanese, and we sing it fairly often in this church. The second verse has a line that says, “Your life’s a book before their eyes; they’re reading it through and through.” I had to put the specific character for “read” into the lyrics, because just entering it phonetically, it sounds like “people are calling you.” Actually, the first time we used my translation here, some people thought I had used the wrong character, because Japanese doesn’t have the expression, “I can read him like a book.” The thing is, the average person on the street isn’t going to pick up a Bible to read it, but they’re going to see Christians. That second verse of the hymn continues, “Say, does it point them to the skies? Let others see Jesus in you.” We need to live as Paul did, as “walking Bibles,” so to speak. We tend to shy away from this because, frankly, we like to sin every once in a while! Now, we are going to sin, because of our human frailty, but we certainly shouldn’t plan to sin, and far too often we do even that. We are commissioned as witnesses for Christ, (Acts 1:8) and we need to live accordingly, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Another thing comes to me from this verse, and that is Paul’s stress on “put it into practice.” We have the Bible to read, and Paul was busy being the Bible, as well as writing it, but in any case it is to be put into practice. Those who admired Paul from a distance, so to speak, got little or no benefit from their admiration, but those who applied what they learned from him discovered the same God he served, and that is the greatest of blessings. And finally, Paul reminds us here that God is the God of peace. The verses leading up to this are famous in terms of dealing with anxiety, but ultimately, the key is applying the truth we know. Just as James said, anything less is deceiving ourselves. (James 1:22)

Even as I seek to be a “walking Bible” for others, I need to be careful to apply the Word myself. Frankly, I won’t be an accurate “translation” of the Bible unless I am living it out myself. That is a constant challenge! Distractions are limitless, and the devil is a crafty adversary. I can’t overcome him in my own wisdom and strength, but if I am fully submitted to my Lord in obedience, then and only then can I resist the devil and have him flee. (James 4:7) In my years in Omura I have had many people express admiration and even envy of my faith, but distressingly few have accepted such faith for themselves. I’m not to give up, but rather keep speaking the truth in love, living it out so that the Holy Spirit will have every opportunity to draw these people to Christ, for their salvation and the glory of God.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I am daily impressed with the reality that I can’t save anyone on my own. I pray that You would indeed save the people of Omura, of Japan, whether I am involved or not, for Your glory alone. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spiritual Growth; March 10, 2020

Posted on March 14, 2020 by jgarrott

Philippians 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

Paul told the Corinthians to “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ,” (1 Corinthians 11:1) but here he makes it even more direct: we are to be like Jesus. Actually, he said this several times in various ways, and every one of those is a challenge to us. However, Jesus Himself said things along this line, particularly in the Upper Room Discourse, in which He talked repeatedly about our “abiding in” Him and the Father and them abiding in each other and in us. The whole thing is totally beyond merely human ability! That’s why we need to submit and rely totally on God. After all, He sent His Son to save us and His Spirit to fill us. That’s precisely how we can be like Jesus. I saw a fascinating medical report just yesterday that illustrates this, I think. A young woman in India was in an accident in which she lost both of her hands. A medically suitable donor was found, but it happened to be a man with much darker skin than the woman. The transplant surgery was successful, and the woman is regaining feeling and use of both hands (which is a huge testimony to the advances of modern medicine) but the fascinating thing is that the complexion of her hands has faded to match that of the rest of her body, and in a photograph I couldn’t tell any difference! They also had a picture from right after the transplant, and the difference was striking. The thing is, the longer we are abiding in Christ, the more we look, think, and act like Him. We aren’t to despair at the differences we are aware of right now, but are rather to understand that Jesus Christ is the goal and the example that the Holy Spirit is working toward, and we are to be enthusiastic participants in that journey.

I was talking with someone about this just this past Sunday! He commented that my recent blog posts indicate that God has been working on me, and I replied that yes, He is very faithful to do so, but that completion will come only before His throne. It is encouraging to look back over my life and see how I have changed over the years, but at the same time I am in total agreement with Paul that the process won’t be completed in this life. (Philippians 3:12-14) With that awareness, I am to have patience with those under my care, extending to them the grace and mercy that God has showered on me. I would love to be able to “wave a wand,” so to speak, and correct all the issues that I see holding people back, but then, I would like to be able to do the same for myself! I am reminded of something He told me personally over 20 years ago. I was lying in bed, not consciously praying but just thinking, “There are so many things I wish were different.” At that point, as clearly as if it had been an audible voice, I heard Him say to me, “How do you think I feel?” I was naturally blown out of the water! However, the difference is that God is omnipotent, as I obviously am not. He still has His perfect plan, and He is working toward it. I am to participate in that plan by consistently, consciously, submitting myself to Him, doing what He indicates to do and holding back from anything on which He puts a check. Actually, that is exactly what Jesus did, and that is what Paul is telling us here to do. (John 5:19) I’m not to be such a perfectionist that I give up when I don’t get it right, which is often enough, but keep seeking the help of the Holy Spirit to be and do what He desires, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for Your incredible, gracious patience with me. Help me keep growing as You intend, being an effective channel of Your grace to others in the process, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Suffering; March 9, 2020

Posted on March 14, 2020 by jgarrott

Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.

Reading this I immediately thought of a report I read just recently of persecuted believers in China, but it applies equally to believers undergoing persecution anywhere in the world. The reason I thought of the Chinese believers was that one of them was quoted as saying what an honor it was to be persecuted for their faith. This verse doesn’t use the term, honor, but the implication certainly seems to be there. It isn’t easy to receive suffering as an honor! I am reminded of something Peter said: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2) It’s not at all that we are to desire, much less seek, suffering, but rather that we are to praise God for it when it comes, because we know that when trials are submitted to Him, He will use them for our good. (Romans 8:28) There are all kinds of suffering, of greatly varying intensity. Again, something that one person could deal with relatively easily might be almost unbearable for another person, because we all respond differently. Whatever the kind of suffering, we need to remember one of my favorite quotes from Jesus: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Again, as Peter said, we aren’t to be surprised when suffering comes. (1 Peter 4:12) Rather, we are to place our trust in Christ, who suffered unbelievably for us under the scourge and crucifixion, and rejoice in His victory, even before we experience it in the flesh.

I always feel a little strange talking and writing about suffering, because I feel I have suffered very little. A friend recently let us know of incredible emotional suffering they had encountered and are still experiencing, and my wife deals with pain every day from Parkinson’s Disease and a number of other medical issues. I feel I have no room to complain whatsoever! That can make it doubly awkward to counsel people who are focused on their personal difficulties and seem unable to rejoice. However, I am reminded of a note in the Nursing English textbook I use. In the lesson on symptoms of the common cold, after teaching such terms as “runny nose” and “stuffy nose,” it points out that some people, instead of saying “I have a runny nose,” will say, “I am suffering from a runny nose.” Much of the “suffering” I deal with in pastoral ministry seems, objectively speaking, to be on the level of a runny nose, especially when compared to that of those with chronic pain, much less those undergoing persecution. I am to keep that perspective about the “dips” in my own life, and seek to help others gain that perspective as well, but especially in dealing with others, I can’t do it in my own wisdom and strength. However, as Paul testified, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Actually, when Paul said that he was referring to bearing up under his own circumstances, so it is particularly appropriate for this subject!

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the full day yesterday, and all that You enabled us to do. Thank You for the fellowship we had, unplanned by us but planned by You to build up the Body of Christ. Thank You for enabling us to be where we needed to be, when we needed to be there. Thank You for Your plans and schedule for today. Help me not resent a moment of it, but rejoice to be Your agent in every situation, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Control; March 8, 2020

Posted on March 10, 2020 by jgarrott

Philippians 1:3, 6 I thank my God every time I remember you, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

I have been encouraged by this passage myself, and I have written verse six in the Bibles of more new believers than I have kept track of. That said, it is dangerous to let familiarity breed contempt, especially when it comes to the Bible. Verse three is an encouragement to me because it recognizes the reality that we don’t think about other people constantly. God is the only one who can do that and still function otherwise. As dear as the Philippian believers obviously were to Paul, he still didn’t think of them without pause. That is obsession, and leads to all sorts of problems. However, his thoughts of them were couched in gratitude to God for all He had done in, for, and through them. The reason for that gratitude is expressed in verse six. Paul realized that absolutely everything good is grounded in God. Our very existence depends on Him, and as Jesus said, we can do nothing without Him. (John 15:5) For that very reason we can rest, relax, and rejoice in Him, focusing not on performing for him, but rather on abiding in Him and allowing Him to live through us. When I write this reference in a new believer’s Bible it is with the prayer that they will allow this truth to sink into them and free them from all sorts of lies of the enemy, so that they may enjoy all the abundance God has for them.

I often apply this to others, but it applies to me just as well. I have been involved in all sorts of things over the years, to the point that I can’t keep track of them in my own memory. Yesterday I was contacted by someone who was here about 20 years ago, and it took a while to retrieve the memories of someone to whom she referred. I do thank God for her and for God bringing her here for a season, but she is certainly not constantly in my awareness. We did stay in touch for a while after she left, and God obviously did some very good things in and through her, but they weren’t directly related to us here, and contact faded. Then yesterday she contacted me through the church Facebook page, and I was reminded of the glorious reality that God never loses track of anyone. There are many like her, both here in Japan and literally around the world, and I am grateful for them all. I am also grateful that I’m not responsible for them all, either in what they do or in keeping track of them! I am reminded that the family of God is far too big for me to sort out, but that doesn’t change the reality that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and that is wonderful indeed. Today I will be meeting a brother and sister for the first time, who have gotten connected through my blog. I trust our conflicting accents won’t cause problems! There too, God is carrying to completion the good work that He has begun in each of us, and we are to rejoice.

Father, thank You for all that You are doing. I can’t begin to keep track of it all! Help me indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, allowing Your Holy Spirit to carry me along, on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Praying for Leaders; March 7, 2020

Posted on March 10, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

Paul was not hesitant to ask people to pray for him, and by this point he had learned that he needed to speak only the words God gave him, and not anything he had come up with on his own. It is ironic that people at the top, so to speak, can forget that they need others to support them in prayer, and at the same time people under them can forget that their leaders are just as human as they are, and genuinely need people to pray for them. When Paul was giving Timothy priorities for the Church, he said, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) We are to pray for our secular leaders as well as our spiritual leaders. I have read that the words President Trump is happiest to hear are, “I am praying for you.” That’s certainly appropriate, when his every word and decision impacts so many people, and is endlessly dissected as well. Closer to home, pastors often feel very isolated. They are very much in need of being prayed for, and of knowing that people are praying for them. Too often we see them as “spiritual giants” who dispense the mercies of God, when in fact they are just as human and fallible as anyone in their congregation. Reading this prayer request of Paul, I get the feeling he had experienced speaking on his own, instead of just the words God gave him, more times than he cared to remember, and he didn’t want to do any more of it. He certainly knew what it was like to speak out the very words of God, but he also knew the reverse of that, and wanted prayer support to be faithful as God’s spokesman.

As a pastor myself, as well as a man of words in general, this couldn’t be closer to home. Recently I’ve had a strong reminder of the dangers of just speaking, rather than limiting what I say to the words God gives me. I have been given a gift for words, and I’m not to take a vow of silence or anything like that, but I am to submit my every word to God before it goes out of my mouth, and I need all the prayer support I can get to be able to do that. Yesterday I experienced a clear check on something I was about to say, and I am grateful that I didn’t say it. Today a non-Christian couple is supposed to come by, and I need to speak God’s words only to them. Tomorrow, of course, I will be speaking out the message in the service. I am always aware of my responsibility at that time, but I need to be just as much under the control of the Holy Spirit in everything I say before and after the service. We are slated to have foreign visitors tomorrow. I am to make them feel welcome, but not neglect the members in my focus on the visitors. “Speaking the words I’m given” is a full time occupation!

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. I pray that I would be faithful in praying for others, and that like Paul, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask others to pray for me, so that in all things I may be Your agent, and not just a “loose cannon,” firing words at random and doing damage instead of accomplishing Your will. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Opportunities; March 6, 2020

Posted on March 7, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

This is excellent advice, but we need to think about it and unpack it to really follow it. In the first place, everyone can think of people who are examples of being unwise in their living. However, we aren’t so quick to recognize when we are being unwise. We need to remember the famous words in Proverbs, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) If we don’t recognize God as the omnipotent Creator who “upholds the universe by His all-powerful word,” (Hebrews 1:3 Weymouth translation) then we aren’t going to live wisely, period. We are capable of an almost infinite variety of conceits, figuring out ways to discount or ignore God, but that is the very definition of foolishness. With that understood, the next issue is the matter of opportunities. Some people limit this to opportunities to share the Gospel, but as important as those are, this isn’t so limited. I personally think it is the opportunity to represent Christ, to act as His agents in doing the Father’s will. Such opportunities are as many and varied as there are human beings. We are each gifted and equipped in unique ways, so one person’s opportunity isn’t going to look like another’s. We aren’t to go around comparing ourselves with each other, but rather strive to listen accurately to the Holy Spirit as He points our opportunities out to us. Certainly, some of those will be to share the Gospel, but many more will be to express the grace, mercy, and love of God to others in countless ways. This closes with the cautionary note that “the days are evil.” It doesn’t take much perceptive ability to recognize that! We are surrounded with people who are sadly deceived, and we are to hide God’s Word in our hearts so that we may not also be deceived. (Psalm 119:11) The thing is, the darker the surroundings, the brighter the light will seem. We are indeed sent as light into the world, (Matthew 5:14-16) and we are to recognize and make full use of our opportunities to shine.

This of course applies to me as much as it does to anyone. Thinking back, I can recognize many times when I missed opportunities to be God’s agent to someone, and that’s not a nice feeling at all. I am not to try to force myself on anyone, no matter how good my intentions, but rather listen obediently to the Holy Spirit for how He wants to work through me. I have certainly demonstrated that I am capable of misunderstanding Him, so I need to operate in all humility, with full gratitude when I get it right. As a pastor I seek to lead the believers into this same understanding, but my own intellect and words aren’t going to get the job done. There too, I need to let the Holy Spirit show me the right opportunities, the “teachable moments” that will open their eyes, so that together we may grow into the disciples Jesus desires and deserves.

Father, thank You for this Word. Now I’m torn as to whether You want me to speak Sunday on what You said to me yesterday, or on this! Help me hear You clearly and follow You accurately, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Children of Light; March 5, 2020

Posted on March 7, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

Once again, I could preach on any verse in this chapter! This one, however, in a way summarizes the rest. Paul was not a disciple of Jesus before His cross and resurrection, so he certainly didn’t hear Jesus say this directly, but this is a strong echo of Jesus’ words: “You are the light of the world. 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) When we are born again by faith in Christ we are indeed transformed, but we can be slow to realize it. The devil does all he can to blind us to as much of the truth of God as possible, so God had Paul and others remind us of it in various ways. Actually, we should all be doing that for each other all the time, just as Paul said: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) Living as children of light is so much more enjoyable than living any other way! To be honest, I’ve never seen the attraction of getting so plastered you can’t remember the next day what all went on, but the devil has deceived some people into thinking that’s the only way really to have fun. That’s sad! It’s also regrettable when Christians walk around with long faces all the time. That’s no way to draw anyone to Christ! As Jesus said, our lives should cause people to praise God. And frankly, when we live that way, it’s fun!

I’m very thankful to have accepted this truth, and I attempt to communicate it to all who will receive it. I have dealt with long-faced Christians and carousing unbelievers, and both need to wake up and smell God’s roses, so to speak. The blessings of walking in fellowship with the Lord are so many and varied as to defy description. I need not only to enjoy them myself, I am to share them with those around me. That said, it is frustrating and sometimes discouraging that so few really accept the Lord who is the source of it all. I have had someone bring friends to meet me because he wanted them to meet “someone who really enjoys living,” when that person himself is a militant Buddhist! All I can do is keep living as a child of light, speaking the truth in love, and allow the Lord to bring the harvest in His time, in His way, for His glory.

Father, thank You indeed for making me Your child. You have been so incredibly gracious! I continue to ask that You open the hearts and minds of those to whom I minister so that they may be freed from the lies of the devil and choose to repent and believe, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Words; March 4, 2020

Posted on March 6, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

The NIV isn’t bad here, but the Japanese strikes me a bit more strongly. “Don’t let any bad words at all come out of your mouths. Just, when it is necessary, speak things that are useful in nurturing people, so that those who hear may receive grace.” That makes it a lot broader than “Don’t cuss or talk dirty.” Sadly, some Christians, even, pepper their conversations with words that even just a few years ago would have been shocking. Those who make no bones about being “on the other side” can’t seem to say anything without “f-bombs!” It is easy to get distracted by such behavior and feel that our words are “pure and holy,” but as I said, what Paul is saying here is much broader than that. Do our words nurture? Are our words instruments of grace? We quote Jesus’ words, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” (Matthew 5:48) but we don’t think about all the ramifications of that. We always have room to grow, and we need to be intentional in doing so. Since we are ambassadors for Christ, (2 Corinthians 5:20) our words and actions need to be in harmony with Him (in step with the Holy Spirit, as came up recently) all the time. Our words aren’t simply to be innocent, but “useful in nurturing” and “instruments of grace.”

This couldn’t be any more pointedly addressed to me! I am a man of words. I talk, a lot. I don’t “cuss or talk dirty,” but my words don’t always nurture; sometimes they tear down. Just the other day I said something that certainly comes under the category of “careless” or “unprofitable” words for which I will have to answer before God. (Matthew 12:36) One of the members here has a part-time job at a tapioca drink shop, and the first time I went in there I declined any of their product, saying that my wife and I don’t like tapioca. That got the shop owner in a really bad mood, which in turn reflected on our church member. I could have declined the drink without using the rather strong word for “dislike” that I did, but I was careless and caused damage. I have hurt that particular member before, rather badly, by saying things I didn’t need to say, and this incident certainly didn’t nurture them! I have been given a gift for words, and I must be a careful, faithful steward of that gift, indeed nurturing and blessing my hearers.

Father, thank You for this clear Word of correction. I pray that I would indeed continue to grow, so that I may accurately represent Christ to all those around me and in no way cause them to turn away from You. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Calling; March 3, 2020

Posted on March 6, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

When it comes to Ephesians, I feel like writing a whole devotional on each verse! It’s no wonder the pages are trying to fall out of my Bible at this point. To unpack this verse, we first have to deal with Paul being a prisoner. Legally speaking he was a prisoner of the Romans, but he explicitly states that he was a prisoner of/for the Lord. I’m reminded of what he said to the Corinthians: “For Christ’s love compels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14) Different translations render that in various ways, but Paul, considering what God had done for him, could see no proper response other than total obedience. That made him look at every element of his life as a part of God’s plan for him, and though he didn’t understand it all, and didn’t necessarily enjoy it all, he was convinced that it was an expression of God’s love for him and for the world. That’s why he called himself a prisoner of/for the Lord. From that position he then addresses other believers, and states that they have received a calling. I think the majority of people aren’t aware of a “calling” in their life, and that’s very sad. Many people really struggle with the whole idea of purpose in their lives, and as one writer said, “The majority of people live lives of quiet desperation.” The thing is, God never creates anything without a purpose for it, and that includes every human being. (As a parenthetical note, that’s one of the tragedies of abortion.) God, and therefore Paul, wants each person to be aware of their purpose, their calling, and that is doubly true for every believer. When we understand that we have a calling from our Creator, then responding fully to that calling should unquestionably be our highest priority. Understanding all that means is the work of a lifetime, but we need to start right now, asking God to make His calling more clear to us and to give us wisdom and strength to follow it completely.

This of course applies as much to me as it does to anyone. Yesterday I watched an interview with the stepson of C. S. Lewis, and I was quite moved. He has had various occupations in his life, but his calling is to to be a child, a disciple, an agent, of God. I identified totally, having had a very checkered work history myself. Just last night a close friend of many years said of me, to another friend, that I seemed to be many people, because there were so many different things I could do. My response was that I didn’t always distinguish correctly what was the most important thing to do. I am given to be a teacher, a musician, a pastor, an electrician, a truck driver, and a number of other things, but I am called to be a child of God, accurately representing Christ to the world. I can fulfill that calling only by the grace and power of God, but nothing is impossible for Him. I am to rejoice and be grateful for whatever degree of success He gives me in that, for His glory alone.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the rich fellowship among the pastors last night over dinner. There are changes going on, with one pastor retiring and another moving, but there was a beautiful awareness that we were all brothers in the same family, regardless of organizational labels. I pray that You would grow that kind of unity throughout the Body of Christ here in Omura, so that all of Your plans and purposes may be fulfilled, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God’s Love; March 2, 2020

Posted on March 5, 2020 by jgarrott

Ephesians 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

This whole prayer requires the help of the Holy Spirit to understand, because the magnificence of God’s love is beyond merely human comprehension, just as it says here. (It also doesn’t help that it is one of Paul’s long, convoluted Greek sentences!) We really can’t get it all straight on our own. We tend to limit God’s love, in our imaginations, to our own, when it is far greater and more magnificent. It is only when we open ourselves to Him in faith that we begin to grasp just how great His love for us is. We can’t possibly grasp it on our own without the faith that He provides (Ephesians 2:8). Thankfully, as Paul says in the very next verse, God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Understanding it is too much for us, but it’s no problem for God to cause us to grasp it. I really think that if we could meditate on and apply the letter to the Ephesians in fullness, we would all become mature disciples of Jesus Christ, equipped to tear down the gates of hell (Matthew 16:18) and set the captives free. I talk about love a great deal, particularly in marriage counseling and weddings, pointing out that Jesus’ cross was the ultimate expression of God’s love. We have trouble even with that, because such barbaric cruelty seems antithetical to how we conceive of love. However, it was the Father’s love for us that caused Him to visit such suffering on His Son, who was and is an extension of His own being. I point out that we can’t generate such sacrificial love on our own, even though husbands are commanded to love their wive with that sort of love (Ephesians 5:25), but that if we open our hearts to the Father to receive His love, that love can and does flow through us to those around us. That too is part of the mystery of faith, that is beyond the power of merely human intellect to grasp.

It is silly to pride myself on my love, but human beings are the very definition of silly, and I’m certainly human! I am deeply grateful that God has poured His love out on me so abundantly, and I delight to allow that love to flow through me, first to my wife and also to all those around me. However, my expressions of love are manifestly imperfect, so I need to keep growing. Some people would insist that such love is “selfless,” but I can grasp it only when I understand how much God loves me, so it is inextricably bound to my loving myself accurately. We run into linguistic hurdles here, because this is the opposite of being selfish or self-centered. However, it does mean that I recognize my own worth, because the Son of God loved me and gave Himself for me, (Galatians 2:20) If I don’t love myself, since God loves me so much, then it does no good for me to “love my neighbor as I love myself,” as God commanded. (Matthew 22:39) The more I learn of God’s love, the more accurately I love myself and love my neighbor. That’s why I need to open myself up more and more to the infilling and revelation of the Holy Spirit.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the magnificent things You are doing in the believers in this church. I pray that I would indeed be effective in equipping them as they need it, (Ephesians 4:12) so that together we may be all that You desire and intend, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment