The Book of Esther relates how the Jews living in Persia were nearly destroyed. Esther had the capability to prevent it. However, to act would likely cause her death. She hesitated. Her cousin Mordecai's response to her dilemma was, For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art to come to the kingdom for such a time as this. Esther:14 KJV

So often, we see Christian heroics played out upon such a dramatic stage and, like Esther, rising to the occasion. We imagine ourselves going off to exotic lands and, there, suffering untold hardships to bring the message of Salvation to heathen nations. We see ourselves preachers in great pulpits extolling audiences and converting them by the hundreds. Leading rallies and crusades and converting thousands in a single night. We see defending the faith played out upon a grand stage with friends, family and loved ones joining in the praise. We read the heroics of Esther, fantasize about being such a heroine and "hold our peace" in the face of rampant injustices all around us.

Tragically, our liturgy has so anesthetized us to the Truth, we aren't even aware of what we are doing. We have been taught that priesthood and church are sanctum sanctorum, sacred and distant from everyday life. Heroic tales of Joan-of-Arc-like heroism are reflections our obsession with mega-churches, impressively elevated pulpits and felicitous "pastors." We have become focused on our own salvation, amassing fortunes in the name of Jesus or "personal mountain climbing." Esther's triumph blunts the reality of Mordecai's warning - another people will be raised up.

Christian witness, the message of Jesus Christ, is for those times of "no-one-noticing" in our everyday lives. It is for those injustices perpetrated when no one seems to care or when the majority is bent upon evil. Our cloistered Christianity has come to ignore everyday in favor of Sunday. Yet, it daily, out of the pews and away from "church," that injustice prevails in our country, in our community, our place of work. That's what Mordecai's warning, "if you hold your peace," is about. The inhumanities of the last century could never have happened without the tacit approval, the silent inaction, of the participants. The tides of history are not written by the few but by the many - one at a time -- making personal decisions for good or evil.

Now, you are in a business, whatever it might be, selling lightbulbs, hamburgers, express mail, e-commerce or salvation - its pretty much the same at this level - and the order comes down - cut personnel. Who is "cut?" Of course, it is the person who needs the work most earning the least. Budgets are always balanced on the backs of the weak. And you, comply, you acquiesce, you remain silent. Who is responsible? Who is culpable? Are you Mr. Director, Ms. Chairperson, Rev. Doctor, fellow employee? Ask Esther - when you see her. Now, you see, none of this is earth shaking. We can all hide from such lapses of morality. Are such everyday things even worthy of note? Was it Shakespeare who said something about for want of a nail, the kingdom was lost? Well, this kingdom won't be lost - except for those who "hunker-down," "play-it-safe," look after "their own hide." Haman, prime minister to the king of Persia, instigated this episode. He was a self-serving bully. Such rely upon others doing nothing.

Esther finally rose to meet her challenge and the community was saved Who is our neighbor? When should we stand up and be counted? In Matthew 25:45, Jesus tells us, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. The emphasis is on the "least," not the greatest, the most powerful, the wealthiest or those of high esteem. He didn't say we should wait for an occasion that would make us famous. He did say that those who failed to act would, go away into everlasting punishment: Matthew 25:46 OK, in the face of injustice, hold thy peace.

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Some call it the Apostolic Age, that time from the Day of Pentecost until the death of John. Jesus’ small band of followers had seen Him on earth for the last time. The realization that they were alone had set in. During this age, fellowship was so terribly important and so very evident to those left to do their Master’s work. Paul may have written about the “many” in his first letter to the congregation at Corinth but in real numbers, compared to those of the Jews and Gentiles surrounding them, they were few. Constantly bombarded with the traditions of the Jews and the idolatry of the Gentiles, they had to band together. Persecution was not far behind. To the saints at Ephesus, the city of the Amazons where the mother goddess of the earth was born, Paul stressed the importance of fellowship, Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 4:25 Not uncommonly, the congregation was likened to a marriage relationship. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Ephesians 5:29-30

We must not forget early Christians had only what they heard to direct them in the ways of their New Covenant. The New Testament did not exist. John writes, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7. He could just as well have said, “We will find the light in our fellowship with one another.” Leaving His Holy Spirit in His stead, Jesus promised to be within their assemblies, large or small. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20. With no traditions to follow, they just had one another as reference. Strangers in a strange land.

The fellowship and closeness was extraordinary as witnessed by this account from the second chapter of Acts, And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need (v. 44-45). Essentially the same account is recorded in the fourth chapter, And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (v. 32) Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. (v. 34-35). We know the story of Ananias and Sapphira, But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet Acts 5:1-2. Commentaries suggest the sin that cost them their lives was not withholding of their wealth but pretending to be fully dedicated to His service when, in fact, they were not. Oh, oh isn’t that instructive! They wanted to be thought of as disciples of the first rank. Hum, yes.

Today, believing we are many is an illusion? Are things really that much different for us? Christians may number in the millions, but those of different religions or with no faith at all number in the hundreds of millions. Only in America do we dare maintain the illusion that we are not persecuted for our beliefs. And, the condition of this country provides strong evidence that many associating themselves with Christianity do so in name only. Don’t we need fellowship with one another as much as in Bible times?

Yet incomprehensibly, within the Christian community those benefiting from their congregational activities are unwilling to pay for them. Attendance is voluntary. No one is forced to worship or participate. Certainly there isn’t a hint of a requirement to sell all and give to the less fortunate among us. Who do we think pays the bills to provide the services we so disparately need? Only one other institution is regarded in such a fashion – government. In every other sector, business, recreation, entertainment, medical, we “pay the freight” willingly and often excessively. One hundred-dollar tickets for a sporting event “forked over” gladly. Two hundred-dollar suits, three thousand-dollar vacations, thirty thousand-dollar automobiles, five hundred thousand-dollar houses “coughed up” freely. Ten percent for “tithing?” Outrageous! We won’t even pick up the trash we’ve dropped in the sanctuary in our rush to get out and get on with our lives. Don’t we see our need? Have we been properly instructed? Are our congregations as remote and irrelevant as government?

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Philipians 2:5-11

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

6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. John 15:19

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There are many four letter words. Some more "notorious" than others. This one is solemn in some respects. It is used to affirm. It is an oath, a covenant, an address. It implies agreement. It is translated on some occasions as "most assuredly." It can mean "truly" or "let it be so." It is also used as a title "the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness" (Revelation 3:14). Don't you wonder for whom?

It has been around for a while. You will find it used in both the Old and New Testament. It has been an integral part of Christian worship services for the last two hundred centuries or so. There is probably nothing sacred to recommend it. Then, again, there is nothing sacred condemning it either. It is only a word or is it? Probably its greatest complement comes from its use in praise. One of the church Fathers, Jerome, said "at the conclusion of public prayer the united voice of the people sounded like the fall of water or the noise of thunder" with its pronouncement.

There has been instruction on its use: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matt 6:9-13

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Do you ever get tired of being told about the advantages of being Christian? All the perks seem to add up to God being on our side to serve our needs and meet all our demands. Unquestionably, He is a kind and loving God who wants nothing but the best for us, His adopted children. He just the big Santa in the sky? Is that the picture Scriptures convey? Is it just our personal salvation He is concerned about? Is that the only reason Jesus Christ became flesh, died, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven?

Isn’t there another side where we start giving instead of asking — praising rather than expecting?

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Messiah! The hope of Israel. The hope of the world! That is what He wrought! The "Messianic King!" A royal son of David, Prophet and Priest. Immanuel, meaning "God is with us!" At least that was the Scriptural expectation. Messiah, was "one anointed by God and empowered by God's spirit to deliver His people and establish His kingdom. Increasingly, in Jewish thought, the Messiah would be the king of the Jews, a political leader who would defeat their enemies and bring in a golden era of peace and prosperity." To them, He was a knight in shinning armor that would ride through the land vanquishing the enemies of Israel and enthrone His chosen people in Jerusalem as rulers of the world and heirs to heaven.

My, my, were they ever misled. Such a deception, but by whom? Did God deceive them? Did His prophets lie? No. Subtly, inch by inch, they ever so slowly turned away from the Truth. Instead of being blessed to bless others, they just thought they were blessed to be blessed. So complete was the metamorphosis that, when the Messiah came in the form of a humble servant, they didn't recognize Him, they didn't want to have anything to do with Him.

Today, once more, we must ask, "What hath God wrought and by whom have we been deceived? There He is the Messiah, as our servant -- again. "Jesus take care of me." "Jesus do this for me." "Jesus do that for me." "Hey Jesus I don't want this." "Stop that from happening." Stop this from happening." "Wash my feet." And, then some more when our prayers aren't answered the way we demand. Absolutely unrecognizable. Well, actually, it is. It is the same Messianic image the people of Israel have.

` Something happened on the way to Armageddon. If the old "bless me that I may be a blessing" rule was ever applied, it certainly doesn't seem to be any more. If the rules haven't changed, and they haven't, some attitude adjustment is in order. He, the Messiah, Jesus Christ came to fulfill the Law. That is what He said! Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17 How was the Law and the Prophets to be fulfilled? Not by the "bless me to bless me more rule." Not at all. Here is what He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: `Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:37-40 The "servant principle," not the "pleasure principle" is to govern Christian life. It is time to feed His sheep, feed His flock. That's the "keys to the kingdom." That's the rock upon which the "church" is built. It is time to serve "the least of these."

The "bless me that I may be blessed" attitude of the people of Israel caused them to stumble at the very gates of the promised land. Only two kings ruled over what they had managed to occupy of the land that they were promised before they tore themselves asunder with internal strife. And, all along, they held themselves contemptuously above and apart from others as distinctly superior. The rest of the human race was regarded, in its entirety as merely gentiles or even more arrogantly as heathens. All the rest of the world was unclean and the enemy of God. As such, gentiles were justifiably and contemptuously dismissed as insignificant.

It wasn't always that way. Only later, around the time of Jesus, were the gentiles so thoroughly scorned. The same is becoming true in modern Christianity. Today our churches are increasingly governed by the Freudian pleasure principle of prosperity. There is a new elitism, a new privileged class - the "saved." The New Unger's Bible Dictionary tells us this about the Jewish attitude toward gentiles, "What rendered the Jews a distinct and honored class was simply their election by God to the place of His peculiar people, by which they became the recognized depositories of His truth and the consecrated channels of His working among men." (emphasis added) A reasonable statement. Unfortunately they forgot the most important aspect of their being so privileged, "working among men." So have we, evidently.

The principle of "justified by faith" we know only too well - saved by grace and grace alone. Yes indeed. Elected? Based upon that "most favored nation status," we see ourselves deserving of nothing less than the very best. We do not see ourselves as serving. Serving the rest of the world? And what shall they be called? Gentile hardly seems appropriate. How about condemned? No, no reprobates, that's even better. Remember a stanza from an old hymn, "It may not be on a mountain top or over the stormy sea that my Lord will have need of me?" And then the chorus, "I'll go where you want me to go Dear Lord and I'll be what you want me to be." That's out of style in our modern Christian churches. It is rarely sung. Scripturally, it won't be on the mountain top or over the stormy sea. It is in the everyday places at home He has need of thee.

There is a second principle, that of sanctification, we rarely mention. It is not strategically correct to talk much about that. Lets just tell them they are elected to salvation through no fault, effort or concern of their own. Chosen, chosen by God, before the beginning of time. Sanctification is such a scary topic. It might raise the serpentine specter of works. Besides, we have the Apostle Paul's backing on that, Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:9) - don't we? Just for now let us disregard the words of our Master found in Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Contemporary Christianity has before it not only the task of restoring the "church" to the Body of Christ, it must rediscover its original goals. Christianity is no more bless me that I may be blessed than a denominationally organized group of people meeting weekly in the steepled building on the corner.

Unquestionably, Jesus was a sacrifice for our individual and collective sins. He is the only door to eternal life. He is also our teacher. He was called "Rabbi" (in this context meaning teacher) by His disciples, see John 1:49 and 6:25. He is also our example for living - that of a humble servant.

What hath God wrought? A people chosen to be a royal priesthood of servants to the world, Matthew 20:27, And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.

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This passage from Luke 15:10 is a powerful reminder of Jesus' deep and abiding concern for those who were not saved, Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. It explains a lot about what He meant by the parable He was about to tell -- that of the prodigal son. Jesus was severely criticized for the concern He had for outcasts, undesirables and sinners as well as for associating with such dreadful people as publicans, And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Luke 15:2 Can't you just feel their repulsion? This verse is also an introduction to another of His parables concerning one lost sheep out of a hundred.

Isn't it striking that Jesus chose the company of a chief tax collector over that of any of the priests at Jericho? It is even more striking because the publicans were regarded with such contempt in the Jewish community. These priests were in a wonderful position of grasping a glimpse of the repulsion God has for the stench of sin in His nostrils. Do you suppose they saw the comparison? In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul wrote, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23) Was he incorrect? John wrote that, If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8) Thank you LORD GOD ALMIGHTY for Your love for us Your disobedient children. Thank You for sending Your Son to justify us rather than to condemn us. Now, then, isn't it fair to ask if we have, by some special dispensation, the right to reject the dregs and rejects of our time? By what quirk or stretching of the Word of God can we possibly believe we have such a right?

In the sixth chapter, verse 41, Luke writes, And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Modern psychologists refer to this as "mote-beam projection." What is at the very foundation of this "psychological disorder" is blaming others for what we know to be our very own flaws. The dynamics are to deflect blame and assuage guilt. It is a smoke screen, a ruse an attempt to cover our nakedness with the leaves of lies. The first Scriptural record was Adam bewailing that it was all Eve's fault. Well, we certainly don't want to base our theology on psychological analyses, but isn't it revealing? In his play, Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare wrote this memorable phrase, "Me think the lady doth protest too much." Were the priests in residence at Jericho "protesting too much?" Were they quite aware of their very own sinfulness that they were accusing others of having?

Turn to Luke 15:29-30. The eldest son in the parable of the prodigal is speaking, And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

These words are eternal. The priests and the Sanhedrian could just as well, may just as well have said the same thing. We could, we who are baptized and faithfully attend and dutifully support our church with our time, tithes and offerings. We who read our Bibles, have the sign of the fish on our bumpers and pray loud and long, we can sympathize with the eldest son, can't we? Do you suppose those who assembled to condemn reprobates to Hell also felt that way? Justifiable indignation? What about God?

Jesus was tracing something with His finger in the dry soil at His feet. We will never know what He drew, but can we forget what he said? Those who were taunting Him were so very much the eldest son, so clearly unaware of the mote in their eyes as they condemned another. He said, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (John 8:7-9) Amen. Who are we to condemn?

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Sanctification is the Biblical concept of Christians striving to become more Christ-like. Synonyms include "holy," "hallow," "hallowed," "holiness," "consecrate," and "saint." Sanctification is a consecration of one's life, it is a separation from earthly things and common activities and, instead, devoting and dedicating oneself to God's service.

While we may think that holiness is uniquely divine and far beyond our grasp, it is actually supposed to be an attribute of every Christian. God reveals Himself as holy, and He calls us to holiness also. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:16)

One of the unique things about Jesus' teachings is that He proclaimed a morality in which what is in our thoughts and our hearts is at least as important as anything we do outwardly. Holiness is from the heart rather than an outward act. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of holiness, Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Hebrews 12:14) For the emphasis, remember our Lord and Savior said, Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9) While even angels fall short of the holiness of God, we are to strive to be holy.

It is recorded in Matthew 27:51-53, that after Jesus died on the cross, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. The enormous significance of this single passage is almost overwhelming. Among the many things to be learned from it is, as Adam Clark's Commentary points out, "The veil being rent shows that his death is to put an end to the figurative worship, and to establish the true religion." Superficial ceremonies and sterile rituals were rent asunder with the Temple veil. Second, it tells us about our triumph over death and the resurrection of our bodies. Third it presents us with a fascinating question. Who were these "saints" that came out of their graves to bear witness of Jesus Christ? Were they children of the Old Covenant? Most certainly. Were they saved? Quite clearly. They were as we are, saints. About our sainthood, Paul writes, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2) We are to become saints.

If we are to become holy, saints, ordained to God's service, a new priesthood, by what means is this to occur? How does one cleanse one's thoughts and one's heart to become free of the bondage of this world and to become solely dedicated to God's service? How can we live at peace with out neighbors when they are such rascals? Centuries ago, monasticism was considered the answer. We would isolate ourselves from all the corrupting influences of the world and focus our attention upon Godly things through prayer, fasting, study and instruction. Monasteries were very saintly places, or so it seemed. The "church" as monastery is not more acceptable because Christ is the savior of the world, not of monasteries or churches. In His prayer Jesus said, As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. (John 17:18) Who will argue that the "them" in this verse applied only to the Apostles? Are we not also sent into the world?

Sanctification is the name of the process of becoming more Christ-like, but that does not tell us about the process itself. The book of John (4:17) tells us that the Holy Spirit came to dwell within us and that He is the Spirit of truth, Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. When did the indwelling take place? When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. His presence may not be as dramatic as a sudden wind or tongues of fire. Rather it may be a still small voice as called Elijah to service from his hiding place, And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 1 Kings 19:12. Whether we know He is present or not, pay attention to or ignore Him, He is there. If we permit, His presence changes us. Paul spoke of the transformation that takes place in this manner, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 If we are diligent in seeking His will, we become more deeply grateful for God's loving sacrifice. We become more vigilant and increasingly strive to become more Christ-like in our relations with others. the process In our hearts we focus upon living a saintly life. Through the Holy Spirit working within us, we more accurately mirror the glory of the Lord in our daily lives.

Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:12-15

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THE COMPANY WE KEEP
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We are a nation of joiners and the company we keep judges us. Its the neighborhood and the community in which we live, the restaurants and vacation spots we frequent, our job and the firm where we work that set our worth. The car(s) we drive, the spouse(s) we marry, cell phones and pagers, the clothes we wear and where we shop all set their stamp of approval upon us. The friends we have, the books we read, the movies we choose to see and the events we attend tell others how worthwhile and respected we are. Our church membership.

“Peer pressure” the social scientists call it and “status” is its evaluation. It is our craving to belong and to be counted worthwhile. One’s life is meaningful only through the accumulation of things that give us higher status in the group. We would almost literally die for it. We often cheat and lie for it. It is that which drives the nation and our prosperous economy. It is an illusion of things. Possession of things and people’s approval, these are the inheritance our forefathers left us. The legacy they left us is to be in the midst of a crowd, a lonely desperate crowd seeking and never finding. Always dissatisfied because it is an illusion.

Surely you remember high school and the “in-group,” that crowd to which everyone aspired to belong and which everyone not a member envied. Did it change in college? No. The best sorority the top fraternity, even one’s course of study, decided just how “geeky” we were. Upon graduation it simply became the “jet-set” and the affluent we did our level best to emulate. It is no different on the street. Mobsters and hoods, homies and thugs all seek the same end as we only by more direct and unsophisticated means. Approval, they and we are seeking the approval of others. “As the World Turns,” “The Guiding Light” of our existence is not our heavenly Father but the level of regard we have in the minds of others. Nearly three-quarters of a century ago a Sociologist put it to us. He said the driving character of Americans could be stated as, “I am what I think you think I am.” A lonely crowd judged by the company we keep.

And what does our Lord and Savior have to say about all of this? Does Jesus Christ encourage our seeking first the approval of others? Does He advocate the accumulation of wealth and friends (wealthy friends)? What about the world and its enticements? It is not a popular lesson, but we know the answers to these questions. The fruits of the Spirit say nothing about popularity, belonging, wealth and prosperity. The pulpit that preaches it, the counselor who teaches it is a liar for this is what He said. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19) How could the intent of such a passage ever be misunderstood? Now, whose company should we be striving to keep? Is our character and spirit to be the same as the world and thus admired? Or, is it that the more Christ-like we become the more we will be despised? What an interesting yardstick. Let’s talk some more about popularity, Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:4-6) Would it be correct to conclude the reverse, if the world hears us we are not of God? Hum.

“Yes but…” Yes but what? There is an undeniable separation and consequently, a choice between being a child of God or a child of this world. Trying to straddle the fence between the Lord and the world will have much more serious consequences that hemorrhoids. Here is one take on the consequences of sitting on the fence, So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revlaltion 3:16) There really isn’t anything such as a “lukewarm Christian.”

If there is no distinctness between those claiming to be Christian and those who donot, what’s all the fuss about? Is our mission to endorse the world by emulating it? Is our message one of an easy life full of worldly fruits? The circuit is full of any number of “motivational speakers” capable of enthralling audiences with what we want to hear on how to win friends and influence people. Why do we need to spend all that money on “church” facilities when we can go down to the nearest convention center, paid for by our taxes and get good, first-class instruction on success, wealth and prosperity. Is that the acceptable diet from the pulpit? If so, is our religion little more than an insurance policy against the contingency of eternity? Are we Christians so we can protect ourselves against disease and disaster? Notice, that mentality does not work?

What company are we to keep? There is a suggestion from Deutronmy 14:2 that suggests, for thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Peculiar hardly seems like socially acceptable and approved. The Apostle Peter seems to be indicating the same thing, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9 Writing to Titus, Paul said that Jesus, gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14) Peculiar suggests odd, uncommon, unusual, “distinguished in nature or character from others,” It means extraordinary, distinctive and unique -- “belonging exclusively to some person.”

First, it would seem, we are to keep the company of the Lord our God who has chosen us to be apart, to be different. We have been chosen and purified to be zealous in our pursuit of good works – blessed to bless. Second, we are to seek the “churched” for strength, guidance and support. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

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Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

You know the verse, it is found in the 12th chapter of Luke, verse 27 in the King James Version. Matthew 6:28 says essentially the same thing. It appears we are to be clothed in unimaginable riches. In fact, verse twenty-four speaks to us about not even worrying about what we eat. So captivating and attractive are these passages, and others, that some "Christian religions" elevate them to a full-blown doctrine of prosperity as a manifestation of salvation. Claim our birthright. Claim what is ours. For those enamored with the materialistic enticements of our culture, of the world, the parable of the lilies is an appealing justification of what they are already doing.

The Sermon on the Mount appears to suggest much of the same thing. Starting with verse 25 of chapter 6, He tells us not to worry, that our heavenly Father will see to it that we have the very best - food, clothing, everything. John 4:14 tells us, " whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." Some have taken this to mean He will keep us supplied with our hearts desires, money, cars, whatever we "need - an endless supply." So we see the meaning of Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" to be more of the same promise of riches and wealth beyond our wildest imagination.

If it weren't for the rest of the Bible, we might be so persuaded. If anything, as consumers entering into a new millennium, and we are consumers - customers even - of this new "churched Christianity," we need to be aware of the intent and motivation of those attempting to persuade. What possible motivation could be lurking here? It is comfortable sop, sure enough. Like a glittering lure on the end of a fisherman's line it is compelling. And, of course, the church needs money for this or that mission, project, dream or whatever. The warning is clear that those who sup in elegance off of the widow's mite will most decidedly need an eternal asbestos wardrobe.

Within the very passages used to sell prosperity theology, we are told to first seek the Kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells us, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you". Matthew 6:33 KJV. Pagans, we are told, "run after all these things." In Matthew, Mark and Luke, we are told to sell all that we have and give to the poor. (Mat. 19:21, Mark 10:21, Luke 12:33 and Luke 18:21) Let us try preaching that! In every single passage we are told we will be given what we need. "Given" does not mean we have to grab. "Need" is not wants, wishes and desires.

Matthew Henry's Commentary summarizes the deep importance of the command about the lilies of the field to every Christian. "There is scarcely any one sin against which our Lord Jesus more largely and earnestly warns his disciples, or against which he arms them with more variety of arguments, than the sin of disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of life, which are a bad sign that both the treasure and the heart are on the earth; and therefore he thus largely insists upon it. " (from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.)

We are to be about our Father's business, not our bank accounts. It is then, under the circumstances of seeking and following His will we are given what is necessary to accomplish the mission He has for us. Furthermore, we don't have to grovel, claw or cheat for the necessary resources, they will be given to us. The Bible states, "and all these things will be added unto you." Added! In addition to doing our Father's business which, incidentally, is not the bond market nor Fortune 500. He knows what we need. We have that assurance. The assurance is given in Psalm 103:13. In Matthew 6:8 at the beginning of the Lord's Prayer. It is also found in Matthew 6:32, and, again, in Luke 12:30, we are told that our Father knows what we need. Consider this, "…those destitute of the true doctrines of religion, and unacquainted with proper dependence on Divine Providence, make it their chief anxiety thus to seek food and clothing. But YOU, who have a knowledge of your Father in heaven; who know that He will provide for your needs, should not be anxious. (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft) Why don't we rest upon that sure and certain knowledge? That is the lesson of the lilies and the ravens. First, we are given the gift of salvation then we are given the resources to do His will. We needn't ask for either.

If churched Christianity is doing His will, it need not worry about a single thing. Not one resource. Not even one. Not one committee, not one plea, pamphlet, drive or campaign need be set on the task of raising one mite. If we, as individual Christians, are doing His will, if we are about our Father's business, our needs will be automatically supplied before we can purse our lips to phrase the plea. There is an inverse relationship between the amount of energy spent on "finances" and the level of one's spiritual maturity. That is positively and absolutely Scriptural. Our relentless pursuit of things is "dead-give-a-way" evidence that we lack faith or that we are on the wrong track.

You see, the widow's mite was not to buy cars, or houses, to build churches or balance budgets, it was to feed the poor. When that day arrives, when we come to the understanding that the pursuit of material things is as unnecessary as it is destructive of our Christian purposes, one of the greatest obstacles to discipleship will have been surmounted.

1 Samuel 8:3 And his sons walked not in his ways,
but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.

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At least one generation of American children has been raised under the misshapen family value of "quality time." This mutant, in fact, speaks of the absence of family rather than its modification. Time spent together is the essence of any human relationship, especially for the family. Regardless of what exigencies of conventional wisdom might to attempt to persuade us to the contrariwise, "time is of the essence."

Divorce consuming over half of the marriages in this country is eloquent testimony to the fundamental destruction of the family by the absence of extended periods of "fact-to-face" encounters. The epidemics of violence, suicide, gang activity drug abuse and alcoholism among our children is equally mordant witness to the bankruptcy of quality time.

Only a society consumed by its own self-centered materialism could even pretend that "quality time," a few minutes here and there, an hour now and then, could possibly be a viable substitute for human intimacy. Actually our relationship values have become so corrupted that we mistakenly regard "intimacy" as self-indulgent sexuality when it is really speaking of loving, caring for, sharing and understanding one with another. Interaction, mutuality, interdependence, interconnectedness, togetherness, all those things synonymous with groups and couples and families, all those things that are necessary to build trust and understanding and sharing take time - hours and days, weeks and months and years. "Synergism," a word in vogue today, is the interaction of two or more "agents" so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. It is cooperative interaction. Only in the market place, in the corporate world - where we spend most of our time - do we see any application of the synergistic principle and there rather poorly.

Poorly because the motives are crass and self-serving. We have lost the sense of "me and you" where both are equally regarded if not that the "you" is more highly regarded than the "me." We now only have the sense of "I and me." Half a century ago, social philosophers were bemoaning the loss of "I - Thou" relationships and warned that one day only "I-It" relationships, those in which we regard others as things that only are valued as long as they can satisfy our wants and desires, would prevail. They also warned of the resulting Columbine-like society. In the words of Pogo the cartoon character, "We have met the enemy and he are us."

The family has been sold on the auction block and so has the church. Just as desperately as we need a rebirth of the "synergistic family," we need a return to the "synergistic church." We need a return to the church that puts Jesus Christ first -- the family of God - one that consumes us, that has first call on our time. (1 Peter 4:17) His true disciples compassionately obey His commandment to love one another. They realize their treatment those around them is a reflection of their devotion to Him. The focus is on loving others as He loves us.

Marketing experts sell Modern Christianity to a disinterested audience with promises of what it can do for them. Even the ancient, pre-New Covenant ritual of tithing is presented as a ten for one gain - "You can't outspend God!" Pastors, enthralled with the riches and fame of the corporate world, imagining themselves as masters of "spiritual empires," mindfully fostering growth in Sunday attendance to justify even larger and more prestigious "sanctuaries." They entice people to spend a few minutes of non-threatening, non-obligatory quality time with the Lord. Then their "parishioners are sent on their way convinced that the Glory of God is found in the color of green which, coincidentally, if deposited in the collection plate next Sunday, will give them a better return than the stock market. Pastor's salary and prestige increase. Parishioner's values and beliefs aren't challenged. They've spent quality time together. Next Sunday is Mission Sunday. Come prepared to give generously for our missionary efforts in Uganda.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26

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Have you ever been lost – really lost? Lost on a dark night in a strange place with nothing familiar to serve as a frames of reference without even the moon or stars as guides? Have you ever been completely lost? If so, you have full appreciation of the true value of some written instructions and a flashlight with which to read them. Those new to Southern California soon learn they cannot navigate the maze of streets and freeways without their trusty Thomas Guide road map close at hand. To a stranger, the streets and intersections look so much alike and the freeways are indistinguishable from one another. And all the people, the traffic and the distractions simply add to the confusion. One had just as well be lost in a dense forest or experience the “white-out” of a severe blizzard. Whether we are lost at night in the forest or at an unfamiliar intersection at noon, when we’re lost, we need help. The opportunity to miss the path and take a wrong turn is great. The consequences are devastating. Even a flashlight would be helpful, but wouldn’t our own personal guide just be terrific?

The human race is lost, not at a highway intersection, in a forest or storm. Actually, we may be in seemingly familiar surroundings, at home with the sun shinning brightly, but we are lost and we cannot find our own way. This is how Isaiah depicted our condition, And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. (vs. 8:22). In our “natural” condition, since we lost Paradise, we haven’t the slightest clue of where we are or how to get home. And, a standard road map will not help. It is the soul of man as well as his spirit that is lost. To what or to whom do we turn? Our natural senses and reasoning and inventions are inadequate to find the True Path or continue upon it. There is help. Paul encourages us to put on the “armour of light.” The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Romans 13:12 Jesus Christ is our light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life Adam Clarke's Commentary tells us that He is, “The fountain whence all intellectual light and spiritual understanding proceed: without [Him] all is darkness, misery, and death.” His mission is to be our “flashlight.” To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace Luke 1:79 Matthew Henry's Commentary states, “It is the happiness of those who follow Christ that they shall not walk in darkness. They shall not be left destitute of those instructions in the way of truth which are necessary to keep them from destroying error, and those directions in the way of duty which are necessary to keep them from damning sin” I am come, Jesus said, a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness John 12:46.

The Holy Bible is our guide. Ephesians 6:17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: It is our road map and our reference library. “The gospel, then, is the message of God, the teaching of Christianity, the redemption in and by Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, offered to all mankind.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia) Romans 15:4 tells us that we are to learn and derive comfort and hope from the Scriptures For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Paul, in 2 Timothy 3:16, gives further testimony to the place of Holy Scriptures as our guide for living. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Article 5 of the Belgic confession affirms “the Holy Spirit testifies in our hearts that they [the Scriptures] are from God.” Together, the Bible and Jesus Christ are our guide and our light in a world of darkness. Without them, we are lost.

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