The Golden Rule: in context

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12

The Golden Rule is virtually never quoted with any regard to its context. It is not a standalone verse. Jesus was a better preacher than to say something in the middle of an address that has nothing to do with the context of His sermon. That said, it is easy to make the mistake of missing the contextual connection, so let’s make some sense of the Golden Rule within its context.

Immediately prior to Jesus stating the Golden Rule, He was speaking about our good Heavenly Father only giving His children what is good. So, on the heels of the God’s goodness toward us, the Golden Rule bids God’s children to do good to one another. It is that simple.

Why must we only do good to each other? Besides the somewhat selfish reason about how we would want to be treated by others, there is a more important reason: Because we are the children of God, we are to act like our Father. As He does good to His children, because we are His children, we must treat each other according to the way our Father treats us. The way we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ (as well as our neighbors who do not know Christ), is evidence that we are truly His children.

Additionally, we display our gratitude to God for His benevolence toward us, by being benevolent to others.

So, here is a truly “Golden Rule” for living: However we want people to treat us, let us also treat people.

The Golden Rule: misunderstood and abused

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12

The Golden Rule. So simple, yet so misunderstood and abused!

How is it simple? It is contained in one short verse. It consists of only 12 of 21 words in the one verse (in the NJKV). The obvious meaning is simply that we must treat others as we want others to treat us. Simple? Yep!

Misunderstood and abused? Yep to that too! How is it misunderstood and abused? The concluding eight words are routinely twisted. Jesus did say, “for this is the Law and the Prophets.” He did not say this is ALL that was said by the Law and the Prophets. It is a summary, not a replacement of the Law. It is a summary of an important, but secondary aspect of the Law and the Prophets—not the sum total of the Law and Prophets.

When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment (Mark 12:28-31), He did not state the Golden Rule. He said the greatest commandment is to love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. He then identified the second greatest commandment as “love your neighbor as you love yourself.” The Golden Rule is a parallel way of stating the second greatest commandment—not the greatest, much less the entire Law. The Golden Rule is a summary of the commandments regarding horizontal relationships (with other people). It says nothing about loving God, which the greatest commandment regarding our vertical relationship (with God). It doesn’t even mention God.

Yet people who do not care about loving God repeatedly insist that there is no sin unless it hurts another person. Beside the fact that no one has ever lived a life without ever hurting anyone else, even if a person ever did, that person is not sinless because everyone has certainly broken the greater commandment to love God perfectly!

It is also understood that loving one’s neighbor is downstream of loving God, since the correct motivation and power to love our neighbors is by loving God first. And why do we love God? Because He first loved us! (1 John 4:19)

Next: The Golden Rule in the context and flow of the Sermon on the Mount.

Answers to prayer that are best, even when painful

Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:9-11

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

Allow me to offer a couple of follow up thoughts regarding our good Heavenly Father only answering our prayers according to what is good.

First, when we pray for one thing and our Father answers by giving us something else, what He gives is better for us than what we asked for. That we are sometimes disappointed by His answers—that differ from our desires—only serves to remind us that we frequently do not know what is best, and therefore, sometimes, do not ask for what is best. This is when we must ask in faith, trusting that if God answers differently from our requests, He knows best.

Biblical faith is not a force to get what we want (as some false teachers insist). Rather, biblical faith trusts God especially when we do not receive what we prayed for. Biblical faith praises the Lord for not giving us what we wanted, but what He knows is best.

Second, there are times when God allows us to have what we prayed for, even though it was not what was best. Sometimes we work hard to get what we prayed for, and the Lord allows it to come to pass. He does this to school us about seeking and knowing His will before we pray, and then praying accordingly. He does this to teach us a lesson about working against His will to get what we want. When this happens, and we become aware of it, let us humbly confess our misguided prayers, repent, and ask God to sanctify our hearts and desires so that we might pray according to His will. And let us thank the Lord for teaching us—even if it is by means of sorrow.

The bottom line is that God is good, and He only always does what is best—even when we ask for what isn’t His best.

The Perfect Father

Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:9-11

In these three verses, Jesus makes an argument that we can rest in the knowledge that God answers our prayers with good. The most obvious reason is that God is God. He therefore only always does what is good. He can do no other or He would violate His own character, which He cannot do.

But Jesus makes a parabolic argument, rather than simply saying the obvious—that God is good. Jesus argues that human fathers, though they are sinners, naturally do what is good for their children.* Jesus argues from that starting point, that naturally sinful fathers (which includes all human fathers, Romans 3:23) seek to do good for their children, no matter how often we fail. Therefore, if sinful fathers desire to do right by their children, how much more can we count on God to do what is good for His children?

Human fathers, even with the best of intentions, fail. Thank the Lord that He never fails, nor can He fail His children.

• Rest in the knowledge that God answers our prayers with good—even when we do not understand or when we like His good answers. After all, He knows better than we do.

• If your father was not a good father, ask the Lord for His grace to forgive him.

• If your father was one of those who was truly bad, I am sorry. Thank God that He is not like your earthy father.

• If your father, like the vast majority of earthly fathers, was generally a good one (despite his failings), thank God for your father.

* Of course, there are anecdotal examples of truly evil fathers who do harm to their children, but these are the miniscule exception, not the rule.

A Most Important Blog Post

There is an issue that sooner or later we are all going to have to decide on: "Should Christians attend LGBTQ+ weddings?"

This matter recently came to a head in Christian circles because a highly respected Bible teacher publicly said "YES."

It has been followed by numerous other highly respected Bible teachers who countered, saying "NO."  Many of those saying NO are friends with the man who said YES, but they believe strongly that the man saying YES is dead wrong. I agree with the NO answer.

I have read and/or listened to a number of voices regarding this open debate and I believe there are two resources that every Christian should watch/listen to to be informed biblically why NO is the correct answer.  I am urging everyone in our church to carve out the time to watch/listen to these two resources.

The first is from Ligonier Ministries (founded by R.C. Sproul, featuring Steve Lawson and Burk Parsons.  It is 59 minutes long, but is more than worth your time.  They explain biblically why the correct answer is NO, and include help on how to make that decision in a loving way.  You can watch/listen by clicking this Ligonier Link or this Youtube Link. I encourage you to watch this as a family and discuss it.

The second is much shorter (only 6-1/2 minutes) by Al Mohler.  Please watch the longer resource if you possibly can--but if you cannot, then the shorter is better than nothing!  You can watch/listen by clicking this Mohler Link.

We are all going to have to make this decision sooner or later, so let's make it biblically, not emotionally or self-righteously!

For the love of Christ,
Errol

Pray. Pray. Pray.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Matthew 7:7-11

These five verses are best taken together before looking at the component parts. What is the obvious big picture Jesus paints with these words?

PRAY!

For me, prayer is the most challenging spiritual discipline, and I bet I am not alone. Why? On the human side, I am more prone to “doing” than to praying. Doing is important, but prayer is arguably more important. On the spiritual side, we need prayer more than many of us realize. Why? Because what we do is nothing apart from what God does in answer to prayer. May I suggest you read that sentence again slowly and thoughtfully? (And be reminded that this is what Jesus was saying in John 15:4-5).

There is a convicting quote about prayer. It is attributed to more than one person, and the words vary slightly depending on who is credited with saying it—but the message is the same:

You can never do more than pray until after you pray.

By the way, the oldest version of that quote that I can find was from John Bunyan (1628-1688), the author of The Pilgrim’s Progress.

I remember a sweet older lady (she was likely younger than I am now!) in the first church Frances and I attended after we were saved. Her name was Susan. As a new believer I did not understand the importance of Susan’s constant gentle reminder to us about the importance of prayer. I remember several occasions when I thought, “Yeah, but what are we going to do?” Susan was right. I was immaturely wrong in my lack of understanding of the importance of prayer.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:7 resound three times using three different words: ask, seek, and knock, to sound the same alarm: pray. The three words are progressively more intense and require greater effort. All three words can rightly be understood as being in the “ing, verb tense, indicating that the action of prayer is to be not only ongoing, but continuously ongoing. We need to pray first, but not first and then suspend. Rather, prayer is never to stop, even as we are start “doing.”

Truths about "judging" (Pt. 3)

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1-2

Jesus’ words about being judged by the same standard by which we have judged others must not be taken literally. Why? Because we frequently judge others by improper [unfair] standards. Will the Judge of all creation judge us unfairly because we have judged others unfairly? Hardly.

The point that these words drive home is that though there are times when we must judge (refer to the two previous posts), we must judge justly, not unjustly. Truthfully, not hypocritically.

These words remind us not to judge improperly since we would not want to be judged improperly.

Let us first remember that we are all guilty before the just eyes of God. Then secondly, let us remember that as believers we have been declared “not guilty” because of what Christ has done to save us—a mercy that we have received, not by works of righteousness that we have done, but by faith alone. Therefore, as God deals with us mercifully, let us commit to judging others mercifully. We must not hypocritically insist on justice when judging others, while depending on mercy for ourselves.

We will not receive God’s mercy because of how mercifully we have dealt with others, but as we deal mercifully with others, we validate that we have received God’s mercy, and are saved.

Truths about "judging" (Pt. 2)

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1-2

Last time we considered the fact that the immediate context of Matthew 7:1-2 clearly reveals that the words, “Judge not,” are not a prohibition against every kind of judging at all times. This time, what about the greater context? What do we mean when we refer to the greater context? We are referring to the fact that every verse in the Bible must be interpreted in light of the entire Bible. Here is the principle explained: God cannot contradict Himself. Therefore, God’s Word cannot contradict itself. When an apparent contradiction in God’s Word exists, the problem is not with God’s Word, but with our interpretation. So, each part can only be correctly understood in light of the whole.

This is the beauty and importance of systematic theology. Some falsely allege that systematic theology begins with a presupposed opinion, followed by verses supporting that opinion. Not so, and those who do this sin against God’s Word. True systematic theology begins by looking at everything God’s Word says about a subject, and ends with a biblical opinion of that subject—refusing to ignore any passages in which an apparent contradiction exists.

That said, if “Judge not,” means never judge anything at any time, we would have to throw out vast amounts of the rest of God’s Word that not only allow certain kinds of judging, but command it!

So how do we understand, “Judge not” in light of the rest of the Bible? Rather than discarding the rest of the Bible in light of a literalistic interpretation of Matthew 7:1, we need to discern what kind of judging Jesus was prohibiting. Hear are two simple, and I believe, biblical, answers.

1. We are in no position to condemn anyone. That is solely God’s domain. When we judge, it is for the purpose of helping someone, never to pronounce an ultimate verdict.

2. We must not judge others assuming that we are superior to them, because we are not. Truth be told, we are all “prone to wander.” The attitude in which we judge must be humility, never superiority.

This is why Jesus’ first qualifier in Matthew 7:3-5 is to begin by judging ourselves, confessing, and repenting from our own sin before seeking to help another person.

And it must be added that this does not mean that only the sinless can challenge and seek to help a brother or sister. If that were the case, since “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” no one would be able to help anyone else. Therefore, when we challenge one another in loving humility, we must do so not as those who have arrived, but as those who also struggle—saying, “Let’s pray for and help each other!”

Next time, what does this mean: “with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you”?

Truths about "judging" (Pt. 1)

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1-2

The first verse in Matthew chapter seven is, without doubt, one of the most frequently misunderstood and abused verses in the entire Bible. Think of how often those in sin use this verse as a sort of “get out of jail free” card. If a person in sin is challenged in any way, no matter how biblically loving the challenge is being made, the defensive knee-jerk reaction is, “Judge not!”

Of course it is true that sometimes false, unbiblical judgements are made that should not be made. But to believe that no one is ever to make judgments of any kind is to ignore common sense and the clear teaching of the Bible on the matter.

We all make numerous, everyday, benign judgements. Which item on a restaurant menu to order is making a judgment? Am I guilty of breaking Jesus’ command to “judge not” because I order a salad instead of soup? Obviously this kind of everyday judgement is not wrong. We must make judgements every time a telemarketer calls, usually opting to decline their once-in-a-lifetime offers. This kind of judgement is an exercise in common sense.

Then there is the importance of interpreting Bible verses in light of (a) the immediate context, and (b) the larger context.

Immediate Context. Even a casual reading of the following verses (v.3-20), reveals from Jesus’ lips in the same discourse, the importance of making spiritual judgements:

• In (v.3-5) Jesus warns against judging others when we are guilty ourselves. But note, it is not a blanket prohibition, as though one must be sinless before challenging someone else. In fact, Jesus bids us to deal with our own issues, and then help an erring brother or sister with theirs.

• In (v.6) Jesus tells us about dealing with “dogs” and “swine.” Clearly the Lord expects us to discern (which requires judgment) what kind of person we are dealing with.

• In (v.13-14) Jesus warns us to discern (which requires judgment) the difference between different pathways of living.

• In (v.15-20) Jesus tells us to discern (which requires judgment) true from false prophets, which likewise requires us to judge based on fruit.

Clearly those who boldly quote Jesus’ words, “Judge not,” thinking that makes them immune from ever being challenged regarding sin (or even foolishness), misunderstand Jesus’ admonition to “Judge not!”

Before closing, let us be reminded that before confronting another, we must first scrutinize ourselves. And let us judge our hearts regarding the manner in which we challenge a brother or sister. We must not go condescendingly condemning others. We must go in love.

Next time, the Greater Context…

"Therefore, do not worry"

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:31-34

This passage ends with the word “Therefore,” indicating a conclusion to what has been said (in v.19-30). The action required has been more than hinted at—but in case anyone missed it, “Do not worry!”

Do not worry about the things the godless worry about. Why? Because believers are cared for by God in a special way. And being God, He knows what we need before we do, and prior to when we start worrying (v.32).

In (v.33) Jesus utters these famous words: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first does not mean make this the first item on our to-do lists, and then get busy with the rest of our lives. It means seek God first in all things. And yes, God does care about all the other things in our lives. When we seek God first, we receive more of Him, and everything else. When we seek everything else we are likely to receive neither.

Jesus ends this section about worry in the Sermon on the Mount by restating the summary conclusion, “Do not worry,” adding a specific warning about worrying about the future, since none of us knows precisely what the future may bring.

God help we who are prone to worry, to turn worry into prayer, trusting in You for our every need. Amen.

How to have victory over worry

Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
Matthew 6:27

Embedded in Jesus’ words about worry, is a the common sense reason not to. Worry doesn’t help.

Worry does not change any circumstance. If worry changes anything, it changes the worriers, and not for the better but for the worse. Jesus’ illustration about worry in (v.27) was about one who worries about his height. And as we all know worrying about one’s height does not make one taller (or shorter if one is worried about being too tall). The same is true about any other worrisome matter about which we can do nothing. The only thing worry can do is wear us down mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually.

What if the matter is something we can do something about? Then do something—but not while worrying. Since the greater context of Jesus’ warning was about worrying over money, we are responsible to do the best we can financially.

To be fair and honest, however, ceasing to worry is easier said than done, since worry is generally involuntary. Who sets out to worry intentionally? We just do—usually about the unknown. It is natural to worry to some degree, for instance, while waiting for results of a medical test. Simply determining not to worry usually doesn’t help. What does? Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-8.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

When we are anxious we need to be intentional about turning to God in prayer—in everything, meaning nothing is too large or small. Tell God what you are feeling anxious about. Be thankful that God knows, cares, and is able.

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The promise in (v.7) is not to change the circumstance (though God can if He so chooses). The promise is God’s peace. God’s peace can be so calming that we are surprised that we are not more anxious. And do not miss that fact that this is because of the Lord Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.

Lastly, (v.8) tells us to redirect our thoughts away from our fears and towards whatever is true, noble, just, etc. The peace of God comes to us when our thoughts are on truth rather than on what is unknown.

We do not have to worry!

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25

The next section of the Sermon on the Mount is about anxiety and worrying. The topic of anxiety follows Jesus’ words about money and possessions, since these are an oversized and common reason for worry in most people. Who has not worried about money?

The big idea Jesus is presenting in this section is simple: Do not worry! That is easier said than done. So Jesus gives reasons not to worry.

The first reason in (v.25) is that life is more than money and possessions. As eternal spiritual beings, as important as money is, (a) it is not the most important thing, and (b) the time will come when money is no more—erasing all worry about it.

Verse 25 introduces the further reasons illustrated in verses 26-30:

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

We need not worry because God cares and provides for us. He doesn’t always grant us the abundance we might desire, but He always cares and provides according to His perfect will. Jesus illustrates God’s care by pointing out that since He cares for birds, flowers, and grass, we can rest from worrying about His care and provision for us. And by the way, Jesus’ words make it clear that God’s care for people is greater than for plants and animals, which is a reminder that only people (not plants or animals) are created in God’s image!

The end of (v.30) challenges us that worry is a lack of faith. Oh, that we would trust God, remembering that since He saved our souls (at the infinite expense of Jesus’ life) we can trust Him with everything else (Romans 8:31-32)!

The heart and the eye

"The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:22-24

It is imperative to understand that Jesus’ reference to the eye (v.22-23) as illustrative rather than being about one’s physical eyes. A simple way to understand Jesus’ warning is to think of what it means to have an eye for, or to whatever. For example, automobile enthusiasts have an eye for cars. Cat lovers have an eye for felines. I trust you get the point.

Remember the context (v.19-20) about investing oneself and one’s possessions either in heavenly or earthy pursuits. Jesus is saying what one invests oneself in and one’s possessions will be determined by where one’s heart is (v.21), and synonymously by what one has an eye for (v.22-23).

Putting it all together, Jesus is saying, Where your heart is (v.21), and what you have an eye for (v.22-23), determines what one values most.

Then in verses 23-24, Jesus drops the bomb that our hearts cannot truly be divided. We cannot love both heavenly and earthy things equally. We can and do love many good and God-ordained interests in this life (e.g., things from spouses and family, to hobbies and chocolate). But if we love any of these equally, much less more than we love God, we are are self-deceived.

We do well to routinely ask ourselves, “What do I have an eye for”?

Investing

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21

Though for most Christians this is obviously clear, since Jesus made a point of it, let us think briefly about the difference between laying up treasures on earth and in Heaven. Two words that summarize the difference might be, “longevity” and “corruptibility.”

First, Heaven is eternal and the Earth will one day be vaporized by fire from God:

2 Peter 3:7,10-12 7 But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men... 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

If we believe the Word of God, and know that time ends but eternity does not, where should we invest? This is not to say, do not invest at all in this world. We live in this world and must be wise stewards of however much or little God has commissioned us to manage. But while earthly investments are relatively important in the here and now, heavenly investments are forever and ever!

Second, earthly investments are subject to corruption and loss by a variety of means over which we have no control. So let us be as wise as we can be, knowing that the only sure thing is heavenly rather than earthly. And let us also be reminded that no matter how we invest, investing carries with it a measure of risk. That risk teaches us to be wise and to trust God.

The only 100% “sure thing” investment is in Heaven. Do you actually believe that? Does what you invest yourself in validate your answer?

How to lay up treasure in Heaven

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

So how do we lay up treasures for ourselves in Heaven? By investing ALL of ourselves in heavenly pursuits. Remember, while it is not wrong or ungodly to invest appropriately in this life by caring for our families and planning ahead for our years of old age, the rich fool’s mistake was in laying up treasure for himself while not being rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

Here are some ways to invest ourselves in Heaven—none of which will be any great surprise, but valuable to think about. They are grouped, based on areas of life we are to be stewards of what God has entrusted to our care.

Physically. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” Because our bodies belong to God we will be held accountable for how we cared for, and used them. Therefore, let us take care of our physical bodies, the temple in which God is pleased to dwell.

Relationally. We are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Every relationship is different (spouses, parent/child, other relatives, friends, etc.). Therefore, we do not invest ourselves in every relationship in exactly the same manner, but let us be diligent as is severally appropriate to be the best (fill in the blank with each relationship) we can be to the glory of Christ.

Mentally, emotionally, & spiritually. That God promises to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7), is a reminder that our hearts and minds matter. We have a responsibility to be wise stewards of our hearts and minds. This includes, but is not limited to: (a) always be learning, and (b) being cautious about what we let into our hearts and minds via our eyes and ears. It also means disciplining our minds to reject sinful thoughts, and being careful not to give our hearts over to desires that are not God-honoring. And since emotions are often affected by our physical health, it means taking care of ourselves physically as well.

Chronologically (time). Ephesians 5:16 bids us to, “redeem the time for the days are evil.” Stated differently, make the most of, and invest our time wisely because our days are limited. Regardless of the fact that we are all given a different number of years, we are all given 7 days in each week and 24 hours in each day. Stewardship requires that we invest our time wisely. We all make time for the things that truly matter to us. Work and play are important, but investing our time in heavenly pursuits means investing time in spiritual activities. I trust we can make a list of such activities without me providing one here.

Financially and materially. This is likely what most of us think of first when it comes to stewardship. The items listed above are often not even thought of. Besides taking care of the material items God gives us, financial and material stewardship begins with knowing that everything we have belongs to God, and that we will all give an account to Him for what we do with what is His (Matthew 25:14-19). This means giving proportionally (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), cheerfully, generously, and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 6:1-3 , 9:5-7). But stewardship does not end with what we give. It also means remembering that we are no less accountable for what we do with the portion of what we keep.

Stewardship (Pt. 3)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Jesus’ words in verse 21 are about the relationship between our treasure and our hearts. Though the obvious context appears to simply be about money, the word treasure expands the meaning and application of these words to everything we treasure—or that is important to us. Keep that in mind as you continue reading.

Jesus’ words are frequently mixed up in our minds. Note that Jesus said:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

He did not say:

For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also.

It is true that whatever we hold dear in our hearts, we are likely to spent/invest our money on. But that is not what Jesus said. What He said was, wherever we put our money, that will become more dear to our hearts. For example, I may not care a bit about the Acme Widget Company. But if I invest my life savings on the Acme Widget Company, the Acme Widget Company will quickly be more dear to my heart.

These words of Jesus are on the heels of His words about investing our treasured resources. Jesus has instructed us not to invest ourselves more in the fleeting interests of this world that is passing away, than in the eternal kingdom of Heaven.

Some, even believers, may not care that much about investing in the eternal kingdom of Heaven. Jesus’ investment counsel is to put more of our treasures in Heaven. The result will be that our hearts become more concerned about Heaven when we invest our resources (including, but not limited to, money) there.

To recap, while it is true that the more heavenly our hearts are, the more we will invest our resources there; but what Jesus said was, the more we invest our treasures in Heaven, the more our hearts will become heavenly.

Stewardship (Pt. 4)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

What about saving for a rainy day (or retirement)? God’s Word nowhere condemns planning ahead financially or materially. In fact it is seen as wise—and even ordained by God. Consider the following (from Baker’s NT Commentary):

God did not condemn Joseph for advising Pharaoh to store up grain for future use (Gen.41:33-36). Nor were Solomon and Agur wrong in pointing to the ant as an example of the common sense revealed in providing during the summer for the needs of the winter (Prov.6:6; Prov.30:25). Nor did Paul make a mistake when he wrote 2 Cor.12:14 & 1 Tim.5:8. Business and banking are encouraged, by implication, in Christ's parables (Mat.25:14-30; Luk.19:11-23). The rich man Abraham (Gen.13:2) was a friend of God (Isa.41:8; 2 Chron.20:7; Jas.2:23). Rich Zacchaeus (Luk.19:2) was accounted worthy to be called “a son of Abraham” (Luk.19:9); and wealthy Joseph of Arimathea [who owned a burial plot] was a follower of the Lord (Mat.27:57).

Again, there is no sin in possessing wealth or in planning for one’s future. The sin is when these concerns become all-consuming, and a reason for not giving generously. Jesus’ arable of the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21 is most instructive. The foolish (sinful) man was obsessed with accumulating wealth. The last verse (v.21) summarizes the heart of the man’s failure:

"So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

The man’s problem was not that he wisely saved a portion of his wealth for a rainy day (or for retirement). His sin was in foolishly hording treasure for himself, while NOT being rich toward God (by giving generously.)

As always, the root of all sin is not merely in the actions, but in the affections of the heart.

More on the heart given to wealth next time.

Stewardship (Pt. 2)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Once we know that all the wealth we “possess” actually belongs to God, and that we are merely stewards (managers), what should we do with what He has placed in our hands? The simple answer is to use what belongs to God in the way He wants it used. Why? Because we will give an account to Him for what we do with what is His. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 is particularly instructive.

Everything the stewards had belonged to the master who entrusted his wealth to the them (v.14). The lesson is obvious.

Each steward was given a different amount to manage, as determined (a) by the master’s will, and (b) by the master’s knowledge of each servant’s ability (v.15). From this, learn that (a) it is not God’s will that everyone have the same amount entrusted to them, and (b) not all are equally proficient as managers.

The first two stewards invested their master’s wealth and gained more (v.16-17). The third steward put his master’s wealth in a hole in the ground and earned nothing (v.18).

When the master returned, he demanded an accounting (v.19).

The master rewarded the two stewards who invested their master’s wealth proportionally with more wealth, and commended them (v.20-23).

The master scolded the third steward for not investing his master’s wealth (v.24). He chided the third steward for not at least putting the money in the bank and getting at least a minimal interest (v.27). And in v.28, the master took everything the man had and gave it to the first steward. This instructs us that we need to invest what God has given us, and it is obviously important to the master, instead of doing what we think is best.

Don’t miss that the parable deals with money but the lessons go beyond money, teaching us that everything we have belongs to God and we are responsible to invest ourselves and all that we possess in the Lord’s kingdom, by which we will please the Lord, receiving His commendation and reward.

As a hypothetical footnote: What if there were a fourth steward who thought what he was given was his to spend on himself and his pleasure? If the third steward was in trouble, how much more would this hypothetical fourth steward have been in? And how many of us would be like the fourth steward?

Next time: A few thoughts about the relationship between the heart and treasure.

Doing Justly: equality or equity?

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

The godless in our world have always twist truth to suit themselves and their wicked agendas. This is grossly true regarding the concept of justice in our day. Consider the following words about God and justice from Deuteronomy 32:4:

“He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”

And as God instructs in Micah 6:8, if we would please Him we are to do justly. What does that mean? Simply stated, equality means judging all people by the same standard. Judging everyone’s outcomes by the same standard does not guarantee that everyone will achieve the same outcome. Why? Because in this world, not all have equal abilities, nor do all work with equal diligence to achieve their best, much less the same results.

In our day, equality (as defined in the previous paragraph), has been hijacked by the term equity, which is supposed to guarantee everyone the same outcome. To guarantee everyone the same results (irrespective of ability and/or effort) is patently unjust.

First, some have superior mental and/or physical abilities that those lacking such abilities will never match. Second, some work harder than those who do not. Justice judges everyone by the same standard, acknowledging that all will not be Olympians, scholars, or millionaires. Modern “equity” says everyone must achieve the same results, regardless of ability and diligence.

Those who insist on “equity” break the 8th Commandment (you shall not steal), and the 10th Commandment (you shall not covet). How? Stealing is taking from another who has what you do not have—which ideally no one would do if everyone had the same. Coveting is longing to have what someone else has—which ideally no one would do if everyone had the same.

Modern “equity” is at the root of “class warfare” which insists that stealing and coveting are okay if someone has more of anything than you have (or want and do not have).

What brings this up today? Today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States. Read Dr. King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. He was rightly calling for justice and equality, not “equity.”

May God have mercy on our mixed up, sinful nation.

Stewardship (Pt. 1)

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

It is telling that on the heels of His teaching about spiritual things (charity, prayer, and fasting), without skipping a beat, Jesus continues by teaching about money. Most fail to understand that money, and what we do with it, is spiritual as well! In fact, it has been said what we do with our money is the truest indicator of our spiritual understanding, maturity, and priorities. Why is that? Jesus’ words in (v.21) reveal why. What we do with our money both indicates and steers our true priorities in life.

The foundation of understanding and using money biblically is that: (a) Nothing we have is ours. (b) It all belongs to God. (c) We are merely stewards (managers) of what belongs to God. (d) We are accountable to Him to manage what belongs to Him according to His will and priorities (not merely our own). You might want to reread this paragraph.

Many believers understand that we are to give back to God (*) a portion of His money that He entrusts to us. Some follow the biblical pattern of tithing (giving 10%). A few give more than 10%. Most give less.

But what we give is only the tip of the iceberg regarding stewardship. Yes, giving reveals our hearts regarding stewardship, but so does what we do with the larger portion that we keep. Remember, it all belongs to God. And when we give an account to God regarding money, we will not only have to account for the small percent that we gave, but also (possibly even more so) for the greater percent that we kept.

Next time: Spending vs. investing—and where?

(*) Christian giving is not merely to charity in general. Though it is not bad to contribute to secular charities, Jesus commended giving in Jesus’ name (Mark 9:41). That generally means giving first to one’s church, and then to other biblical ministries.