Measured by Motive

When we think of good deeds, we think of the act of doing something good. For example, somebody donates thousands of dollars to a charitable organization, and we say that is good. We tend to praise people for doing such nice things. "Look at how good he is! He did such and such, and such and such..." It is profitable to help such organizations, to help others, and so forth-it can do a lot of good, to be sure! The effects of such deeds will not entirely be understood in the here and now. And when it comes to our fellow men, we should assume the best of them, and put the best light on what they do. That is in harmony with a true Christian spirit.

Yet let us never think that simply doing good somehow makes us good, or gains us any favor in the sight of GOD. Aside from the fact that He, whether we acknowledge it or not, is the one responsible for us doing those things, Heaven decides whether something is good or bad differently than we do. It is not the act alone that determines what manner of work it is, but the motive. Not the what, but the why. That is part of the reason why Jesus denounced the Pharisees. Much of what they did, if not all, was done to be seen of men, not to glorify GOD. Their worth of their deeds was measured by their motives.

When one considers this, it is not hard to understand why Isaiah said, "But we are all as an unclean [thing,] and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags;" (Isaiah 64:6). We find ourselves saying it too.

To stay focused on that one thought is enough to make anyone want to give up. The good news is, there's hope. While it is true that most often our "good" works are really corrupt, GOD knows we cannot change that ourselves, and longs to help us. Here is a wonderful thought from the book Steps to Christ, by Ellen White:

"What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him." ~SC, pg. 47

If we confess our wrong motives, that our springs of action are impure, and ask GOD for help, He will forgive and change us. We are to go by faith on this matter, as with everything else, so if you do not feel that your motive is right, don't lose faith; keep asking for purer motives, certain GOD has heard you, and in the meantime do what's right anyway. It won't hurt anything; but refusing to most certainly will.

Blessings,
Jean

What Kind of Flower are You?

Flowers are beautiful things. With their many varieties and colors, one cannot deny that our GOD appreciates beauty. I recently learned a few interesting things about flowers from a sermon by Doug Bachelor. I thought I'd share them with you.

The first thing was that colored flowers have less fragrance than those that are white. Mr. Pastor Doug said that the white ones aren't as eye-catching, so they must have to rely on fragrance to attract insects. It made me think, isn't that how a Christian ought to be? People shouldn't be drawn to us because we are bold, because we purposely do things to gain attention, but because Christ's character is like a sweet perfume about us.

The second thing that struck me rather goes along with the first point. Pastor Doug mentioned a flower known as the "corpse" flower. He said it was the biggest known flower, weighing thirty-two pounds. He also said that while it is a very pretty flower, it stinks, and instead of bees about it, there are flies. He likened it to those Christians who make a big profession, but don't live up to it. On sight they are attractive, but as you get to know them, they quickly lose their charm. I can relate to that. I was-I still am-one of those flowers, one of those people. The good news is that even though I have much to learn, Jesus has brought me far, and He can do the same for you.

The only way we can allow Him to do this, however, is by spending time with Him. Yes, friends, it requires commitment and sacrifice, and at first may not be pleasant. But our Saviour said in the Song of Solomon, chapter 2 verse 1, "I [am] the rose of Sharon, [and] the lily of the valleys." The more time we engage in studying the Bible, and talking to GOD as our personal Friend, the more we shall see it. We shall be able to say, "As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so [is] my Beloved among the sons. I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit [was] sweet to my taste" (v. 3). His character will become ours and we will bear fruit like His (John 15:4-6, 8). People will see that, and want some for themselves.

So let us do this and aim to be a fragrant, fruit-bearing flower.

Blessings,
Jean

Divine Providence and Enough Grace

Two days ago was Sabbath. It was very enjoyable this time. The week before I stayed home because
I was having health issues, and the week before that I became very ill during the sermon. I felt light-headed and was sweating profusely. I thought I was going to pass out. People said I was very pale and had no color in my lips. I managed to get through some of fellowship meal, but then whatever it was hit again, and we went home. After some time at home I felt better.

Compared to those two weeks, this last week was good. I had some pain, but it was bearable. I believe that was largely due to my praying all week, and leaning that day especially upon 2 Corinthians 12:9. "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." I firmly believe that that made the situation better than it could have been otherwise.

The second week, when I stayed home, my family and I were upset that it turned out that way. But this past week, quite a few folks at church were saying that that week they got sick from something at meal. I believe it was Providential that I didn't go that week. Only my sister and father went, but if we had all gone, we would have stayed for meal and most likely at least one of us would have gotten ill. It showed me again that when things don't work out the way we think they should, there's probably a reason for it-and a good one, too!

GOD bless,
Jean

The Christian and Competition

The soccer (or football, depending on where you're from) excitement has more or less died down now, it would seem, but I feel it's still fresh enough to make the post relevant.

Even before I was a Christian, I didn't care hardly at all about sports. The only thing that got me excited was the Red Soxs beating the Yankees, but I wasn't a fanatic by any means. When I joined Higher Ground, competitive sports were still OK, and even when I became an SDA nothing much was said about it. In fact, some pastors even condoned it, as they still do today. I didn't learn about it being wrong until I had been in the faith for awhile, via a CD by Pastor Hal Meyer. When I heard it, it made sense-so much sense, in fact, that I wonder how I didn't see it before then. I can only conclude that I was blinded, and I want to share with you what removed the veil, so to speak, in case any of you are in the same boat I was.

Whether good or evil, every practice produces something. Stop and ask yourself: what sort of things do competitive sports-better yet, what does competition itself produce? Does it produce a meek, humble, gentle, and self-sacrificing spirit? The spirit of our LORD? Or does it instead produce a desire for supremacy, a thirst for more and still more achievement, in the participant? Where sports are concerned, does it not only create this in the player, but also strife amongst the followers of the various teams? Don't think that you can be one who passively enjoys watching sports without eventually imbibing the same spirit. To think so would be fooling yourself.

Along with ungodly ambition, pride, and animosity, competition breeds needless worry, stress, and sorrow. I have been told Germany won, and is already worried about winning the next game. I've heard Brazil is depressed over losing, and people are threatening the individual held responsible with  death. Is that good fruit? No. All of it is the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19, 20). Later on in the same chapter, we are directly counseled: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another" (vv. 25-26).

Lastly, the events-whether sports or otherwise-competed in are transitory. The so-called glory lasts only for a moment. In heaven there will be no competition period. The former things will not be remembered. (Isaiah 65:17).

After considering the outcome of competition in all its forms, it's not hard to conclude that it is sin, and the Bible says "...Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (2 Timothy 2:19). The Christian should shun seeing and doing such things. It might be difficult at first; life might seem boring, and people might think you're weird, but if you consent to take up this your cross, to wear Christ's yoke, "...ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:29). More than that, if you lay aside that weight, you will be freer to run the race which all may win, and in which the winnings are incorruptible. Hebrews 12:1, 2; 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25b.

Blessings,
Jean

Please note: If any facts concerning the recent sports event are incorrect, I apologize. I don't follow it; everything stated is only what I've heard.

The Catastrophic Course of Compromise

Compromise is a catastrophic course to follow.  It doesn't seem so terrible at first. No calamities seem forthcoming; in fact, life seems smoother and everyone seems to like you a little more. From then on, whatever's popular, you go for, whether you agree with it or not. "After all," you say, "that seems to be how you get somewhere in this world."  It's amazing what a few little changes here and there in your lifestyle can do. That's right, my friends, it is. It's truly amazing when you find that after following this pleasant path for bit, although you may have every comfort life can offer, you have become a person without principles, without a strong character. You seem to be as unstable and weak as "a reed shaken with the wind" (Matthew 11:7, Luke 7:24). Not only that, the treasures gained no longer seem as grand.

When one considers that "...we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:7), and that "...the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10), is the world's applause, the world's stuff, really worth sacrificing the truth for, which, when cherished, endows a man not only with happiness but with the purist sort of character there is? No.

Let us then look carefully at every thing we do, and determine whether doing it is upholding the truth and forging characters of steel, or whether it tears it down and leaves us bereft of the only thing we may take with us in the end.

The LORD promises, "I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir" (Isaiah 13:12), but we need to cooperate by sticking by Him and His truth no matter what the cost. Are you willing?

Blessings,
Jean

The Demise of the Moth

At work one night, Mom saw a moth. This moth was so intent upon reaching the light of a light bulb (for who knows what reason) that it would hit it forcefully. Each time this happened, pieces of the poor creature would fall off. Eventually it hit the light one last time, and fell to its death. "Foolish moth," some might say.

True, the moth was foolish. But are we any different? Our eyes are attracted to the fanciful glow of sin, and we, as it were, hit the "light bulb" and fall down. We run to it, expecting to be welcomed, only to be burned. Some of us have been burned once too many, fallen too far, and we never again rise to tread the road of this life. History is littered with thousands upon thousands of lives thus spent. And yet it seems that most of us who remain alive give it no more than a quick glance of pity or a sad comment, so to speak, as we pass by before continuing on our way-not daring to think that we could be the next victim. Some might be more discerning, and exercise caution for a time, but then the impression fades, and they too meet a sad end.

Then there are those few, it would seem, that pause beside the remnants of those destroyed and consider. They mark the burns and the bruises, all the while pondering what that life could have been, had it not fallen under the spell of the "light bulb." They resolutely turn aside from this false source of illumination, and seek instead to behold the splendor of "…the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world" (John 1:9), even Jesus.

I want to be one of them, don't you?

Sincerely,
Jean