Even toothpaste can be a test.

 

Go with me here for a moment.

 Let’s say you have just filled your shopping cart with everything on your list. You notice all the checkout lines are crowded, so you mosey on over to the self-checkout area. Under the wary supervision of the self-checkout checker/staffer, you scan and bag your items and place them back in your shopping cart.

 You roll on over to the exit, where the welcome/receipt checker looks in your cart and waves you on.

 Now in the parking lot, you load all your bags into your vehicle.

 

Then it happens.

 Suddenly, you notice a loose item in the bottom of your cart. It’s a tube of toothpaste, and the box is the same color as the cart.

 “Did I miss scanning this thing?” You ask yourself.

 So you check your receipt, which is about two feet long, even though you only purchased about 20 items. And you discover that you did not scan and pay for the toothpaste.

 What do you do?

 

This actually just happened to me.

 Here’s what I did. And I’m not spelling this out for extra points or for pride’s sake. I’m not a perfect Christian. I slip up daily in all sorts of ways. Thank God for His grace. I’m just sharing this story because the experience made me ponder the potential impact our seemingly simple and relatively insignificant choices can have on ourselves and others.

 OK, so I grabbed the toothpaste and my receipt, locked my car, and went back into the store. I walked directly to the exit of the self-checkout area, where the same self-checkout checker/staffer was standing. She asked me what I needed. I handed her my receipt and explained that I had neglected to scan the toothpaste. Then I went to an empty register, scanned the item, and paid for it.

 The self-checkout checker/staffer didn’t react or respond. Maybe she didn’t care. Perhaps she was simply bored with her job. But it could be that she was pondering why someone would go to all that bother to pay for an item that cost about $5.

 It doesn’t make any difference whether she even noticed.

 

No matter how someone else responds to our choices, those choices matter.

 WWJD is still a thing. This catchphrase may not be bandied about as much as it used to be. But the warning behind it still stands.

 

1. We live by faith, but it is demonstrated by action.

 We’re not here to show off for the Lord. But what we do shows, whether we realize it or not. How often do pre-believers evaluate Jesus by what they see in His followers? (We know we don’t measure up. That’s the crux of the Gospel. But that’s a question for those who have not yet trusted in His grace..)

 What if that self-checkout checker happens to spot me at church? Will she judge because of my behavior? Sure, we don’t make moral choices based on what others will think of us, but we also know that our actions can prompt others to assess not only us, but everything we stand for.

 Can you imagine her glancing down the row of seats? Maybe I’d smile at her, trying to be welcoming and friendly. But she might just imagine stolen toothpaste on my smile.

 Is it worth risking offending someone who might be considering Christ, just to save a few steps back into the store to pay for a small unpaid item?

 You bet it’s not.

 

2. We have to live with ourselves.

 Once we trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we are freed from guilt and shame because of His atoning sacrifice on the cross on our behalf.

 We still have to live out this life until He calls us home to Heaven. We still have to wrestle with sin and fend off the enemy’s darts that accuse us every time we mess up. And we still contend with our own God-given consciences. I know mine can send me spinning when I make a poor choice. Sure, my eternal salvation no longer hangs in the balance, but my peace of mind sometimes does.

 Because we are awed by God, grateful for grace, and eager to please Him, we consider even the smallest choices to matter.

 

3. We live for God, if we belong to Christ.

 That’s the bottom line. And He is the one who said, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (Luke 16:10, ESV).

Toothpaste is free at the dentist, but not at the store. And that errant tube only cost five bucks. But a clean conscience is priceless.

 

It wouldn’t matter much to God if my teeth were shiny white, if my truth was tarnished.

 I stumble in all sorts of ways. I can even trip over my own feet. But I believe that our ability to hear from God is fine-tuned, every time we listen and obey. Lord, help me.

Image/s: Public domain photo adapted by this user

 

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• Here's a gift, lady. Now, don't use it.
• My heart hurts because you matter
• Slinging Snow Cones and Sloppy Lies
• Will God let everybody into Heaven?

 

 

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Join me in reading through Psalms and Proverbs in a month

 

Who’s diving into the Scriptures, as the new year opens?

 Not sure where to start? Here’s an idea.

 

Join me in reading through Psalms and Proverbs in one month.

 It’s simple. Just read FIVE PSALMS and ONE PROVERBS chapter each day. (Hint: Save a little extra time when we get to Psalms 119, the longest chapter in the whole Bible.)

 

Here’s a handy calendar to guide our daily reading.

 You can even print it out and check off each box, as we go. (I’ll be updating the one in the sidebar of this page, making myself accountable for the goal.)

 Let’s dig into the Psalms and Proverbs, and see what God teaches us this month.

 

Related items:

• 125 popular expressions with biblical origins
• Can we better ourselves?
• God's best always flies past counterfeits that are merely good
• New Year’s question: Spigot or sponge?

  

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Image/s: Public domain photo/s

Does giving up only work with Lenten sacrifices?

 I’m giving up, but not in the sense one might think. Lent starts this week, and I’ve decided to drop a few things from my life. This initiative may last through Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter weekend), or it may become a longer term change. But for now, it’s a 40-day thing.

 

I’m not mentioning this for any accolades. What I need is accountability.

  Of course, giving up is almost never a good plan. But in this case, giving up something actually takes more determination and wherewithal than not doing so.

 Here’s the ticket:

 Never give up, Christian. Unless, of course, you’re giving up something for Lent.

 (That admonition would actually apply to any personal fast or sacrifice made in the same spirit.)

 The Bible contains plenty of exhortations for believers never to give up. Here are a few examples.

 One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. (Luke 18:1, NLT)

 “I have told you this, so that you will not give up your faith.   (John 16:1, GNT) 

One night Paul had a vision in which the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not give up.  (Acts 18:9, GNT)

 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7, NLT)

 Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. (2 Corinthians 4:1, NLT)

 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)

 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, NIV)

 Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people. (Ephesians 6:18, GNT)

 Additional verses abound, urging believers to remain steadfast and strong and to never give up.

 

That’s great advice. And it’s not the kind of giving up we’re talking about, when we say we’re giving up something for Lent.

 Having said all that, what’s the Lenten sacrifice?

 Christian tradition (for many) includes some sort of self-deprivation during from Ash Wednesday through Easter Sunday. It’s a form of fasting, inspired by Jesus’ 40 days and nights in the wilderness (See Matthew 4:1-11.). Some give up chocolate. Others forgo meat. Still others abstain from alcohol. Plenty of brave souls commit to go without any sweets.

 Additionally, people might opt out of social networking, television, or other entertainments as a form of fasting during Lent.

 Here’s a caveat: It’s not really a sacrifice to give up something we won’t even miss. For example, I’m not a smoker, so giving up cigarettes wouldn’t mean anything. I already don’t eat chocolate, so that won’t work either. And I don’t play video games, so promising to go without them would be pointless.

 

A genuine sacrifice means skipping something I’ll actually miss.

 The goal is to redirect my focus onto the Lord and His sacrifice on my behalf (and yours), which culminated at the cross and became victory over sin and death at His resurrection.

 So here it is.

 This year, I’m doing without candy. Honestly, this isn’t a huge deal. Only a few candies actually tempt me. But we’ve just come through the Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s to Valentine’s Day sweet-tooth indulgence series. It’s time. I’d like to build a candy-free habit into my life, and the Lenten season offers a prime opportunity to do that. During this time, I hope to direct my attention upwards, especially during those late-night moments when I might crave something sweet.

 I want to crave the sweet presence of the Savior instead. (I’m not trying to be playful about this. It’s just that I need the extra reminder, all the time.)

 

Are you giving up anything for Lent?

 If you are, I pray that God bless you in your sacrifice by making His Presence clear to you, helping you to keep your focus on Him, and meeting you in a special way this Lenten season.

 

Easter is coming. Hallelujah.

 

Related items:

·        I gave up chocolate, but not for Lent.

·        On Good Friday: Are my eyes and heart dry?

·        Thanks = sacrifice to the Lord – 30 days of thankful Scriptures

  

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Image/s: Product photos, public domain

Reading through the Bible in 2022. Join us!

 

 Have you read through the entire Bible? It sounds like a daunting task, but also a great goal for the coming year.

 It’s been a while since I journeyed from cover to cover in the Scriptures, and I’m eager to do this again. Plus, a group of inspiring friends has decided to do this together. Accountability and encouragement count for plenty, when it comes to approaching all 66 books in God’s Holy Word.

 

 Our group is following a plan that takes us through the Bible chronologically, with an eye towards increased understanding of God’s hand in human history. We’re using our own adaptation of a chronological Bible reading plan we found online.

 This is an ambitious goal. It means reading multiple chapters of Scripture each day. Some days, that may come easily. Other days, it may prove to be more challenging. But God promises to meet us in His Word.

 “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)

 

Want to join us?

 Pick your translation. Read the Bible in printed book form, electronically, or even in audio format. Yes, you can listen to the Bible in a live feed, podcast, CD, or other techy formats, if you want. 

 

 Can’t wait to see what we learn along the way!

 And may God open our minds to understand His Word. (See Luke 24:45.)

Image/s:

Public domain photo

 

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Fellowship: Let’s not rubber-stamp our politics

 

If we are people of faith, then our beliefs will shape our viewpoints. That’s a given. But does that necessarily mean that our mutual faith will lead to matching opinions on all topics?

I didn’t think so.

It’d be a bold assumption for me to decide that everyone who shares my faith always shares my politics – across the board. Turning the tables, it’d be bold for you to do the same.

And yet it happens. All the time.

 

Hold it right there.

This is a risky post. The last thing I want to do is to hurt someone’s feelings, especially someone with whom I have shared the warm circle of friendship. Please let me begin by clearly stating that I am not singling anyone out here. And at times, I may be preaching to the mirror. (I’m pretty good at that. I’ve had plenty of practice in that department.)

Throughout the past few years (or maybe more than that), American politics seem to have grown more heated and controversial than ever before. Differences of opinion spring swiftly into spite and hatred. Mutual respect has all but vanished across society.

This quagmire is not even restricted to our choices of electoral candidates. We may differ on individual issues, whether we know it or not. That’s sort of how democracy works.

There are plenty of issues that attract genuine believers to both (or all) sides. Even in small circles of faith, folks may hold varying viewpoints. But what can be simply astonishing is that others may assume everyone around the table agrees on all counts of politics and policies, just because we all aim to be biblical Christians.

We may not all be far right, left wing, or smack dab in the middle – even though we love Jesus.

 

How does that play out, during faith-based gatherings and throughout the rest of the week?

Check your inbox. If it’s anything like mine, you’ll find handfuls (or even dozens) of messages from well-meaning Christian sisters/brothers, often including links to political and ideological posts. Maybe you nod your head in agreement. Perhaps you shake your head instead.

Look at your social networking pages. Are fellow believers tagging you in posts promoting their opinions? When you’re tagged, those posts appear on your own page. That means your friends and followers will also assume you support those viewpoints.

Think back a bit. Have you ever bitten your tongue during a faith group meeting, because the discussion traipsed off into politics, and you didn’t want to throw a wrench into the works? You knew you disagreed on some point, but you held your peace to keep the peace? Then you know the feeling.

 

It’s not like we can’t stay friends, if we disagree. 

True fellowship can flourish in healthy diversity, if we get a chance to share it. Isn’t it a hallmark of mutual respect to hear one another out before assuming we buy into all of the same ideas in our society at-large?

 

This assumption has proved particularly painful for me during the past year for multiple reasons. (Warning: I'm gonna get a little personal here. But I'm not pointing fingers at anyone else.)

1. In the spring of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic gained traction in the US, I spent several months sewing 1,000+ cloth face-masks, mostly using fabrics from my own supply. Most went to health care workers, emergency personnel, senior care facilities, and other local concerns. I also gave masks to friends and family members. Soon, I began seeing social networking posts bashing mask-wearing. Then a few folks to whom I had given home-sewn masks put up anti-mask posts and tagged me. How can that not feel like a slap in the face?
   

2. Our extended family represents the full spectrum of political persuasions, and we value one another more than our viewpoints. Draw the family circle wider (from blood into water), so to speak, and the plot thickens. Some cannot share space because they do not share the same opinions. What happens when a friend posts online and tags me? At least one side of the schism will take offense, because of what that post implies, even if I don’t carry that bias.

3. Several friends regularly send individual or group texts, private messages, and emails to support their political viewpoints. Because we are all family in the faith, they take it for granted these will be welcomed enthusiastically. Although I almost never respond, the snowball effect of receiving so many attacks on my own perspectives wounds my spirit.

4. Once, I asked a fellow believer privately to “Please cease from tagging me online in political posts.” Not long afterwards, that friend tagged me again and critiqued me publicly online for that request.

I have to wonder, when might I have stepped on someone’s political principles by concluding he or she identified with the same policies or candidates as I did? Did I disregard anyone’s viewpoints, even inadvertently? Perhaps.

Do we make our fellowship of faith meetings (such as Bible studies, book groups, Sunday school classes, or other gatherings) safe places for everyone to explore and evaluate our own viewpoints? Or do we presuppose everyone will be on the same page – on every topic?

Definitely, there are basics on which we commit to agree. 

That’s why we turn to Scripture on matters of doctrine. That’s where creeds and statements of faith come in. But present-day politics will not always fit into one rigid mold.

 

Here’s the bottom line for me. It’s threefold, and I think it’s basically biblical.

1. Let’s leave the partisan assumptions at the door, when we get together as brethren. “But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” (Titus 3:9-10, NIV)

2. Let’s look forward together to sharing God’s Kingdom, where there will be no ideological debates. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20, NLT)
   

3. Let’s aim for fellowship over favoring our own politics. “Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19, NRSV)

Oh, and let’s not tag each other until we have heard each other.

Jesus said the world would know we are Christians by our love for one another (see John 13:35), not which lever we pull (or which boxes we check) inside the voting booth. (See? There I go, preaching to the mirror again.)

Image/s: Collage designed by this user with online generator with public domain images

 

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