Irons Upon Our Heels

Many in the older generation will remember Dagwood Bumstead. He was a cartoon character who also became the subject of a movie series. Dagwood was married to Blondie who kept him from self-destruction. The problem was that Dagwood liked to sleep late and was always late for work. He would rush through his toast and coffee for breakfast and dash out the door where his wife stood with his hat in hand. When Dagwood arrived at work he would sleep at his desk. He lived to snack and nap. The famous dagwood sandwich lives on in memory of those multi-layered sandwiches a foot high with everything in the refrigerator on them. Dagwood Bumstead was funny but the real-life problem he represented is not.

Laziness plagues us all. The dictionary says that it is that condition of not being willing to work or be active, idleness, a dislike of work. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Most of us don’t think of ourselves as being lazy. We know a lazy person when we see one, but he is not us. We work. We get things done. We don’t sit and watch TV all day long. But we flatter ourselves. The fact is, we are all lazy as a part of our sinful condition. It exists in each and every one of us, lurking in the caverns of our hearts at some level. It is possible to be busy and still be lazy. We can even be self-disciplined in one area of our lives, but lazy in other areas. It is necessary to understand sinfulness in order to come to grips with laziness. Sin is “any want of conformity unto or transgress of, the law of God” (Jas. 4:17). Laziness is a failing to use God’s gifts or to fulfill His calling. It is a manifestation of my sinful condition. It is not doing what I am supposed to do or failing to do the best I can do. Now we may be beginning to feel uncomfortable. But there is more. Are we lazy? Did we get up this morning when we should have? Have we started something and didn’t finish it? Did we receive a grade in school which did not reflect what we were able to do? Is my physical condition a poor one by choice? Do I have a habit which is hurting me which I know I need to break? Do I take the path of least resistance when I face a problem? Do I have a savings account and am I regularly contributing to it? Is there any hope? Can we change? Can the leg-irons of laziness be broken?

If laziness is to be overcome we must acknowledge it and the penalties it carries in life. What are some of these? It creates a limited and poor life (Prov. 6:9-10; 26:13). We say things like, “I’ve tried that but it doesn’t work.” “We just don’t have the time or the money right now.” How easily these words can fall from our mouths and pave the way for doing less than we should. Laziness doesn’t redeem the time (Prov. 26:14). Unfinished projects clutter our lives (Prov. 18:9; 10:26; 19:24; 24:30). Financial troubles plague us because we have not prepared for the future (Prov. 20:4). The pleasure of living the present moment comes back to haunt us. The misery and hardships of an unhappy marriage accumulate because we haven’t given ourselves to the work of love (Prov. 15:19). Apathy about the things that really matter creates dependency on others (Prov. 20:4), becoming a burden on others (Rom. 12:8-11; 1 Tim. 5:13), failure to grow and mature in the Christian life (Heb. 5:11; 6:12), and can result in the greatest waste of all, eternal loss (Matt. 25:26).

We will have to pray that the eyes of our hearts will be enlightened to recognize our accountability to God. The fight against the downward drag of slothfulness never ends. All Christians are responsible to God for what they do with their body, mind, and time (Rom. 12:1-2). And what is the motivation for this? The infinite mercies of God. All that God has done for us in Christ and the “expulsive power of a new affection” slays the dragon of indolence. The growth of love for God will move us to establish a routine which will make demands upon us (Prov. 6:6-11). We must search out and deal ruthlessly with the busyness that keeps us from doing what we ought to do. Does my daily routine reflect kingdom priorities? Are we developing our spiritual gifts (2 Tim. 1:6)? By the grace of God, attack the habits that need to be broken (e.g. overeating, undereating, overspending, wasteful spending, excessive television time, time consuming video games). We would do well to model our lives after genuine heroes (Heb. 6:12). The hall of faith is filled with worthy role models, as well as others in the body of Christ (Heb. 11, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley).

Christian, in John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, journeyed from the City of Destruction to Mount Zion (the heavenly city). When he came to that place of the cross where the burden of sin rolled from his back into an empty tomb, he gave three leaps for joy, and went on his way singing. But his eye quickly turned to three men fast asleep, with fetters upon their heels. The name of one of these sleepers was Sloth. Christian tried to awake him and help him off with his irons. But Sloth said, “Yet a little more sleep.” So he lay down to sleep again, and Christian set out on his journey. The greatest waste of all for the unbeliever is to sleep through the opportunity to know God, then die, and suffer the pain of judgment for all eternity. For the child of God, the waste of time, money, and abilities is a sour musical note. When we see Christ will we lament that laziness kept us from having loved Him more?

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church

The Critic’s Choice

A critical spirit is like cancer cells. If it is not identified and corrected it will spread and kill. A classic case study of this is seen in what it did to a large group of people. When Israel was being pursued by the Egyptian army they cried out to the Lord and criticized Moses. They blamed Moses for putting them in their predicament (Ex. 14:11-12). But this was only a preview of what would prove to be the death of the nation. After having miraculously crossed the Red Sea and escaping from Pharaoh’s war chariots, all by God’s mighty hand of deliverance, Israel found fault with Moses for not providing fresh water (Ex. 15:23-24). A short time later Moses was blamed for a lack of food (Ex. 16:2). Then it was back to complaining about the lack of water (Ex. 17:1-3). The wilderness was a hostile environment but God supplied Israel with all their nutritional needs by means of a strange food called manna. It appeared on the ground every day but the Sabbath. But even this wonderful provision became the occasion for complaint (Num. 11:1). The people grew tired of their heavenly oatmeal and craved the food they had had in Egypt. Finally, the straw that broke the camel’s back occurred at a place called Kadesh-barnea (Num. 14). It was there that Israel complained over the impossibility of the task of taking the land of Canaan, the place God has promised to give them. God had heard enough of complaining Israelites. An entire generation was disciplined by the Lord. For forty years they would languish in the wilderness. All who were 20 years of age and older would die except Joshua and Caleb.

This sad story provides us with the anatomy of a critical spirit. In the first place, a complaining attitude is not caused by circumstances. It surfaces in certain situations, but it is basically a problem of the heart. Israel was critical when she didn’t have enough, when she thought she had too much, in the face of obstacles, and when things weren’t done their way. A critical spirit demonstrates a lack of contentment, a heart not thankful for the provisions of God. It focuses on the problem, not the solution. It vents itself toward those in positions of authority and responsibility. A complaining attitude is a form of blame shifting. It will not take responsibility for itself (Num. 16:41). A critical spirit is a habit not easily broken and is infectious. It is a sign of unbelief in its refusal to live by the Word of God (Psa. 106:24-25). A critical, faultfinding disposition is an infection that will do great harm if it is not overcome by God’s grace.

The place to start in starving this sinful pattern to death is to look at your record. How much of a complainer are you? Have you been told by someone else that you are very critical? Do you have a bent in that direction? There are some of us who have a very analytical kind of mind. We instinctively evaluate, trouble shoot, and are interested in how to fix what is broken. But be careful. Are we critical of all the people around us (spouse, children, employer, church, coach, teacher, neighbor, etc.)? We need to identify the contributing causes of our critical ways. Fundamentally, we can be critical and judge others wrongly because of indwelling sin (Rom. 7:17). But there can be feeders to a complaining frame of mind such as bitterness, anger at God, pride (we think we have all the answers), and jealousy. What should we do then? We will have to judge ourselves first (Matt. 71; Lk. 6:37, 41; Rom. 14:10-13). If we are going to offer any evaluation of another person and their actions (sometimes this is necessary), we have to get the log out of our own eye. It is hypocritical judging that Jesus condemns. Often a critical spirit arises out of pent up anger and an unwillingness to forgive. If we are going to pass judgment on a situation (Is it good, bad, wise, or foolish?), we will need to get the facts first. “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). We must not render a judgment until we have heard both sides. If there is someone with whom we have a complaint, we need to go to them.

It is wise to keep a healthy distance from critical people who call themselves Christians (1 Cor. 5:11 “a reviler”). A critical spirit is like the flu. It can be passed on to others. We can lovingly confront the critical person rather than succumb to their outlook on life. How easy it is to get caught up in gripe sessions. Disgruntled people can do great damage in a work place, a school, or a church. Learn to be a builder (Rom. 14:19). We need to train ourselves in the power of the Spirit to encourage people and look for ways to help them rather than just criticize them. Ask God for the grace to overlook small offenses and to be able to put off that hasty judgmental spirit that strikes out at people. Let the words of the psalmist be the choice of the critic, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psa. 141:3).

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church

Hi-Fi, Hi-Def Church

Have you been to an electronics mega-store lately? It is quite an experience for the senses. You see the fast-moving images on the big screen televisions, hear the thumping sounds from the super-charged stereo systems, and feel the subtleties of the Xbox games in a high-tech gaming chair. The rapid advances in video and audio technology are too much for the average consumer like myself to keep up with. Most impressive to me are the new “home theater” systems. Stores will have a mock living room set up with a comfy leather sofa, giant HD plasma screen television, and massive hi-fi audio system with surround sound speakers. I must say that I do enjoy sitting down for a few minutes and watching whatever movie is playing. The clarity, depth, and quality of the hi-def picture coupled with the distortion-free and balanced hi-fi sound make it quite an exhilarating viewing and listening experience.

Hi-fi is an abbreviation of “high fidelity.” It means that the sounds are reproduced in a way that is loyal and faithful to the original. High fidelity aims to achieve minimal or unnoticeable amounts of noise and distortion. Hi-def (or HD) is the short form of “high-definition.” In reference to television, it refers to the broadcast of programming with a higher resolution which makes for a much clearer picture of what is being transmitted. It allows the viewer to see a more life-like image on the screen.

So what does this have to do with the church? These two “techy” words provide a useful description of how the church should function. The church is to be “high-definition,” displaying with great clarity the spiritual reality of the body of Christ. The church is not a physical building, social club, or a set of programs. It is a living organism composed of individual members who are submissive to the authority of the head, Jesus Christ, and faithfully use their Spirit-given gifts to build up other members in the faith. A high-definition church will demonstrate this reality with very life-like resolution through obedience to Christ’s commands, to: Greet one another (Rom. 16:16, 1 Cor. 16:20, 2 Cor. 13:12, 1 Pet. 5:14); Comfort one another (1 Thess. 4:18); Forgive one another (Col. 3:13); Build one another up (Rom. 15:2, 1 Thess. 5:11); Serve one another (Gal. 5:13); Bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2); Encourage one another (Heb. 10:25); Meet with one another (Heb. 10:25); Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving towards one another (Eph. 4:32, Rom. 12:10); Receive one another as Christ received us (Rom. 15:7); Care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25); Minister to one another (1 Pet. 4:10); Show hospitality to one another (1 Pet. 4:9); and pray for one another (Jas. 5:16).

Members of the church are also to be “hi-fi,” maintaining strong fidelity (loyalty) to the local church in good times and bad. Loyalty seems to be a dying attribute in this generation. Consumer spending today is no longer based upon brand-loyalty (i.e. Coke or Pepsi; Ford or Chevy), but upon the best deal. I am not concerned about which cola your taste buds prefer or what type of car is in your driveway, but I must warn you about carrying this type of consumerist thinking into the church. Be careful not to have the mindset that you will be “faithful” to this church until a better deal comes along—a newer, trendier, more exciting fellowship with better programs for the children. You reason, “This church has too many problems,” or, “This church no longer ‘does it’ for me.” But remember: “This church” is YOU! I dare you to be a hi-fi member who remains loyal through changes and challenges that are inevitable in the life of a church. With a band of brothers and sisters in Christ like that, God will forge a dynamic, Christ-exalting, gospel-proclaiming local body that will have a global impact.

Where can we get a glimpse of what a high-definition, high-fidelity church looks like? Hebrews 10 gives us a snapshot of this type of body. There were at least three ways in which they displayed what the church is supposed to be. (1) They stimulated “one another to love and good deeds” (v. 24). They manifested practical love by responding to needs. They did not cover their ears when cries for help were made. They stood ready to speak an encouraging word, lend a helping hand, or write a generous check. (2) They showed up to the assembly. When the church met, they were there. They did not neglect their “own assembling together, as it is the habit of some” (v. 25). The decision to meet with the church on the Lord’s Day was not made Sunday morning based upon if they slept well the night before or what they needed to get done that day. No, the gathering of the church to worship God and serve one another was life to them. They would not neglect water or food for the sake of their bodies; and they would not neglect the assembly for the sake of their souls. (3) They shared in one another’s sufferings. They were “sharers with those who were treated” as “public spectacles through reproaches and tribulations” (v. 33). How so? They “showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of property, knowing that they had for themselves a better possession and a lasting one” (v. 34). They were so loyal to the body that they cared more about taking food, water, and clothes to their imprisoned brothers and sisters in Christ than they did about their possessions. They resolved, “Take my house; take my furniture; take my family heirlooms; take everything! But I will stand by this suffering member of the body.”

The question for us is not, “Are we loyal to death for the church?” The questions are, rather, “Are we loyal to inconvenience?” Are we loyal through change? Are we loyal through discomfort? Are we loyal through sacrifice of time, money, energy, and vacation time? It is often on these seemingly lesser hurdles that we stumble and fall in our fidelity to the church. May God’s people at Berachah be a hi-def church who displays clearly “how good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1). And may we be hi-fi members of Christ’s body that are fiercely loyal to His local body so that He might be exalted in us and among the nations.

Justin Culbertson
Berachah Bible Church

What is a Church?

Here’s the church. Here’s the steeple. Open the door and here are the people. Do you remember how to use your two hands to visualize these words? The local church has seemingly always been a part of my life. My grandfather was a pastor and as long as he and my grandmother had any say in the matter, I was to be connected to a church. That meant Sunday School and at least the morning church service. Returning for the evening service was out of the question. I have memories of listening to a lot of sermons, but can’t really recall anything I heard until I became a teenager. Hard seats, heat, bugs flying around the lights (some entertainment), and adults carrying Bibles formed my early impressions of what church was. But I am sure a lot got through to me because of all the thinking I did about God, heaven, and hell. Thankfully, for most of my growing up years I did not live very far from a Bible teaching church. That, however, begs the question. What is a church? Is it a building? Is it a denomination? Is it a meeting of two or three Christians for Bible study and prayer?

The New Testament makes it very clear as to what constitutes a church. The concern here is not a definition of what theologians refer to as the universal church (all true believers everywhere beginning at the Day of Pentecost). A local church is made up of professing Christians (1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1). The basis for belonging to a local church is the relationship that Christians have to one another through their relationship to Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 3:15; 1 Pet. 1:22-25). A church is where people who have trusted Christ as their Savior gather together because they are related to one another as a spiritual family. They will meet together with some regularity (Rom. 16:5). These meetings do not require a permanent building. The early church met in homes and rented buildings. A church will meet as often as is necessary. The first day of the week (Sunday) became the regular meeting day because the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead took place on Sunday. The idea of a Christian who would be unattached to a church is foreign to the New Testament (Heb. 10:25). A local church will have some form of organization (Phil. 1:2). Elders and deacons form the essential leadership structure. And because of the variety of spiritual gifts among believers and the tasks that have to be carried out, there will be other offices and functions in the organization of the church. A local church will observe the ordinances. New converts will be baptized as a public confession of their faith in Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19-20). In its meetings the church will fellowship around the communion table to celebrate the redemptive work of Christ. And, finally, a local church will devote itself to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42). Fellowship, worship, prayer, mutual helpfulness, encouragement, testimony, and praise grow out of the soil of truth-rich Bible teaching and preaching. The local church exists in the world for the purpose of taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

But knowing what a church is does not guarantee meaningful and God-honoring participation in the life of the church. The Christian must find a church that is doctrinally sound, spiritually alive, Bible centered, Christ exalting, and missionary minded. No church is perfect, but that is no excuse for becoming a church tramp and not putting one’s roots down. Finding and joining a church will mean exercising a ministry within that church. Don’t be a bench warmer. Get to work. There are plenty of things that need to be done. If the ministry you are interested in doesn’t exist, then speak with the pastoral staff about it. Fan the flames of your spiritual gift. Too many churches are filled with Christians who are spectators, allowing others to carry the load of service. A church needs systematic and faithful givers. One of the marks of Christian maturity is generous financial giving. The local church needs believers who have placed their personal finances under the lordship of Jesus Christ and give in proportion to their income (1 Cor. 16:1-4). How sweet is the sound of harmonious music. But sweeter still is a church where the saints are preserving “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). Differences of opinion and conflict in the local church are the opportunity to exhibit the graces of the Spirit. When there are problems in the church, don’t run away. Handle them God’s way through peacemaking, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Be loyal to your church and discover the spiritual dividends that come as a result. The church needs lots of encouragers. Encouraging words, deeds, phone calls, keeping up with the needs of others, love, and compassion can make a church a soft spot in a hard world.

What is a church? It is God’s family on this earth gathering together and spreading out in the rhythmic pattern of obedience to God’s Word. It is a band of brothers and sisters in Christ who are eager to serve the living God. It is a place where forgiven sinners gather to worship the God of all grace. It is an assembly where men, women, young, old, rich and poor share their common life in Christ as they serve one another. It is a company of world-weary pilgrims who renew their strength for the journey ahead. It is a flock of God’s sheep who feed upon the words of the Good Shepherd. It is a congregation of God’s heralds who scatter to their communities and throughout the world as ambassadors of reconciliation.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church