GraceCreates

By Jon Walker

“Excel in showing respect for each other.” (Romans 12:10b, GW)

Respect begins with a godly perspective.

Respect means we see one another through our Father’s eyes as eternal beings (John 3:16) chosen by God “for the high calling of priestly work … God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him ….” (1 Peter 2:9, Msg). It also means seeing each other as “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17, NIV).

Respect means we consistently remember we’ll soon be sharing heaven with other believers whom we know from our churches, our neighborhoods, our places of work — anywhere we meet other people. We give respect even to those whom we have difficulty respecting.

We give respect other believers, regardless of their so-called station in life, understanding that God “put the body together in such a way that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity” (1 Corinthians 12:24, NLT).

Respect also means we recognize that all human beings, regardless of their beliefs, are eternal beings created by God. C.S. Lewis notes this in “Mere Christianity,” that all men and women are created for eternity; the significant question is where they will spend eternity – with God or away from God.

A significant part of showing respect is simply listening. We offer our presence and open our ears—listening to the hidden hurts and heartaches, the deepest dreams and desires of one another. The God of the universe listens to our prayers; Jesus listened to those around him; we should listen to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Part of listening means we don’t rush to fix things or to give an answer; we respect others enough to let others share their full story. Sometimes all another person needs is for someone to hear what’s on his or her heart, just as we need for others to listen to us.

Respect means we trust others, instead of assuming they’ll get it wrong, or not do it as well as we would (Philippians 2:3). In other words, we don’t insist that others wear our armor, as King Saul wanted David to do when the young shepherd went into battle with Goliath. We respect the way God has Shaped them, understanding they may do things in a different way.

We also demonstrate respect by doing what we can to protect the reputation and dignity of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead of listening to malicious gossip about others, or contributing to the spread of rumors, we let our love cover over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8, NIV).

What else does this mean?

• Tactful, not just truthful – Tactfulness is thinking before you speak, knowing that the way you say something will influence how it is received. Criticism is best received when it is presented in a loving manner and, as mature Christians, we’re to “know the whole truth” but “tell it in love” (Ephesians 4:15, Msg). Before you speak frankly with someone, ask yourself, ‘Why am I saying this? Will my words build them up or tear them down?’ “Kind words bring life but cruel words crush your spirit” (Proverbs 15:4, TEV)
• Understanding, not demanding – We respect others when we treat them the way we would want to be treated (Luke 6:31). When people are interacting with you, do you want them to demand or understand? We should be considerate of one another’s feelings and stresses: sometimes people don’t feel good, or they’re just having a bad day. The Bible says, “A wise, mature person is known for his understanding” (Proverbs 16:21, TEV). The best place to start practicing this is in our homes and Bible study groups. It’s sad, but true that often we’re more polite to strangers than we are to the people we see every day.
• Gentle, not judgmental – Even when we disagree with one another, we should still be courteous and respectful—focusing on our own behavior first: “… Each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on each other. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block in your brother’s way” (Romans 14:12–13, NIV).
• Polite, not rude – When others are rude to you, you’re not required to respond with rudeness (Although it’s amazing how often we act as if a rude response is a requirement). As Christ-followers, we are taught to respond with kindness: “Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good” (Romans 12:21, Msg).
• A special note on respect – God entrusted the pastors and spiritual leaders of your church to “watch over your souls,” and they are accountable to God for this task (Hebrews 13:17, LB). They must correctly teach God’s Word; confront false teaching before it spreads; proclaim the Gospel to nonbelievers; pray for all people, including you and your family; train and appoint leaders; and they must do this all while serving as an example of what it means to be a follower of Jesus (1 and 2 Timothy). This week think of ways you can show them respect and appreciation. A simple not of encouragement is a good place to start.

Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.

By Jon Walker
 
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 HCSB)

When Jesus speaks of love, he allows no room for sentimental fantasy or momentary emotion. He sees love through the eyes of the Father, and from this point of view he deeply understands that true, eternal, godly love is bold and strong, but also painful, messy, and sacrificial.
 
A love of this strength and magnitude can only take root in the soil of abandonment. We abandon our rights, our thoughts, and our schemes. It was this total and uncompromising abandonment to God that led Jesus to say and do only what the Father told him to do. (John 14:10) It was this uncompromising abandonment that led him to the cross.
 
If we are to become just like Christ, then we also must be abandoned to the Father. We must line up with the thoughts and plans of God so closely that we appear to be “at one” with him, just as a married couple, deeply abandoned to each other, appear to live as one. Through abandonment, we walk so closely with God that, when people see us, they see the Father at work.
 
Jesus is teaching this abandonment when he says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” In other words, he’s not demanding that you be obedient; rather, he’s telling you that love for him should compel you to embrace his purposes.
 
The Jesus way is that you obey God’s commands because you love God, not because you must obey God. By actively pursuing the purposes of God, you worship your Creator.
 
This also gives you a Christ-like perspective on the daily details of your life, turning every decision into a moment of adoration for God. When you let someone else take the parking space, when you stand behind a promise that proves more costly than you imagined, when you extend hospitality to the cranky neighbor next door – these are moments of worship to God because you are choosing to be obedient to his purposes, rather than doing things your own way. Even choosing not to sin becomes an act of worship, as it brings you into closer alignment with God’s commands.
 
What does this mean?

• As you face decisions today, ask God to show you which path will be an act of worship to him. Then (I know this is easier said than done), move where he tells you to move.
• As you take this step, keep your eyes sensitive to God’s grace and presence in the moment. Do this throughout the day, keeping a log so you can track your movement toward oneness with God and his purposes.

Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.

By Jon Walker

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14 HCSB)

Have you ever carried on a debate with some one – for hours? Perhaps the debate lasted for days, an intense debate, where you made every point brilliantly, proving your position was right and justified.

And even though you win the debate, it still keeps going because the debate is all in your head – you against a phantom opponent who represents someone who hurt you in the reality of life. You go over the hurt again and again – in your mind.

Jesus knows about the human tendency to have these extended conversations in our mind – how we’ll go over a situation again and again, creating an ever-deeper rut of hurt and anger.

He also knows that these thoughts – as well as the things we say within our head or through our lips – are reflections of the landscape of our hearts. He says, “What comes out of the mouth gets its start in the heart.” (Matthew 15:18-20 MSG)

Our hearts speak louder than our words.

The Apostle Paul explains, “If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-13 MSG)

In other words, on the dashboard of your life, the gauge that monitors the condition of your heart is what comes out of your mouth: anger or acceptance, criticism or encouragement, bitterness or forgiveness.

God doesn’t want us to try to hide the condition of our hearts by being insincere in what we say or do – God forbid that.

He wants us to hand him our hearts so he can scrub them clean and heal our hurts.

The king of ancient Israel, David, confessed the sin in his heart, inviting God to change the condition of his heart: “God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10 HCSB)

When you give God your heart, he will set a guard around it: “And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 HCSB)

What does this mean?

• Vigilantly guard your heart – Your heart will create the foundation for healthy, godly communications. Ask God to guide you as you maintain vigilance over your heart by dealing with issues immediately, instead of allowing them to fester for days, weeks, or even longer.
• Ask God to show you where there may be parts of your heart that need to be cleansed. Ask him to show you if there is anyone with whom you need to make things right.

Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.

By Jon Walker

I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me. But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD — now and always. (Psalms 131:1b-3 NLT)

Today’s devotional actually comes from my sister, a godly woman and serious prayer warrior. She e-mailed this morning, saying she’d been thinking the peace of God that passes all understanding.

She said she’d spent some time meditating on Psalm 131 –

• Verse 1b – “… I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me ….” We are free to live out our purpose when we relinquish control of the things that don’t belong to us in the first place, such as worry about things over which we have no control, or trying to control something we have no business trying to control.
• Verse 2 – “But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother ….”  I trust, even when the outcome seems a long way away. A nursing child wants attention now, but weaned child trusts and is content to wait.
• Verse 3 – “… Put your hope in the LORD — now and always.” We hope in the Lord with confident expectation. In other words, we truly believe he will answer our prayers, that he will respond, that he will get us through. You can declare confidently that the Lord will pave your way and walk with you and keep your feet from stumbling. He’s done it before, and he’ll do it again!

Praise God for his peace! It is through his peace that we can do all things – and endure so much. It is a peace that passes all understanding.

What now?

• Overly concerned – Is your peace undermined because you’re concerned about matters that are not even your responsibility? Or a matter over which you have absolutely no control? Ask God what should be on your “responsibility” list; ask him what items you should remove from your list. Psalm 131:1b – “I don’t concern myself with matters too great or awesome for me.”
• Prayer, but delayed gratification – Are you at peace because you have learned to trust God and wait? If not, ask God to reveal what makes you demand an immediate answer from him, and talk to him about what he reveals. Ask God to help you learn to trust him – and to wait. Psalm 131:2 – “But I have stilled and quieted myself, just as a small child is quiet with its mother. Yes, like a small child is my soul within me.”
• Confident expectation – When you say you hope in the Lord, then really hope in the Lord. Expect him to come through for you – at just the right time in just the right way. Psalm 131:3 – “O Israel, put your hope in the LORD — now and always.”

Jon Walker is the teaching pastor for “The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals,” and resident writer at www.GraceCreates.com. This devotional is copyrighted 2008 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.