Sacrifice, Suffering, Service

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Jesus Christ is our reference point. As Christ-followers we study HIS life and learn to live life as HE did. Though each of us have unique personalities along with different sets of DNA, we collectively gravitate towards HIS  values and macro-purpose.

His teachings pierced the humanistic approach toward life. His attitude, mannerism, and behavior clashed with the authorities of that time. His worldview opened the eyes of the common people to capture God’s vision.

Unbridled human nature longs for more portions, power, and pleasure. Yet Jesus came along and demonstrated the value of sacrifice, suffering, and service. Which is more commercially or politically attractive to you?

If we are honest, our inclination is to want more, thinking these items will please our internal desire. Yet when one directs their life towards altruistic sacrifice, suffering, and service, the outcome is a more Christlike spirit touching your heart while impacting others for HIS glory. The abundant life Jesus taught his disciples becomes a reality in your world when you follow HIM.

Sacrifice is an attribute of the good life. To sacrifice means you are the master of your possessions. Money, time or any other physical item doesn’t control you and longer. Yes, it may hurt at first as you battle your inner demons. But as you let go and give to another from your plenty, they benefit by your action, and so do you. Jesus demonstrated his entire life the value of sacrificing for others. He left eternity to become finite. He was tempted at the beginning of his ministry to immediately pursue political, religious, and economic power for himself. But declined the offer to fulfill his divine purpose laid out from the beginning of time. And of course, he gave up his life to pay the ransom for humanity. Love is sacrificial.

Suffering unmasks our humanity. When comfort turns into pain, we rebel. We shy away from those who suffer because of the awkwardness. Some may run away because of the insecure inability to solve the problem. Yet, most of the time people don’t want your advice or solution but a concern ear. Personal suffering introduces us to a small taste of the pain Jesus went through on Calvary. When someone removes our pain and accepts to carry it  in our place, real love is demonstrated. Suffering reminds us of King Jesus’ sacrificial love in HIS ultimate action of redeeming humanity from the powers of evil.

Service belittles power. Power operates from a position of influential fear. But perfect love casts out fear (1 Jn. 4:18). When one serves from a position of love, one breaks down walls of injustice, hatred, and envy. To serve others is the highest calling within the Kingdom of God. In God’s government, its citizens serve one another out of respect and humility. Jesus demonstrated over and over again that he came to serve others and not lord over them. His heart was always to uplift others and help them draw closer to his Father in heaven. When others asked for help, he did. If unable, he explained the reason why. In most cases HE didn’t have permission from HIS Father to make happen. Service is love in action.

Welcome to sainthood. The anti-cultural way of experiencing the abundant life to the fullest. Yes, sacrifice, suffering, and service are the hallmarks of Christ-followers. Our carnal nature despises such a path. But the Divinity that lives within us magnifies such an approach. When we allow HIM to lead us through the jungles of life, His character and ways rub off on us. Overtime, we become more and more like him. One day, we will be like HIM in character. We will behold HIM in full glory with our own eyes in the eternal home. Yes, HE is now preparing you and I for eternity.  Until then, practice.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Grief is Unbridled Love

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

Psalm 31:9, 24

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief; my soul and my body also… Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

Grief is love with no place to go are words recently spoken to me via a sermon. At first, I was unsure of the concept, than it sank in.

We are emotional beings wired to express love outward toward others. When the aim of our love disappears and is no longer available, our heart cries. The emotional and psychological loss of being unable to release the heartfelt love we desire to share with another is overly painful. Our sense of security and helplessness in a dangerous world is shattered. We find ourselves struggling with upsetting thoughts and anxiety that won’t go away.

In this Psalm, King David is lamenting over the iniquity of his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her then husband Uriah. This has now evolved where his son Absalom’s is leading a national rebellion against him and the nation. Though God has forgiven him for this past sin, the consequences of these actions have caused some irreversible problems in his life. He is now facing the chastening period grieving and pleading for God’s mercy and intervention.

At this time, many of his friends have abandoned and left him alone. He was on his own without the support necessary to deal with the matter. So he fled and vacated Jerusalem.

As he prayed, bearing his soul, the psychological pain of someone he loves becoming his enemy unleashes within him. The inner battle between protecting the nation and caring for his embattled son has caused great fear  and anxiety to overcome him. Yet he moves down the same path as always been his habit. He cries out for help from his Lord.

The end result, David fled, and Absalom entered the city to become King of Israel. Absalom’s reign was short though as he was eventually killed. Then David returned as king of the nation. Yet through the entire ordeal, David grieved over the loss of his son and the chastening brought about by his miscues.

Grief hurts. When you are unable to directly express the love you have for another, it hurts. When you accept the responsibility of a poor choice which harmfully impacts the lives of others who you truly love, it hurts.

Yet we have a merciful high priest in Jesus, who personally understands the human condition. HE relates and intervenes for our good and the good of others who are caught up within our world of choices. Like David closing remarks in Psalm 31, our role is to exercise courage in trusting our Lord.

Jesus has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. As we lean on HIM, HE will fill our cup, sit us at the table, and soothe us through the painful, grieving process which is necessary to heal the body and soul. HE is the reason when we lose someone we love and cherish, our hearts turn to HIM. HE is always there to accept our love and perfectly respond to the situation.

Love unbridled. When grief overtakes us, we are fortunate to hug Jesus and allow His strength, compassion, and care hold us through the process.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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Why Are You a Christ-Follower?

Dr. Mike 2023 , , , ,

John 18:37

Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.

How many of us are still recouping from the lies which we trusted to be true but found out later they were not? And now paying the consequences of our error in judgement?

The sad fact is we have all been lied too. At times the lies are minor and we walk away with only a small dent in our life. Yet many times the untruths are major accidents.  Years later, we still struggle to restore normalcy to our lives.

Truth matters.

In business, without hard facts, management decisions may quickly lead to financial ruin.

In relationships, lies between parties subsequently destroys trust.

And yes, even in baking your favorite cake using the wrong mixture produces a lower quality treat.

Lies produce fantasies – a make believe world. Truth though allows you to build on reality – how God created the world to actually function.

So what does this have to do with who you follow in life?

Everything.

Each one of us follows someone. Early in life, we follow our parents. Then maybe teachers or coaches. Later, we search out other mentors to help navigate our way to the promise land. Over time, we either crown ourself as god, or realize our need to worship someone greater than self.

Enter Jesus Christ.

If following the truth is of prime importance, than you have a dilemma with Jesus. When you are introduced to HIM, you have a decision to make. Is HE who HE claims to BE, or is HE not?

Like many people before us who have faced the same question, so will you. As C.S. Lewis often stated, after you do your homework, you will have a decision to make. Either HE is who HE claims to BE, or HE was a liar or a lunatic. He couldn’t be a good, moral teacher because liars are not good people.

Yes, I follow Jesus Christ because HE is the Truth. The historical evidence is strong. The personal experience is reassuring. The shared examples with others are real. The proof is testing HIS hypothesis, and evaluating the outcome in your life and the lives of others.

Yes, Truth matters. This is the prime reason I follow my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Everything else sooner or later comes back to HIM. HE is the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last, and HE is the reason why you and I are alive, have hope, and value. HE gives meaning to the universe, to life, and to purpose. HE is the central core of everything good. Everything begins with HIM and ends with HIM.

This is the reason I follow HIM – Because Truth matters.     

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

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