Godly Incompetency

Dr. Mike 2024 , , ,

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.   Acts 18:24-28

Whenever I become aware of my false propensity that I got it all together, a smirk crosses my face. That is when I look into the mirror of Christ. Yep, compared to HIM, I am one incompetent student of HIS.

The illusion of competency for the moment quickly dissipates.  Though we have matured and are becoming more like HIM in character and worldview, we still have a long way to go.

Ask any knowledgeable professional in their field. The more they read. The more they study. The more they realize how little they know compared to the potential out there. The same is true for us apprentices of Jesus.

Yet HE doesn’t belittle us. HE doesn’t make us feel incompetent when we are with HIM. Instead, HE is rooting for you and me. HE wants us to succeed in life.

When times get hard, HE is there with us. When we experience a moment of success, HE is there with us. When times look bleak, HE is there with us.

HE is waiting for us to invite HIM into the conversation. HE doesn’t force HIMSELF into our lives. HE wants a mutual relationship where both sides enjoy the experience.

The older we become, the more we realize how unrighteous we naturally are. We may want to do good, but how often we fail to act on it. We may want to say the proper words at that moment to encourage a fellow saint, but our tongue is tied. Worst yet, the words that come out cause more damage than before.

In studying the life of Jesus, we marvel at HIS ability to ask the right question, share an appropriate story, and leave his audience with their heads spinning in joyful contentment. Many times we do just the opposite.

Though chronologically we are consider old, our spiritual maturity is that of a two-year old. My emotions still get the best of me. My stogy habits of yesterday still haunt me. I know change is possible. But is the effort worth the cost?

These thoughts crossed my mind this morning. As a professional manager I would fire incompetent people. The organization could not afford their repeatable errors. Yet in God’s Kingdom, His grace abounds. HE simply moves us into other areas of life where we can make a more positive difference into the lives of HIS children.

It sort of like volunteering in church. They don’t fire you for incompetent work. Instead, they keep moving you around until you find your giftedness. Then they watch you bloom. The same it is in God’s Kingdom. The more we lean on HIM, the more of HIS character and traits rub off on us. HE knows where and what is best for you and me. HE wired us. HE knows. HE is allowing us to discover the answers as we walk with HIM.

Apollos didn’t have it all together either. Yet he spoke what he knew. Was open for correction. Learned from others. And kept on letting the world know about Jesus. A lesson for you and me to do the same.  

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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The Way of Love

Dr. Mike 2024 , , , ,

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,   Ephesians 4:15

The good life is a simple life built upon the foundation of love. Many people will acknowledge this, but only a few live it out. Many books have been written on the subject. Many poets have expressed love’s benefits. Songs have captured many hearts. Movies have impacted many visions of love in action. Yet most people say it is impractical in their world.

We live in a culture where dog eats dog. Everyone around us wants to take from us and not give anything of value in return. If one lives long enough, one could easily become a skeptic. Yes, love is the exception rather than the rule. Sad, but this is how many feel today.

But what would happen if love became the rule?

What if, you and I formed a new committee? Included would be you, Jesus, and anyone else who wants to join us. Our purpose would be to live out the Love Way of Jesus.

Love, not as the world practices it. But as Jesus demonstrated love to his disciples (Jn. 13:34). Not a romantic, emotional, what-is-in-it-for-me attitude. But how can I add real value into the other person’s world? What can I say or do which will bring out the potential of the other person? How can I better uplift the other person? How can I serve them? Enrich them? Bring joy into their life?

Love is sharing a little of yourself for another. Giving a small portion of who you are without expecting anything in return. Giving like God gives. At first, it may be hard. But over time, practice makes love a way of life.

The more you live out the Love Way, the more you see and experience God’s grace. The more you mimic God’s character, the more you experience real, abundant living.

Yes, the Love Way enriches those around you. Draws you closer to the Creator of Love. And helps you grow up to become more and more like Jesus himself. The way of love really makes the world go around.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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A Spiritual Birth Metaphor

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Metaphors help us better understand complex ideas. Jesus used them along with parables and open-end questions to make us think deeper unto a subject.

Take for example the new birth of a Christ-follower. What if we compare our walk with God with the entire human pregnancy process?

As humans, we are spiritual beings encased in a body governed by a soul. As believers, are we not being nourished through the umbilical cord of faith by the Holy Spirit?

Jesus stated to Nicodemus that us humans need to be born again by the Spirit (Jn. 3:3). The Spirit gives life (Jn. 6:63). As our human spirit is impregnated by the Holy Spirit, the new life begins. Physically, science breaks the pregnancy growth process into stages. The initial stage is called zygote. Then the baby-to-be progresses as an embryo, fetus, and finally, baby.

In many ways, these stages outline the process of the new birth. It begins with the acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Then the inception by the Holy Spirit. From there, we are fed by the Church through the acquisition of Godly knowledge – HIS Word. We learn to live under the authority of HIS Kingdom. As we put into practice HIS ways, the Holy Spirit renews our heart and mind. Over time, our attitude and viewpoint develops more Christlike. Our willpower and character follow suit. This practice forms the inner person. Upon our death, our spirit is then birth into a new dimension unto the arms of Jesus.

Like all metaphors, there are limits. But it does make one stop and think. As we age, we admit the outer body is decaying. Yet the inner person becomes more noticeable. We look back and realize how life is a growing process preparing one for eternity. Like the child in the womb of their mother, we don’t compare ourselves with other unborn children. We wait for our new birth. Meanwhile, we are being nourished. We are being cared for. We are being prepared for a heavenly experience.

As parents, we accept responsibility to protect and give birth to a healthy child. Don’t you think God places the same emphasis on the Church (you & me) to birth a healthy child into HIS family? Just another thought to think about as God does HIS work in you and me.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved