Imitating Demons

First off, I am NOT advocating any type of demon of Satan worship...just so we're clear on that!

When I was on my Sabbath, I read the Gospel of Mark a number of times. One thing that jumped out to me was how most people didn't listen and obey Jesus. People that he healed and he told to not say anything went off and ran their mouths. And the disciples themselves were the thickest-headed group of guys that I've ever seen.

But guess who ALWAYS respected and immediately obeyed Jesus 100% of the time? Yup, demons.

Here are the accounts in Mark of Jesus casting out demons from people: Mark 1:21-28; 1:39; 3:11-12; 5:1-20; and 9:14-29. We commonly see demons recognizing Jesus for who he is (for remember, Jesus created them as angels before they fell from heaven) and falling down before him and begging for mercy (interesting that they know he is merciful!) because they understand that Jesus is God and has complete authority. And when Jesus commands them, they obey. Without question.

So, what can we learn from demons? We can learn that we need to honor and respect the authority of Jesus. We can learn that when Jesus gives us a command (to love, to be his witnesses, to serve the poor, etc) we need to obey it, that there's really no option not to.

May we all honor Jesus more and obey him fully!

You need to stop talking so much

I've just returned from a week-long sabbath. I left "really important" things like my laptop and iPhone at home, and headed west toward the mountains armed with not much more than my bible and a journal. One of the biggest things that God showed me through the silence that I dove into was that I use too many words in general and too many words that promote me rather than promote him.

Jesus said in John 14 that the words he spoke came from the Father. Psalm 19 humbly asks that the words of our mouths be acceptable in the sight of God. After being silent for a week, I realized that too often that I use my words to promote myself in some way (sounding smart, wise, funny, etc.) and not often enough do I use my words to encourage people to God.

I think that the only way to allow God's words to fill our hearts so that when we speak, we speak words that he wants us to, is to certainly fill up on his word, but also intentionally refrain from using words as flippantly as we do. This includes speaking for sure, but also includes things like Facebook, Twitter, and basic idle chatter. Not that there's anything wrong with a conversation about sports or a movie, or updating your status or sending out a tweet. But we need to ask ourselves what the purpose of our words are. Are we promoting ourselves or promoting God?

We all need to stop talking so much and start listening to God and others more.

Living a Gospel Life

What is it about a person who is really living out the gospel? What is it about them that's so different? It can't be things like knowledge or behavior, for those things just reek of pride and moralism. In Galatians 6:1-10, Paul describes for us what a gospel life looks like. And what Paul does for us is to show us that if the gospel is indeed alive and growing in us, it will be most evident in how we relate to people.

In verses 1-5 of Galatians 6, we are shown what gospel community looks like. Those who are mature in the gospel help guide those who are not and restore those ensnared in sin in a loving and gentle way. We are to help each other in practical ways when life brings us a season that is harder than usual. And, we are to live humbly as we fulfill those responsibilities that are ours alone, and encourage and empower others to do the same.

In verses 6-10, Paul continues his instructions on living out the gospel (still under the umbrella of community). He particularly points out the relationship between teachers & students to be a reciprocal relationship of generosity both relationally and financially (the term "good things" is most certainly a euphemism for giving). Paul then "lays down the gauntlet" and says that if you really want to reap the blessings that God has to offer, you must sow the things that God has ordained (think fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23). To not "sow" intentionally what God has ordained yet still expect his blessings is lying to yourself and mocking God. We can't live however we want in our relationships, with our money, or in any other way and still enjoy heaven. It's God's way or no way - it's either Spirit or flesh. Paul then encourages us that we need to be patient. Reaping the things of God doesn't happen overnight...but as we remain faithful and strong in Jesus, we are promised that "in due season we will reap."

Paul ends this great passage with one last encouragement, kind of like a coach in the locker room before the players hit the field. We are to "do good" (in all ways: relationally, financially, serving, etc.) to everyone, and in particular to those who are Christians (especially those in your own church or community group). Why emphasize the "household of faith"? Because of what Jesus Himself said: "They will know you are my disciples by your love for one another" (John 13:35).

This "gospel life" is be lived at every opportunity! Not just when we have time or can squeeze it in. The time to love someone in need is when there is someone in need. It's that simple. We just need to intentionally order our lives so we have the room to love people. Just like Jesus.