We live in a culture of the easily offended.
Everybody is offended by something all the time, or at least that’s what it feels like. And when we feel offense, we get defensive. And that’s not exactly wrong. When you see or hear something that goes against your core beliefs, it’s upsetting. It’s natural to push back or even fight back in many instances, but what matters is how you defend yourself and why.
That’s not to say we shouldn’t take a stand for godly values and biblical principles in our culture. We need to. We should, especially where children and innocent are involved. But our methods and our strategies don’t seem to be working.
If those of us who believe what Scripture says about morality and identity were actually using effective methods to push back against the culture, I think we’d see more ground being won for Jesus. But that’s not what we see.
We see anger and hatred. We see division and contention. We see self-righteousness and self-importance. And all we’re really doing is causing more harm. Maybe our intentions are good, but do our methods match our intentions? Before we point fingers at the culture for how wrong and wicked they are, have we truly taken the time to look inside and ask ourselves about our own private wickedness?
Again, please don’t misunderstand me. The world is evil. There is no denying that. And it always has been. But let’s get clear about one thing, y’all: The world hasn’t caused the problems we’re facing in the Church. The Church has. God’s people have.
When we live double-minded lives, when we ascribe spiritual value to physical things, when we shift the blame and point fingers, when we lash out at people rather than praying for them—none of those strategies are ones that God will bless. That's not how God works. Those methods are born from pride, from hearts that refuse to serve and spirits that refuse to obey God’s Word.
The only effective way to stand up to hatred and anger and prejudice and self-righteousness is to stand firm in our humility and our submission to Christ.
If we want to see the difference God can make in our churches and in our homes and in our schools and in our jobs, it must begin with humble hearts. It must start with humility, otherwise we will keep fighting the battles that don’t even matter.
This week, we’re going to talk about what true humility looks like, because it’s difficult to learn to live that way if we don’t actually have an example. Fortunately, Jesus has given us everything we need to know about how to live with an attitude of humility in a world that is constantly looking for faults in us.
Apr 15 - Find your value in God’s love alone (Romans 5:6-8)
Apr 16 - Be intentional about giving God credit (Romans 1:21)
Apr 17 - Accept responsibility for your choices (Proverbs 28:13)
Apr 18 - Serve the people who irritate you (Luke 6:27-28)
Apr 19 - Let God fight your battles (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Humility isn’t always quiet, but it’s always respectful. Humility isn’t always soft, but it’s always kind. Humility requires unyielding submission to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, and the only way to achieve that kind of life is to be crystal clear on who your true Authority is.
For those of us who know Jesus, this can be a challenge. I tell you, nobody else can push my buttons like my fellow believers. Christians are difficult people, and in many cases we walk that self-righteous line between true submission and false humility. God is the only one who knows our hearts, and it is to God alone that we are accountable. But I struggle with arrogant Christians.
So when I run into verses like Ephesians 4:2, I cringe. This is one of those verses that I keep top of mind all the time, otherwise my tongue would run away with me.
This verse doesn’t mean we condone sinful acts. It doesn’t mean we brush off a believer’s sinful lifestyle choices. That’s not making allowance; that’s ignoring sin. God never wants that. But this verse does mean to recognize and acknowledge that every believer is on a personal journey with Jesus. We aren’t all going to reach the same milestones in the sanctification process at the same time.
Don’t attack another believer over their sin. Don’t be passive aggressive about it either. Be gentle. Draw them into conversation. Help them think through their choices using Scripture, and let them come to a conclusion about their choices with the Holy Spirit’s help.
You aren’t their savior. You also aren’t their Holy Spirit. Trust them to God. If they belong to Him, He will correct them. Learn to be okay if God uses someone or something else to accomplish that rather than you. And in the mean time, be kind.
Love you guys.
Amy
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I am so looking forward to reading more about humility. And remembering to Thank God for all he is doing for me and you!!!!