Jesus Deserves More

I've been spending time lately thinking about time. Time is always moving. I think about my son Micah and wife Cassidy and the time I have left with him. I want to make the most of the time. I think about my Savior. My king. Jesus Christ. He deserves complete devotion. How can we give Him any less? He created the universe. He created DNA. He created oxygen. He cares for us intimately. He knows our names before the foundation of the world. He gave His life for us on the cross.

What is our response?

I say He deserves more than what I give to Him. I'm sure you would agree in your life. Is Jesus just part of your life or is He your LIFE?

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. ⁸ Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ." Philippians 3:7-8

He is not just a priority. The idea that we "make" the God of the universe a priority is putting Him into the same category as our laundry schedule. He is everything.

Jesus deserves more. Time is ticking away.

People are dying without Jesus.

Is what you are living for matter in eternity?

He is worth it.

Imitate Series - Week 4

Imitate Series - Week 4 from Source Student Ministries on Vimeo.

How to Assassinate Someone's Character

 We all like to hear stories about other people. It is in the makeup of our flesh as human beings. It is an insatiable desire to be in the know and to feel better than others.

You might hear some say to you, “Did you hear?”

Or my all-time favorite, “I have a prayer request about a person…Okay! I’ll let you know what is going on so we can “pray” for them.”

What does it mean to assassinate a person’s character?

The Bible talks about it. It is the word, "slander." To slander someone, this means literally, "to whisper."

It is a simple but deadly approach that people take towards others. Sometimes people assassinate others because they feel hurt by another person. Sometimes they are feeling inadequate and want to put others down to make themselves feel elevated.

"Having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame." 1 Peter 3:16

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. Proverbs 20:19.

 In every conversation we have an opportunity. Do we continue to assassinate someone's character or refuse to join in it. Many times I have failed and listened and even shared my thoughts about others. Learning to love people and applying Matthew 18 should be the goal of every Christ follower.

How do I learn to use words of healing instead of assassination?

Ask these questions: 

Is it True? Remember this rule about gossip: The more interesting it is, the more likely it is to be false.

Is it Helpful? Will your words help bring about a solution to a problem?

Is it Inspiring? Will your words build up someone?

Is it Necessary? Do we have to say anything at all?

Is it Kind? Are your words based on a desire to help?

Overall, instead of assassination of character, we should seek to speak life into others.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.  Hebrews 12:14-15.