Month: July 2012

Proverbs 31

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The Beauty of Character.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” – Proverbs 31:30 NLT

In a society obsessed with outer beauty, it pays to be reminded that God looks at the heart. He is not impressed with externals. He does not measure our value based on our good looks or how impressive we may appear. God is all about inner character. He sees what others too often fail to see and what most of us even fail to look for. In this famous Proverb, King Lemuel describes a most impressive woman. She is industrious, a successful businesswoman, a loving mother, a highly disciplined worker, a caring friend, and a dedicated wife. In fact, this woman is almost too good to be true. But I don’t think the point of this Proverb is to hold up this unnamed woman as a model for all women to follow. I think the point is to remind us that it is our character that counts. It is what’s inside that gives us our value. This woman’s industry and hard work are laudable, but they are not the point. Hard work can simply become another form of idol worship, leading to workaholism and self-sufficiency. While King Lemuel describes this woman as dressing in fine linen and purple gowns, he says, “She is clothed with dignity and strength” (Proverbs 31:25 NLT). Her inner character was outwardly visible in the manner in which she lived her life. She worked hard out of love for her family, not out of love for self. She was industrious because she cared for others more than she cared for herself. This woman feared God. She had a reverence for God that drove her actions and determined her attitude about everything. Verse 10 describes her as “virtuous.” That word really has to do with inner strength. She was trustworthy, good, hard-working, discerning, compassionate, giving, humble, wise, kind, loving, and worthy of praise from both her children and her husband. Why? Because she had inner beauty that was far more than skin deep. It was the byproduct of time spent with God. If some of us, both men and women, spent more time in the Word and less time in the gym or in front of the mirror, we would exhibit more of the character qualities this woman possessed. If we cared more about the condition of our souls than we did about our bodies, we would be far more attractive to the world around us. “Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman [or man] who lives in the Fear-of-GOD” (Proverbs 31:30 MSG).

Father, we obsess over the outside. We spend far too much time worrying about how we appear when we should be thinking about who we really are on the inside. Renew our perspective. Give us a greater desire to be transformed from the inside out. Help us to fear You more and desire what is important to You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 30

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Knowing God.

“I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God.I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense.I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.” – Proverbs 30:1-3 NLT

In reading the book of Proverbs it would be easy to focus on what appear to be the main themes or topics of the book: Wisdom, knowledge and understanding. There is a natural tendency to make the gaining of these three things are sole or primary objective. After all, no one wants to be a fool, so it would only make sense to make the gaining of wisdom, knowledge and understanding our goal. But if we do that we miss the real objective of this book. If you recall, in the very first chapter of Solomon reminds us that “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7 NLT). In other words, while wisdom, knowledge and understanding are worthy objectives, they are only available through a right relationship with God. The Message paraphrases Proverbs 1:7 this way: “Start with God — the first step in learning is bowing down to God.” We must start with God. It all begins with Him. In Proverbs 30, we read the words of Agur, who says, “I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One” (Proverbs 30:2-3 NLT). When we fail to start with God, and we neglect getting to truly know Him for who He is, we end up worn out, and lacking in the very things we need to survive and thrive in this world: wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

When we make getting to know God our objective, we discover the true source of all wisdom. He is the creator of all things. His wisdom and knowledge are beyond our comprehension, yet He makes Himself known to us when we seek Him. He gives us His Word and it is completely reliable and true. Growing in our knowledge of God gives us a greater understanding of ourselves – our weaknesses, limitations, sinful tendencies and our total dependence on Him. Getting to know God gives us a new perspective on life. It changes our priorities, which is why Agur could say, “O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me nether poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord!’ And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name” (Proverbs 30:7-9 NLT). Growing in our knowledge of who God is refocuses our priorities and puts Him at the center of our lives. When we begin to understand just how much God hates pride, we will no longer desire to see it in our own lives. When we see it in others, we are turned off by it. We understand the danger of pride, arrogance, and over-inflated self-worth in our children. A growing knowledge of God will expose the ever-present danger of gluttony in our lives – in all its forms. We are prone to discontentment and incessantly desire more and more of just about everything, including pleasure, food, attention, accolades, money, power, etc. Like the leech, we cry out, “More, more!” A person who has an intimate understanding of God is able to see through the facade of temptation and spot the dangers that lurk behind the lure. The fool is simply that person who doesn’t know God and, as a result, lacks in wisdom, knowledge, understanding and basic common sense. Like Agur, they end up weary from trying to live life in this world with nothing but their own human understanding to rely on. That’s why it pays to start with God. The first step in learning is bowing down to God. He is the key to life.

Father, I want to start with You. I want to bow down to You and make You my goal, not wisdom, knowledge and understanding. They are byproducts of a growing relationship with You. Don’t let me make them my focus. Instead, help me keep my eyes on You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 27

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Cultivating True Community.

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:6 NLT

Let’s face it. Relationships are messy. Living with others can be difficult at times. But there is a huge advantage to living in true biblical community. And the Proverbs have a lot to say about the impact of wisdom and foolishness on our relationships. A fool is self-centered and myopic, only thinking about himself and tends to live with a certain level of insensitivity. He doesn’t think about how his words and actions will impact those around him. He doesn’t even care. But a man or woman of wisdom understands their responsibility to care about and care for those around them and the live accordingly. Those who live in true community understand that words are powerful. They know that there will be times when words of encouragement are needed, but also times when a word of warning or rebuke is necessary. In a healthy relationship to withhold a much-deserved rebuke is as wrong as refusing to express our love verbally.  “An open rebuke is better than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5 NLT). While correction and criticism is never easy to receive, a true friend will care enough about us to tell us the hard truth. “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6 NLT). Fools will tell us what we want to hear. They will tell us how wonderful we think we are, but overlook the faults in our lives that are preventing us from being who God wants us to be. False flattery is deadly. It puffs us up and gives us a false sense of confidence and feeds our self-righteousness. But a true friend will tell us the truth, even if it hurts. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” (Proverbs 27:17 NLT). Friendships should involve friction. But it should productive friction. As we rub up against one another in our relationships there should be a certain give-and-take that allows us to push, prod, and pull each other towards increasing righteousness.

Many of our relationships are shallow and dishonest. We refuse to speak truth into one another’s lives. We openly tolerate godlessness and flatter one another with words of kindness when what we really need is a swift kick in the pants and a dose of reality. But many of us are afraid to play hardball in our relationships because we fear what others may say about how we live our lives. We’re afraid that if we critique someone else’s life, it will leave the door open for them to return the favor. And we’re exactly right – it will. And we should welcome it. The truth is, most of us have no idea what we’re really like. We can’t see our faults and weaknesses. Our foolish friends will leave us thinking we don’t have any. But a true friend will point them out in a loving, caring way, and help us take steps to correct them. They are able to look into our lives and see our heart, something we can’t do on our own. “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person” (Proverbs 27:19 NLT). We need one another. We need real relationships that produce real life change. True biblical community is messy. It involves transparency, accountability, honesty, humility, patience and love. It takes work, but it is worth it. Cultivating true community has long-term, real-life benefits. “Never abandon a friend – either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away” (Proverbs 27:10 NLT).

Father, You designed us for community, but what most of us experience in our relationships isn’t even close to what You had in mind. We are fake, shallow, dishonest and far too tolerant of ungodly behavior in one another. Give us a boldness to live in true community. Give us a desire to live in righteous relationships where we truly sharpen one another like iron sharpens iron. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 26

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The Lazy Lying Fool.

“A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg.” – Proverbs 26:7 NLT

When I think of the Proverbs I can’t help but think about the fool. This collection of wise sayings from the pen of Solomon contains a large number of references to the fool and foolish behavior. It also mentions other behavior closely associated with the fool, such as laziness, lying, dishonesty, unreliability, and an uncontrolled tongue. Some of the things Solomon has to say about fools seem humorous when you read them, but they are meant to be taken seriously. “Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot” (Proverbs 26:8 NLT). The image this Proverb conjures up is meant to be ridiculous and ludicrous. Nobody in their right mind would do something as silly as tying a stone to a sling. It makes no sense. It would serve no purpose. It would be a waste of time. And that’s exactly Solomon’s point. Showering honor on a fool is a useless exercise that will produce no beneficial results. As The Message paraphrases this verse, honoring a fool would be “like setting a mud brick on a marble column.” Absolutely ridiculous.

So why does Solomon have it out for fools? Why does he have such strong words of warning against foolish people and foolish behavior? Because he understands the danger they pose to themselves and to society. In Solomon’s mind, fools are the epitome of the person who lives their life as if there is no God. David, Solomon’s father, had warned him early on in life, “Only fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good” (Psalm 53:1 NLT). In the minds of David and Solomon, the fool was not some innocent, bumbling buffoon who just happened to be a few bricks short of a full load. No, the fool was a danger to society because they failed to honor God with their lives. Fools were pariahs, a drain on society, because of their refusal to work and their tendency to excuse their laziness with lies. They didn’t carry their load. Fools were not to be trusted or tolerated. Their words were worthless because they refused to listen to the wisdom of God.

Fools are just as prevalent today as they were in Solomon’s day. But we have become so much more tolerant of them. We have fools in places of power and influence. We watch fools entertain us on TV and in the movies, then listen intently as they share their words of wisdom with us on everything from marriage to politics and religion. We idolize and envy them for their lifestyles of excess and hedonism. Our government is well-stocked with fools who use clever words and inspiring speeches to win over constituents and solidify their power base. Yet as Solomon warns, “Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public” (Proverbs 26:23-25 NLT). And fools populate the body of Christ as well. Yes, you can be a believer in Jesus Christ and still live like a fool. A fool is simply someone who actively spurns the ways and overtures of God. He lives his life as if there were no God in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. And the fool is one who hears God’s call but refuses to listen. The Christian fool is the man or woman who is spiritually lazy, avoiding the effort demanded to live according to God’s standards. They refuse to spend time in God’s Word, making up all kinds of excuses. They want the benefits of godliness without putting in any effort. They learn to cover what is really in their hearts with “smooth words.” They pretend to be something they’re not. And they are a danger to the body of Christ. Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom. It is the natural and unavoidable consequence of a life lived apart from the life-changing wisdom of God found in His Word. Avoid the fool at all costs. Avoid foolishness at all costs.

Father, open my eyes to the presence of fools around me, including in my own home. But never let me assume that I am not fully capable of being a fool myself. Keep me in Your Word. Teach me the value of Your wisdom. Never let me live as if You don’t exist and when I attempt to be my own god, knock me off my pedestal quickly. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 25

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Some Convicting Comparisons.

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.” – Proverbs 25:28 NLT

While the Proverbs are about wisdom, knowledge and understanding, they are written in a fairly simple and easy-to-understand style. Contrasts and comparisons are used throughout and figures of speech like metaphors, similes and hyperbole help make them come alive. Sometimes the best way to make a point is by use of comparison. Even today we use terms like, “You’re as stubborn as a mule!” or “He was as mad as a hornet!” While most of us have never been around a mule, we get the point and the visual image helps paint a picture that is hard to forget. In Proverbs 25, we find a number of similes used that compare one thing to another in order to make a point. Well-thought-out, well-crafted-words spoken at the right time are like apples made of gold placed in a silver receptacle. Those kinds of words are priceless, beautiful and valuable. Like an apple made of gold, well-timed, wise words are far more valuable than normal, everyday words. The words have value, but then so do the source from which they come. The person who speaks these kinds of words is like a silver basket – practical and priceless at the same time.

Another simile found in this Proverb compares the person who fails to keep their word regarding the promise of a gift to a cloud that brings no rain. The image is that of a rain cloud driven by the wind that is headed your way. You expect it to arrive any minute and bring with it much-needed rain. But it fails to deliver. That is what it is like when we promise to do something for someone or give something to someone – we get their hopes up, giving them false expectations that never get fulfilled. Imagine the farmer who is in desperate need of rain who spies what appears to be a rain crowd on the horizon headed his way. He gets excited. He begins to hope for deliverance from the drought he is suffering. He starts dreaming of relief, only to have his hopes dashed when the cloud arrives, but the rain is nowhere to be found. The result is disappointment, discouragement and despair.

One of the most graphic and memorable comparisons in this Proverb found in verse 19. “Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.” What a picture! The idea being conveyed is that of someone who has no choice. They have to eat, so they have to attempt to chew their food even with a broken tooth. They have to walk, so they have to try and do so with a broken or injured foot. The pain associated with these two situations is graphic. And the point is that there are times when we are forced to place our confidence in someone we KNOW will not come through for us. We have no choice or no other alternative, and the pain associated with that decision is real. But the real point of this saying is to encourage us NOT to be that unreliable person. When people can’t count on us to come through, we do real damage and cause tremendous pain to those who are forced to trust us. We make even the simplest act painful because of our failure to come through.

The way we live our lives has implications – not just on us, but on all those around us. Our behavior has consequences. When we gossip it results in anger, as surely as the north wind results in rain. When we bring good news to someone who is struggling, it refreshes them like cold water to someone who is thirsty. When we sell out our spiritual integrity under pressure from godless people, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring. The one thing we have to offer that could bring life – our integrity – gets polluted or destroyed. These comparisons are meant to be convicting. They are also meant to encourage a certain kind of behavior. As believers our lives are to be different. We are to live according to a different set of standards. Our words are to lift up, not tear down. Our promises are to be kept, regardless of the cost. Our integrity is to remain firm, in spite of pressure from the godless around us. Every day, we choose to become like God or like the world around us, and our choices always have consequences.

Father, I want my life to be a reflection of my relationship with You. I want to live differently. I want my speech and actions to be positive, encouraging, life-giving and God-honoring. May what others say of me always be a result of my relationship with You. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

 

Proverbs 24

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A Dangerous Combination.

“I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense.” – Proverbs 24:30 NLT

One of the fallacies associated with the life of faith is that there is little we are responsible for in our Christian life. It is a life based solely upon grace and not merit. While it is true that we can’t earn our salvation through effort or works, it is NOT true that grace eliminates effort altogether. Grace is opposed to earning, not effort. We can’t earn favor with God. We can’t earn out way into heaven. We can’t earn godliness, but we are to strive for it. Paul said, “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT). Paul pursued the life of righteousness with a vengeance. While he knew that ultimately it is God’s responsibility to produce the life of godliness within us, Paul also knew that he had a responsibility to pursue the things of God. God makes the crops grow, but the farmer still has to till the ground and plant the seed.

In the book of Proverbs you will see repeated mention of the sluggard or the lazy person. Sometimes he is referred to as the sloth. He is slow moving, sleep loving and work despising. In verse 30, Solomon combines the attribute of laziness with the lack of common sense. It presents a toxic blend of two character traits that are each bad enough alone, but devastating when combined. In reality, the lazy person probably always lacks common sense or understanding, because they fail to recognize that their failure to act and desire to avoid work will always produce the wrong results. Solomon’s describes the visible outcome of the lifestyle of laziness and ignorance: “I walked by the field of a lazy person, the vineyard of one with no common sense. I saw that it was overgrown with nettles. It was covered with weeds, and its walls were broken down” (Proverbs 24:30-31 NLT). This guy’s field or vineyard is overgrown with weeds and the walls designed to protect it are in a shambles. In other words, due to this person’s laziness and lack of common sense, his vineyard would fail to produce fruit. His ignorance and unwilling to work would result in fruitlessness. What a sad picture of the lives of so many Christians today. Due to spiritual apathy and laziness, their lives produce little in the way of fruit. They have neglected the spiritual disciplines of prayer, Scripture reading, meditation, and the study of God’s Word. As a result, their spiritual walls are broken down and their lives have become fruitless. The lesson Solomon learned from seeing the field of the lazy person apply to us today. “A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber” (Proverbs 24:33-34 NLT). Our choice to take the lazy way will result in spiritual poverty. The apostle Paul challenges us, “let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God” (2 Corinthians 7:1 NLT). The godly life requires diligent effort and common sense. We must pursue the things of God with a vengeance. We must make the things of God our highest priority. He has placed His Spirit within us, but the Holy Spirit will not force Himself on us. We must make a choice to tap into His power and take full advantage of His presence in our lives. “But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live” (Romans 8:13 NLT). Laziness and a lack of common sense are a dangerous combination in the life of the believer. God has called us to work hard and think wisely, which is why Paul encourages us to “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:12-13 NLT).

Father, forgive me for my spiritual apathy and laziness. Forgive me for my lack of common sense when I have the wisdom of God available to me through the Word of God. I want to be “a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 23

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Trust In the Lord.

“Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.” – Proverbs 23:17-18 NLT

Proverbs 23 contains a portion of the 30 wise sayings begun by Solomon in Proverbs 22. He prefaced his list with this explanation: “I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord. I have written thirty sayings for you, filled with advice and knowledge. In this way, you may know the truth…” (Proverbs 22:19-21 NLT). The majority of what follows are warnings of what NOT to do. Don’t rob the poor, don’t befriend angry people, don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt, etc. Solomon calls all these sayings “the words of the wise.” He encourages us to “keep them in your heart and always ready on your lips.” At first glance, they simply seem to be common sense sayings that are based on good moral judgment and proper ethics. But in reality, they express the heart of God and the life of the man who knows and fears God. There are warnings against taking advantage of the poor who God cares for and will defend. There are warnings about allowing anything other than God to become your source of provision or pleasure. That is why he brings up eating with the wealthy, powerful and influential. Are we doing so in order to gain favor, to be part of the in-crowd, or pave our way to success? He warns against becoming so obsessed with wealth that you wear yourself in the pursuit of it. You run the risk of making money your god, expecting it to do for you what only God Himself can do. Throughout Proverbs 23, Solomon warns us about our relationships. He talks about dining with rulers, eating with the stingy, cheating our neighbors, counseling fools, disciplining children, envying sinners, partying with drunks, and soliciting prostitutes. Our earthly relationships are a very clear indicator of the kind of relationship we have with God. The godly discipline their children; are content rather than envious of others; turn to God for assistance rather than the wealthy, powerful and influential of this earth; practice self-control and use discernment in living their lives.

Solomon began his list with the statement, “I am teaching you today – yes, you – so you will trust in the Lord.” Many, if not all, of his warnings have to do with taking advantage of others in order to get ahead. They paint the picture of an individual who is obsessed with the people and things of this earth to satisfy his needs and desires. Solomon tells us to choose our relationships carefully – in the fear of the Lord. He tells us to control our physical appetites for food, wine and sex – in the fear of the Lord. He tells us to discipline our children – in the fear of the Lord. He tells us to commit ourselves to godly wisdom – in the fear of the Lord. At the heart of all our behavior should be a healthy fear of and respect for God. NOT doing these things will NOT produce godliness. We don’t do these things because we are godly. We belong to God. We are His children. We represent Him on this earth. We don’t live like the world. Over in the book of Titus, Paul writes, “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed” (Titus 2:11-13 NLT). We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. That is exactly what Solomon is talking about. Our fear of, love for, and devotion to God should determine our behavior on this planet, and reflect that we are His children.

Father, continue to teach me to live my life for You and not me. I want my life to be devoted to You in such a way that everyone around me can see it. I don’t want the things of this world to ever replace You in my life. Forgive me when I allow them to do so. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 20

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The God-Directed Life.

“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” – Proverbs 20:24 NLT

Those who say they are following Christ are really allowing God to lead their lives. To say I am following someone sounds like this is my decision and I am the one determining my own way. But when I follow Christ, I am walking the way of God, the path He has chosen for a righteous, godly life. That is the path that Christ took and when I get in line behind Him, that is the way I go. Only He knows the direction, so I must follow closely. If I choose to wander off the path and go my own way, it will not go well for me. The godly life is a God-directed life. It is allowing Him to direct my steps, determine my way, and then empower me as I take each step. Solomon seems to have known this truth, because it permeates the Proverbs. He realizes that the godly person is one who recognizes that God directs his life. But Solomon knows that, as human beings, we struggle with the seeming loss of control. In Proverbs 20 he asks us “the Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24 NLT). We want to know where we are going and we want to know why we have to go there. Sometimes we find our circumstances difficult and we want God to explain what happened. At times we find ourselves going through a rough patch of life and we demand that God explain how He got us there. But God is not obligated to explain Himself to us. A prerequisite for following anyone is TRUST. Especially if we don’t know where they are taking us. Along the way, we may encounter difficulties, but we have to trust that God knows what is best. But not only do we have to trust God for the direction of our lives, we have to trust him for strength for the journey. All along the way, we will have countless opportunities to stray and take the path of the drunkard, the fighter, the swindler, the sluggard, and the fool. Solomon deals with these individuals repeatedly. They illustrate the life of the person who has decided to follow their own path rather than God’s. We can easily become self-deceived when we live self-directed lives. We can even think we are doing well, but Solomon warns us, “Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin?'” (Proverbs 20:9 NLT). This is obviously a rhetorical question and the answer is “no one.” Only God knows our heart and only God can cleanse it. Only God can direct our lives so that we end up living lives of integrity and wholeness. Only God’s way will reveal a life marked by godly behavior. “The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive” (Proverbs 20:27 NLT). As God directs our lives, He will use the activity of the journey to expose what is going on inside of us. He will reveal weaknesses and sinful habits that need to be repented of and removed from our lives. He will change our hearts and alter our behavior, and it is our God-directed behavior that will reveal to others that we are His. “Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right” (Proverbs 20:11 NLT). When we follow God, others will see our walk and know by our behavior and the direction of our lives that we are godly.
Following God requires trust for more than just direction. If somewhere along the path we are attacked and hurt by someone else, our natural tendency will be to strike back and seek revenge. But we are warned, “Don’t say, ‘I will get even for this wrong.’ Wait for the Lord to handle the matter” (Proverbs 20:22 NLT). That requires trust. If things don’t appear to be going well, trust God. If you find yourself feeling lost, trust God. If you begin to feel tired and weak, trust God. The purpose of the journey that God has us on is NOT just to get to the final destination. The journey is really about getting to know ourselves and getting to know Him. The path from Egypt to the Promised Land was designed to help the Israelites learn to trust God and not themselves. It was intended to build dependence and reveal weakness. They would have to learn to follow God even when things looked bleak and the journey seemed pointless and directionless. God knew what He was doing. As important as the destination might have been, the task of getting there was just as vital. We are on a journey too. We are following God. We have a final destination, but our time on this earth is designed to increase our dependence on God and reveal to those around us that we are on a different path, led by a God who loves us, guides us, protects us, and strengthens us all along the way.

Father, I want to learn to trust You more. Forgive me for demanding explanations and for wanting to “backseat drive” along the way. I know You don’t need my help. Give me the peace to take the next step and trust You for strength along the way. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 19

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The Simple Life Of Integrity.

“Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.” – Proverbs 19:1 NLT

What does a person of integrity look like? In our modern culture, we have diluted integrity down into the one-dimensional idea of honesty. If you tell the truth or keep your word, you’re referred to as a man of integrity. But the biblical view of integrity is so much deeper, fuller and all-inclusive. And the Proverbs help us see what the life of a person of integrity looks like. Using comparisons and contrasts, it paints simple word pictures of what the person of integrity does and doesn’t do. The biblical concept of integrity is wholeness. It carries the idea of soundness and completeness and illustrates a life that is non-compartmentalized. It is a life lived entirely for God with no parts held back. It is giving God of my life, not just the convenient parts, and it is allowing God to transform every area of my life, including my speech, attitudes, and actions. Solomon tells us over and over again that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. God is the source of all we need to live a godly, whole and complete life. The person who refuses to acknowledge this reality is designated as a fool in the Proverbs, and a fool is simply one who actively spurns the ways and overtures of God. The fool says there is no God or lives his life as if there were no God in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. And the fool is one who hears God’s call but refuses to listen. As a result his or her life is incomplete, lacking in wholeness, and spiritually unhealthy.

Integrity is righteousness lived out. It is visible to the eye. It is when the wisdom, knowledge and understanding we receive from God begins to influence our behavior and speech so that others can see it and be influenced by it. Integrity makes us willing to do the right thing and suffer loss rather than lie in order to get ahead (Proverbs 19:1). Without integrity, we tend to rush headlong into decisions, letting our enthusiasm drive our choices rather than wisdom (Proverbs 19:2). People of integrity still make mistakes, but when they do they refuse to blame God for the consequences (Proverbs 19:3). They don’t practice “fake” friendships, pursuing relationships purely for what they can get out of them (Proverbs 19:4, 6, 7). Instead, they view others through God’s eyes, loving the helpless and hopeless the same way He does (Proverbs 19:17). The integral life is marked by honesty and truth-telling at all times and at any cost (Proverbs 19:5, 9). The life of integrity is the only acceptable form of self-love because it ends up rewarding those who practice it with great benefits (Proverbs 19:8). A person of integrity lives their entire life for God, so they are less likely to get angry when offended or when things don’t go their way. They have a greater capacity to overlook a wrong committed because they understand the fallen nature of man. This God-given patience provides them with respect and protects them from harm (Proverbs 19:11, 12, 19). Integrity understands that ultimately God is in control, and His will will be done (Proverbs 19:14, 21). The integral life is marked by obedience to God, hard work, the constant pursuit of wisdom, and a fear of the Lord (Proverbs 19:15, 16, 20, 23, 24). Integrity encourages parents to create an atmosphere in their home where instruction is God-centered, and discipline is practiced in order to raise children who are God-fearing (Proverbs 19:18, 25, 26, 27, 29.

In the very first chapter of this book, Solomon gives us the reason he is writing them down. “Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just and fair” (Proverbs 1:2-3 NLT). But then he adds, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge” (Proverbs 19:7 NLT). It all starts with God. We must understand that only He can provide us the wisdom, insight, understanding, and discipline we need to live lives of integrity. We can’t manufacture these things on our own. But when we put Him first and allow Him to change us from the inside-out, others will see the change in our lives – in every area of our lives. Our integrity will be visible all those around us.

Father, make us a people of integrity. Change us completely, wholly and make us holy. May our lives reflect that we belong to you and that You are transforming every area of our lives. Let the world see our holiness through our actions and speech. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Proverbs 18

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In A Word.

“Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.” – Proverbs 18:20 NLT

Let’s face it, the tongue is the most powerful muscle in the human body. It’s relatively small and unseen most of the time, but it can really pack a punch when it comes to influence. Sometimes the human tongue seem to have a mind of its own. From it can come words that offend others and shock the one from whose mouth the words came. James, the half brother of Jesus, put had some disturbing insights into the tongue: “People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” (James 3:7-10 NLT).

Of course, James is simply using the tongue as a symbol of our words or speech. And speech, like our conduct or behavior, is directly linked to our hearts. What comes out of our mouths is tied to the condition of our hearts. And the heart is simply another metaphor for the inner man or the soul. Jesus put it this way: “But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you” (Matthew 15:18-20 NLT). On another occasion, Jesus stated the relationship between the tongue and the heart this way: “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45 NLT). It all starts within. What’s inside has to come out, and it shows up in our actions, attitudes, and words. Solomon knew this all too well. In Proverbs 18, he seems to group a whole series of statements about words and speech together. He juxtaposes the difference between the words of a fool and those of a wise person. One simply wants to air their own opinion, regardless of its worth. The other speaks words that are profound and a source of satisfaction to others. The words of fools lead them into conflict and get them into trouble. They gossip and complain, more often than not, speaking before they have all the facts about a person or a matter. They offend friends and enemies alike. But the words of the wise satisfy like a good meal, the right words spoken at the right time bring satisfaction.

Our words are powerful. Our tongues are highly influential. As James said, with them we can praise God and then turn around and curse those made in the image of God. I love the advice Solomon gave in an earlier Proverb: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut” (Proverbs 10:19 NLT). It would profitable for us to think before we speak. It would pay for us to consider the condition of our hearts before we open our mouths. And if we speak, we need to listen to what we say and examine the content. It will be a great barometer of the condition of our soul.

Father, the tongue can be hard to control. But while it can seem to have a mind of its own, it doesn’t. It simply reflects what is going on inside of us. It reveals the condition of our spiritual lives. It makes the inward man visible to the outside world. And in the course of doing so, it can do either tremendous good or a lot of damage. Continue to change my heart so that my words may be honoring to You and a blessing to those around me. May my words be wise and not worthless. Amen.

Ken Miller

Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org