Hero or Failure? Riding the Roller Coaster - Part 1

Consistency in practicing personal values requires time and commitment, in addition to thought-out, self-imposed boundaries. Gideon, the Old Testament judge, lived with two sets of values. Judges 8:31 identifies this duality. Gideon had a concubine who bore him a son whom he named Abimelech.

The Life Application Bible has this comment: "The relationship between Gideon and a concubine produced a son who tore apart Gideon's family and caused tragedy for the nation.” Gideon's story illustrates that heroes in battle are not always heroes in daily life. No matter who you are, moral negligence is the pathway to sorrow and regret.

What causes moral laxness? Perhaps having too much self-confidence, or thinking you’re above failure? What seems like fun and pleasure may produce bitter consequences. Remember this warning: sin in haste and repent at leisure. Aren't you glad you can make choices that honor Christ Jesus? God's forgiveness is for anyone who earnestly seeks it. 

Keep Your Values in Focus - Part 3

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor and theologian, was murdered by the Gestapo near the end of World War II because he spoke against Hitler and the war. Bonhoeffer wrote about the "cost of discipleship" and "cheap grace." He gave his life for his values and for what he knew was God’s will for himself.

He could have been rescued by friends in Germany, England, and America, but he refused. It would have been impossible for him to have returned to the church and been a creditable leader if he had betrayed his values. Bonhoeffer chose costly grace and forfeited his life because he could not live by contradictory values and behaviors.

A businessman related that he had several sexual liaisons when he was out of the country and feared he had contacted AIDS. This man had created two worlds for himself which required two sets of values. God's word encourages us to be single-minded, to have the mind of Christ Jesus, for he gives us God's grace, costly grace.

Choose God's Way: Resist Evil - Part 2

No one lives a perfect Christian life. Temptation abounds and must be faced and rejected. God makes sure we are not alone in our fight against evil by sending help so we will not be overtaken by wickedness. The Apostle Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God so we will be able to stand our ground against Satan. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to counsel and instruct us.

God wants us to be single-minded and resolve to serve him and him alone. Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters - either God or whatever the world offers. Being single-minded requires knowing where you’re going and to whom you are committed. Have you chosen God’s way?

It's appropriate to closely examine yourself to see if you’re in line with God's purpose and direction. The unexamined life is subject to faltering. Remember, it pleases God when you constantly press on toward the high calling in Christ Jesus. God created you to choose his way, so why not make that choice now?