To Magnify God

We usually think of Paul as the brilliant, well-educated scholar who always spoke with ease and eloquence. Paul did not think of himself that way. He might even have tried to overcome the image. When He wrote to the Corinthians, he said he did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom. . . . (I Cor. 2:1a NIV) Then he explained what he had tried to do: I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (v. 2)

Anyone who studies Paul quickly realizes the man was brilliant. But his goal was magnifying God. He did not want people to believe the gospel because of His persuasiveness; he wanted them to believe because they had their own encounter with God. He said, that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (. 4,5)

Obviously, the man wasn’t impressed with himself. His purpose was to magnify God. To magnify God he focused on God’s strength and God’s power.

Originally published June 29, 1984.

Out of the Heart

Have you ever tried teaching a child to say the right thing? Perhaps to say, Thank you. Or, I’m sorry. Parents must keep at it because children forget—usually because they do not have a truly thankful or sorry heart.

Or, perhaps we try to keep a child from expressing a selfish thought when they proclaim, Mine. Or, Give it to me. Again, words reveal the attitude.

Adults are somewhat better at controlling their words, but sometimes they slip. Again, the best way to say constructive words to people—or about people—is to think constructive thoughts. Because eventually, we will say what we think. The attitudes of the heart have a way of revealing themselves.

Jesus said, For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Lk. 6:45b NKJV) What we do and what we say reveals our inner life—our character.

Originally published June 9, 1989.

Call Someone a Fool?

It’s dangerous to call someone a fool. Jesus said that anyone who says to others, ‘‘'You fool' shall be danger of hell fire.” (Mt. 5:22 NKJV)

A disparaging epithet reveals more about the person saying it than about the person who is the object of ridicule. It’s easy to take cheap shots, to judge others, to attach labels on people who don’t meet our peculiar standards. Nevertheless, these are strong words from Jesus.

Judging and labeling reveal the attitude of our heart— reveal that we’re willing to look at others with contempt or disdain.

Jesus said, “whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of judgment. . . .” (v. 21) If we call someone a fool, we allow our heart to slide down a slippery slope.

Originally published February 3, 1989.

Out-of-Step

John the Baptist was out-of-step with society. He wore a garment of camel’s hair, ate locusts with wild honey, and called religious leaders a "brood of vipers." (Mt. 3:7) Yet he was God’s man of the hour because he was obedient to God’s call.

Jesus came as another teacher out-of-step. His message couched in parables revealed secret thoughts and desires. Like John the Baptist, his message required repentance. His lifestyle was an affront to self-sufficient people because He stressed dependence upon His Father. Furthermore, His claims set Him apart as the Messiah, the Anointed One. He obeyed God’s call, too.

Jesus and John the Baptist were out-of-step because they listened to different music than most people. Music that is, in fact, available to all. Isaiah prophesied, The Lord has given me the tongue of disciples . . . He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen . . . The Lord God has opened my ear; and I was not disobedient, Nor did I turn back. (Is. 50:4,5)

Originally published December 6, 1985.
Picture: Quilt and photo of quilt by Marlene, 2008.