Life’s decisions are seldom simple. Christian ethics aren’t always as easy as some would like to make them out to be. There sometimes is a conflict between God and government.
The religious high court told Jesus’ followers, Peter and John, “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” Although the court had the authority to make that demand, Peter and John immediately answered that they would disobey the ruling because their ultimate allegiance was to God and not to government.
What if everybody did this? If we each decided to pray about what speed we should drive instead of accepting the speed limit laws, we would have automotive chaos. On the other hand, if government must be obeyed without dissent, we have the potential for totalitarian oppression.
Listen to what the New Testament teaches, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.”
That seems pretty clear to me! Christians are to keep all laws. Yet those words were written by Peter – the one who told his leaders he was going to defy their orders to keep quiet about Jesus.
The broad Christian principle here is that Christians should do their best to obey every law even when the laws are wrong. However, there are limits. God is our highest authority and we must ultimately obey God even if it means breaking the law.
Related Scripture: I Peter 2:13-14
© 2007 Leith Anderson
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
A Slave for Jesus
St. Paul was a man willing to do whatever it took to persuade people to become followers of Jesus Christ. Listen to his extraordinary words: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law.…To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel.” Paul was a true believer.
During the 19th century the Dutch ruled a part of South America that is now called Suriname. Off the coast of that Dutch colony there was an island that some missionaries wanted to reach for Jesus. Most of the islanders were slaves and the plantation owners forbade the missionaries access out of fear of what would happen if the slaves became Christians. They were concerned that outside influence could cause an uprising. As a result, the plantation owners made a rule that effectively excluded missionaries from their property. It said that only slaves may talk to slaves.
Do you know how those missionaries responded to this edict? They sold themselves into slavery. In spite of the harsh treatment and the tropical diseases, they worked on the plantations for the rest of their lives.
Like St. Paul, they became slaves to reach lost people for Jesus.
Related Scripture: I Corinthians 9:19-23
© 2007 Leith Anderson
During the 19th century the Dutch ruled a part of South America that is now called Suriname. Off the coast of that Dutch colony there was an island that some missionaries wanted to reach for Jesus. Most of the islanders were slaves and the plantation owners forbade the missionaries access out of fear of what would happen if the slaves became Christians. They were concerned that outside influence could cause an uprising. As a result, the plantation owners made a rule that effectively excluded missionaries from their property. It said that only slaves may talk to slaves.
Do you know how those missionaries responded to this edict? They sold themselves into slavery. In spite of the harsh treatment and the tropical diseases, they worked on the plantations for the rest of their lives.
Like St. Paul, they became slaves to reach lost people for Jesus.
Related Scripture: I Corinthians 9:19-23
© 2007 Leith Anderson
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Do You Believe That?
Our American culture says that everyone is good, everyone is headed for heaven and every religion is a way to get there. As a result, the New Testament teaching that non-Christians are lost from God and that Jesus is the only way to salvation, is not very popular.
Jesus said, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already.”
In 1854 a criminal named Charlie Peace was hung in London. In those days part of the execution ritual was having an Anglican priest read this liturgy as the condemned was led to the gallows: “Those who die without Christ experience hell, which is the pain of forever dying without the release which death itself can bring.”
Charlie Peace shouted at the priest, “Do you believe that?”
Surprised by the unexpected outburst, the priest haltingly replied, “Well...I...suppose I do.”
“Well, I don't,” said the man about to die. “But if I did, I'd get down on my hands and knees and crawl all over Great Britain, even if it were paved with pieces of broken glass, if I could rescue one person from what you just told me.”
If we really believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven and that we can affect a person's eternal destiny by sharing that information, we will tell others.
John 3:16-18
© 2007 Leith Anderson
Jesus said, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already.”
In 1854 a criminal named Charlie Peace was hung in London. In those days part of the execution ritual was having an Anglican priest read this liturgy as the condemned was led to the gallows: “Those who die without Christ experience hell, which is the pain of forever dying without the release which death itself can bring.”
Charlie Peace shouted at the priest, “Do you believe that?”
Surprised by the unexpected outburst, the priest haltingly replied, “Well...I...suppose I do.”
“Well, I don't,” said the man about to die. “But if I did, I'd get down on my hands and knees and crawl all over Great Britain, even if it were paved with pieces of broken glass, if I could rescue one person from what you just told me.”
If we really believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven and that we can affect a person's eternal destiny by sharing that information, we will tell others.
John 3:16-18
© 2007 Leith Anderson
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Too Important not to Share
The Mercedes Benz Company created a television ad showing one of their cars crashing into a concrete wall. The purpose of the ad was to demonstrate Mercedes’ superior technology in the ability to absorb the energy of the crash so that it would save lives in otherwise fatal car crashes. In the ad someone asks the Mercedes’ representative why they didn’t use patent law to protect their ingenious engineering ideas from being copied by other auto companies. The Mercedes Benz representative answers, “Because some things in life are too important not to share.”
That’s the way it is with the very good news of Jesus Christ. It’s too important not to share. Jesus started out with a handful of followers and today it is estimated that there are almost two billion people around the globe who call themselves Christians. How did it happen? The answer is obvious – Christians convinced unbelievers to follow Jesus. That’s what Christians do. We tell others about God. We explain the gospel of Jesus Christ. We send missionaries. To be a Christian is to act in ways that produce more Christians.
When Jesus returned to earth after his death and resurrection, he told his followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Jesus expected every Christian to join with him in recruiting new Christians who would be real Christians – disciples who are baptized and learning to obey everything Jesus commanded.
Related Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
© 2007 Leith Anderson
That’s the way it is with the very good news of Jesus Christ. It’s too important not to share. Jesus started out with a handful of followers and today it is estimated that there are almost two billion people around the globe who call themselves Christians. How did it happen? The answer is obvious – Christians convinced unbelievers to follow Jesus. That’s what Christians do. We tell others about God. We explain the gospel of Jesus Christ. We send missionaries. To be a Christian is to act in ways that produce more Christians.
When Jesus returned to earth after his death and resurrection, he told his followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Jesus expected every Christian to join with him in recruiting new Christians who would be real Christians – disciples who are baptized and learning to obey everything Jesus commanded.
Related Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
© 2007 Leith Anderson
Monday, August 27, 2007
Building the Panama Canal
As a pastor I’ve experienced my share of criticism in the ministry. And along the way I’ve learned that it’s important to follow both a short term and long term approach in dealing with criticism.
For the short term, it’s important to avoid the temptation to hastily respond to criticism in ways that will make matters worse in the future. For example, don’t lose your temper in writing. It can come back to haunt you!
Another tactic is to try avoiding the criticism in the first place. This is actually a Biblical approach. Because the apostle Paul knew that money matters can trigger criticism, he wrote, “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” Paul made an extra effort to head off the criticism before it came.
As for the long term approach, allow me to share a great story about Colonel George Washington Goethals who worked on building the Panama Canal. Although he faced formidable problems with weather and geography, his biggest burden was severe criticism from people, politicians and the press back at home. A co-worker once asked him when he was going to answer his critics and Goethals said, “When the canal is finished.”
The Bible says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” In other words, the best long term response to your critics is a life well lived and a job well done.
Related Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 & I Peter 2:12
© 2007 Leith Anderson
For the short term, it’s important to avoid the temptation to hastily respond to criticism in ways that will make matters worse in the future. For example, don’t lose your temper in writing. It can come back to haunt you!
Another tactic is to try avoiding the criticism in the first place. This is actually a Biblical approach. Because the apostle Paul knew that money matters can trigger criticism, he wrote, “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” Paul made an extra effort to head off the criticism before it came.
As for the long term approach, allow me to share a great story about Colonel George Washington Goethals who worked on building the Panama Canal. Although he faced formidable problems with weather and geography, his biggest burden was severe criticism from people, politicians and the press back at home. A co-worker once asked him when he was going to answer his critics and Goethals said, “When the canal is finished.”
The Bible says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” In other words, the best long term response to your critics is a life well lived and a job well done.
Related Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 & I Peter 2:12
© 2007 Leith Anderson
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Consider the Source
When we’re the target of criticism, it’s easy to think of just ourselves. But as Christians, we need to think about our critics as well.
The Bible tells us, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We need to look at what is happening in our critics’ lives. Why are they so angry? What is their need?
Sometimes the criticism has little to do with us and everything to do with the critic. Some people don’t know how hurtful their words are. They’ve never learned to be kind. They’re not just that way with you; they’re that way with everyone. We sometimes need to feel sorry for the critic, instead of being angry with the critic. Hostile criticism from someone may be a sign that something else is going on in the critic’s life – a lost job, poor health or low self-esteem. All these may burst out in criticism against others. And you may be a handy target. Hurting people often act out against parents, teachers, friends or persons in positions of authority. You may be the target of criticism because of who you are, not what you’ve done.
Some people are critical of everyone and everything. We should not reward their dysfunction by taking their words as seriously as those of thoughtful, loving, careful and occasional critics. When you are criticized, analyze the critic and the criticism. Consider the source.
Related Scripture: Philippians 2:4-5
© 2007 Leith Anderson
The Bible tells us, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We need to look at what is happening in our critics’ lives. Why are they so angry? What is their need?
Sometimes the criticism has little to do with us and everything to do with the critic. Some people don’t know how hurtful their words are. They’ve never learned to be kind. They’re not just that way with you; they’re that way with everyone. We sometimes need to feel sorry for the critic, instead of being angry with the critic. Hostile criticism from someone may be a sign that something else is going on in the critic’s life – a lost job, poor health or low self-esteem. All these may burst out in criticism against others. And you may be a handy target. Hurting people often act out against parents, teachers, friends or persons in positions of authority. You may be the target of criticism because of who you are, not what you’ve done.
Some people are critical of everyone and everything. We should not reward their dysfunction by taking their words as seriously as those of thoughtful, loving, careful and occasional critics. When you are criticized, analyze the critic and the criticism. Consider the source.
Related Scripture: Philippians 2:4-5
© 2007 Leith Anderson
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Take it Slow
Coping with criticism is never easy, but the Bible has some practical advice to help us deal with it.
In the New Testament, James wrote, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
It’s important to hear what a critic says. Restate the criticism back to that person to be sure you correctly understand. It doesn’t mean the critic is right; it’s just that we need to humbly listen.
In the book of Proverbs it says, “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.”
The advice here is to take it slow when you’re insulted or criticized. Take a deep breath. And ask God for wisdom. Tell God what has happened and ask him if you should answer your critic or just let it go. Think through your response. Don’t escalate the situation; deescalate.
Then it’s always good to talk it over with a godly Christian. Many of us are deeply hurt by criticism and it’s easy to get defensive and angry. Talking to a wise and godly Christian can help to settle us down so we can process what’s been said and test some possible responses.
Personally, I’ve been enormously helped by trusted fellow Christians. They have helped me respond with strength and love. They have counseled me to accept the criticism and change. They have helped me to laugh it off when appropriate.
Coping with criticism is much easier if we hear out our critics, pray before responding and seek the counsel of godly Christians.
Related Scripture: James 1:19 & Proverbs 12:16
© 2007 Leith Anderson
In the New Testament, James wrote, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
It’s important to hear what a critic says. Restate the criticism back to that person to be sure you correctly understand. It doesn’t mean the critic is right; it’s just that we need to humbly listen.
In the book of Proverbs it says, “A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.”
The advice here is to take it slow when you’re insulted or criticized. Take a deep breath. And ask God for wisdom. Tell God what has happened and ask him if you should answer your critic or just let it go. Think through your response. Don’t escalate the situation; deescalate.
Then it’s always good to talk it over with a godly Christian. Many of us are deeply hurt by criticism and it’s easy to get defensive and angry. Talking to a wise and godly Christian can help to settle us down so we can process what’s been said and test some possible responses.
Personally, I’ve been enormously helped by trusted fellow Christians. They have helped me respond with strength and love. They have counseled me to accept the criticism and change. They have helped me to laugh it off when appropriate.
Coping with criticism is much easier if we hear out our critics, pray before responding and seek the counsel of godly Christians.
Related Scripture: James 1:19 & Proverbs 12:16
© 2007 Leith Anderson
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