Dear Victorious,
I know that Christian should pray for our government leaders. What exactly is it that we should ask God to do for them? I'm not being facetious. They seem to be crooked, insincere, professional politicians who are very self-serving, forget their campaign promises and don't seem to have America's best interests at heart. How then should we pray for such characters?
Loretta P. - Pulaski Heights, AR
Dear Loretta,
It sounds like you've got a bias and negative point of view when it comes to our elected officials. Are you casting them all in that light of insincerity and self-serving agendas? I'm not being facetious either. But we are supposed to love our enemies. Your tone seems to indicate you may have some work to do in that area. Do you really love our congressional representatives, senators, President and other elected and appointed officials? It's clear that you don't agree with their agenda or approve of their performance. Nevertheless you can still love them and wish the best for them.
How do you pray for such characters? Here are some places to start.
1. Ask God to draw our elected and appointed federal (and state or local) officials close to Himself.
If they're already professing to be Christ-followers, then ask God to give them a fresh vision of who they are in Christ, a fresh and renewed conviction regarding their personal submission and obedience to Christ's ways. Ask God to provide margin in their daily routine and convict them to use it to read their Bibles, pray, and listen to His word for them each day.
If they're not professing to be Christ-followers, ask God to put someone in their lives to witness to them. Ask Him to intervene in their lives in some tangible way so as to turn their hearts toward Him.
2. Ask God to give them wisdom and discernment. Ask Him to help them see with His eyes and hear with His ears. Ask God to let them process their thinking with the "mind of Christ," using His perspective to process their thoughts and His criteria with which to make their decisions.
3. Ask God to give YOU a loving heart toward these people. Ask Him to help you forgive them for the wrongs you see them committing. Resolve to extend to them the same grace that God has extended to you.
4. Finally, if you have a difference with our government officials, or see them doing something that you believe is wrong or even sinful, take the initiative to address it with them. Matthew 18:15-17 gives us guidelines for addressing people who do wrong. You first address it one-on-one with them. If they don't listen to you, take someone else (who agrees with your position) and address them. If they still don't listen to you, have the organized church address them. If they still don't listen, treat them as unrepentant sinners and have nothing more to do with them.
So ... how would Matthew 18:15-17 be applicable in the case of a politician who does wrong? Let's say your Congressman (or woman) does something you believe is wrong. Write to them. Call their office. Ask for an appointment. E-mail them. Do whatever you can to approach them one-on-one. If you get no response, get at least one other person to approach them with you again. Both of you write letters, request appointments, make phone calls, etc. (It could be more than two of you too.) If they still don't listen, have your church address the matter with them. And if they still don't listen, regard them as you would an unrepentant sinner who is inappropriate for public office. Pray for their removal from office. Campaign for their opponent. You get the picture?
The point is, Christ-followers are called to submit to and obey our government. But when our elected and appointed government officials do wrong, we are not powerless. We still submit to and obey them while they are in office. But we have a Biblical plan of action to take to address their issues. Maybe we need to pray for more Americans to be willing to execute that Biblical plan of action.
One thing is clear. Many self-professing Christians sin blatantly when we gossip about, ridicule, curse and bad mouth our elected and appointed government officials. When they do wrong, we have permission to address it. We do not have permission to trash them and assassinate their character.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Stop Arguing
Dear Victorious,
My sister and I are constantly fighting. The thing is we love each other very much. But we are often arguing about the stupidest things. Sometimes the arguments escalate and one or both of us gets wounded in the battle. I love my sister and would do anything for her. She means the world to me. How can we fix this?
Andrea T. - Hudson, OH
Dear Andrea,
What you're talking about is conflict resolution. How do we handle conflict? Mind you, how Christ-followers handle conflict doesn't differ based on who they have the conflict with. It could be a loved one (as in your case) or it could be a business associate or classmate at school. We resolve conflict as follows:
1. Pray. Ask God to show you His perspective on the matter. Ask God to guide your thoughts and your words. Do you have His permission to confront, argue, debate, etc. It doesn't matter who fires the first shot either.
2. Ask yourself which is more important --- being right or being reconciled. Is being right or getting your way or defending your position more important to you than the relationship? (If you're still arguing, it must be!)
3. Resolve to enter the situation with grace and forgiveness. Offer the same grace and forgiveness that God offers you. Notice that God decided what He would do with your sin even before you were born. Make no mistake, your sin is against God and it grieves Him greatly. Sin also unleashes God's furious wrath. But He doesn't lash out at us. He's already decided to lead with forgiveness in His relationship with us. You should do the same in your relationships with others. Lead with forgiveness.
4. Ask yourself if you and your sister are working with the same decision criteria when you get into conflicts. Try to understand the thinking process she goes through that has in the past led to your arguments. Ask yourself what criteria she would need to use for the both of you to be on the same page. Ask yourself what decision criteria you would need to use.
Finally, let's notice anger in the Bible. God gets angry at sin and evil. Jesus got angry for two reasons. The first was when His Father was disrespected. The second was when people were poor and oppressed. There was no other time that Jesus got angry. He wasn't angry when His rights were violated. He wasn't angry when He wasn't believed and was called a liar. He wasn't angry when someone stole from Him, insulted Him, or just didn't pay attention to Him. The only thing that raised Jesus' anger was not treat God appropriately and injustices against people. Do you want to be like Jesus?
My sister and I are constantly fighting. The thing is we love each other very much. But we are often arguing about the stupidest things. Sometimes the arguments escalate and one or both of us gets wounded in the battle. I love my sister and would do anything for her. She means the world to me. How can we fix this?
Andrea T. - Hudson, OH
Dear Andrea,
What you're talking about is conflict resolution. How do we handle conflict? Mind you, how Christ-followers handle conflict doesn't differ based on who they have the conflict with. It could be a loved one (as in your case) or it could be a business associate or classmate at school. We resolve conflict as follows:
1. Pray. Ask God to show you His perspective on the matter. Ask God to guide your thoughts and your words. Do you have His permission to confront, argue, debate, etc. It doesn't matter who fires the first shot either.
2. Ask yourself which is more important --- being right or being reconciled. Is being right or getting your way or defending your position more important to you than the relationship? (If you're still arguing, it must be!)
3. Resolve to enter the situation with grace and forgiveness. Offer the same grace and forgiveness that God offers you. Notice that God decided what He would do with your sin even before you were born. Make no mistake, your sin is against God and it grieves Him greatly. Sin also unleashes God's furious wrath. But He doesn't lash out at us. He's already decided to lead with forgiveness in His relationship with us. You should do the same in your relationships with others. Lead with forgiveness.
4. Ask yourself if you and your sister are working with the same decision criteria when you get into conflicts. Try to understand the thinking process she goes through that has in the past led to your arguments. Ask yourself what criteria she would need to use for the both of you to be on the same page. Ask yourself what decision criteria you would need to use.
Finally, let's notice anger in the Bible. God gets angry at sin and evil. Jesus got angry for two reasons. The first was when His Father was disrespected. The second was when people were poor and oppressed. There was no other time that Jesus got angry. He wasn't angry when His rights were violated. He wasn't angry when He wasn't believed and was called a liar. He wasn't angry when someone stole from Him, insulted Him, or just didn't pay attention to Him. The only thing that raised Jesus' anger was not treat God appropriately and injustices against people. Do you want to be like Jesus?
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Fair Wage?
Dear Victorious,
Is there anything in the Bible that says a worker should be treated fairly by an employer?
Todd K. - Falcon Heights, MN
Dear Todd,
There are quite a number of verses that could be applied to this scenario. An example might be the golden rule (Matthew 7:12). Beyond this, I can think of a few verses that more specifically address the issue of being paid a fair wage.
Luke 10:7 "... the worker deserves his wages ..."
Romans 13:7 "Give everyone what you owe him ... "
James 5:4 "... The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. ..."
It's clear that God's people are expected to treat their employees fairly, and to pay them a living wage.
Is there anything in the Bible that says a worker should be treated fairly by an employer?
Todd K. - Falcon Heights, MN
Dear Todd,
There are quite a number of verses that could be applied to this scenario. An example might be the golden rule (Matthew 7:12). Beyond this, I can think of a few verses that more specifically address the issue of being paid a fair wage.
Luke 10:7 "... the worker deserves his wages ..."
Romans 13:7 "Give everyone what you owe him ... "
James 5:4 "... The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. ..."
It's clear that God's people are expected to treat their employees fairly, and to pay them a living wage.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Ministry Calling
Dear Victorious,
I'm in high school and am thinking about becoming a preacher as my lifetime profession. My grades are good enough to get me into most any Bible college or seminary. But what are some signs that this would be the right choice? I mean, how do you know if you're really being "called" by God to ministry as a profession?
Robert E. Rio Rancho, NM
Dear Robert,
Discerning a calling from God is a serious matter. There are two things I would specifically look for if I were you. The first is that you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. (It's been said that one should never go into ministry as a profession unless he or she can not do anything else!) The second thing is that people who are considerably more spiritually mature than you are agree that you are anointed by God and called for this purpose. They will have prayed about the matter with you, and affirmed it for you.
When God is doing something, like calling someone to ministry, He never ever keeps it a secret. Expect other mature believers to affirm whatever you think God may be telling you.
I'm in high school and am thinking about becoming a preacher as my lifetime profession. My grades are good enough to get me into most any Bible college or seminary. But what are some signs that this would be the right choice? I mean, how do you know if you're really being "called" by God to ministry as a profession?
Robert E. Rio Rancho, NM
Dear Robert,
Discerning a calling from God is a serious matter. There are two things I would specifically look for if I were you. The first is that you can't imagine yourself doing anything else. (It's been said that one should never go into ministry as a profession unless he or she can not do anything else!) The second thing is that people who are considerably more spiritually mature than you are agree that you are anointed by God and called for this purpose. They will have prayed about the matter with you, and affirmed it for you.
When God is doing something, like calling someone to ministry, He never ever keeps it a secret. Expect other mature believers to affirm whatever you think God may be telling you.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Still Sinning
Dear Victorious,
I've been a Christian for several years now. The problem is that I continue to sin. I know everyone's a sinner. But I honestly expected that becoming a Christian would change that. How can I know if my level of sin is within an acceptable range (if there is such a thing) for a Christian? I mean at what point does one's sin overtake one's being a Christian?
Orlando M. - Mexia, TX
Dear Orlando,
It sounds as if you have some belief issues. It's not clear to me whether there are truths that you're not believing, or whether there are lies that you are believing. But let's look at God's truth on the subject. Anytime we have a dilemma on our hands, it is helpful to look for what God might have to say about the subject.
When you become a Christian, you are defined on the cross by Jesus. He makes you holy and righteous. This is difficult to believe, because the world tells us that our behavior or circumstances define us. That's a lie. They don't. So once you've truly given your life to Christ and started intentionally deferring to (i.e obeying) Him, actions and circumstances no longer define you.
I don't think there is any such thing as a point at which your sin overtakes your Christianity. The only way that could ever occur would be if your commitment to Christ were not real. Someone who has made a real commitment to Christ should notice some things about their sin as time goes on.
1. You sin less, and the instances of your sins get fewer and farther between.
2. You are more aware of your sin, and convicted of it sooner.
3. You are grieved by your sin. It isn't fun any more. It's troubling.
4. Your righteousness begins to replace your sinfulness.
5. You're more willing to confess your sin and repent of (turn from) it.
6. You become willing to make your wrongs right. You make amends where possible and are willing to be held accountable for your actions.
I've been a Christian for several years now. The problem is that I continue to sin. I know everyone's a sinner. But I honestly expected that becoming a Christian would change that. How can I know if my level of sin is within an acceptable range (if there is such a thing) for a Christian? I mean at what point does one's sin overtake one's being a Christian?
Orlando M. - Mexia, TX
Dear Orlando,
It sounds as if you have some belief issues. It's not clear to me whether there are truths that you're not believing, or whether there are lies that you are believing. But let's look at God's truth on the subject. Anytime we have a dilemma on our hands, it is helpful to look for what God might have to say about the subject.
When you become a Christian, you are defined on the cross by Jesus. He makes you holy and righteous. This is difficult to believe, because the world tells us that our behavior or circumstances define us. That's a lie. They don't. So once you've truly given your life to Christ and started intentionally deferring to (i.e obeying) Him, actions and circumstances no longer define you.
I don't think there is any such thing as a point at which your sin overtakes your Christianity. The only way that could ever occur would be if your commitment to Christ were not real. Someone who has made a real commitment to Christ should notice some things about their sin as time goes on.
1. You sin less, and the instances of your sins get fewer and farther between.
2. You are more aware of your sin, and convicted of it sooner.
3. You are grieved by your sin. It isn't fun any more. It's troubling.
4. Your righteousness begins to replace your sinfulness.
5. You're more willing to confess your sin and repent of (turn from) it.
6. You become willing to make your wrongs right. You make amends where possible and are willing to be held accountable for your actions.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Personal Evangelism
Dear Victorious,
Our pastor is constantly telling us that we are evangelists, and that each of us has personal responsibility to win others for Christ. To be honest, I don't think I'm gifted in that way, and I resent being told this all the time. Is there a good retort I could give?
Millie V. - Plano, TX
Dear Millie,
Part of a Christian's mission in life is to show unbelievers what God is like. We do this not only by telling them, but rather by our acts of love and compassion - which we give God the credit for. When we do this (love others), they are then attracted to our God.
You don't have to be an outspoken evangelist, winning souls for the Lord. But you do have to love others and be a reflection of Jesus Christ. You may indeed be the only Jesus they see! Stop getting angry at your pastor and start thinking about how you could respond to his call for everyone to start reaching out.
Our pastor is constantly telling us that we are evangelists, and that each of us has personal responsibility to win others for Christ. To be honest, I don't think I'm gifted in that way, and I resent being told this all the time. Is there a good retort I could give?
Millie V. - Plano, TX
Dear Millie,
Part of a Christian's mission in life is to show unbelievers what God is like. We do this not only by telling them, but rather by our acts of love and compassion - which we give God the credit for. When we do this (love others), they are then attracted to our God.
You don't have to be an outspoken evangelist, winning souls for the Lord. But you do have to love others and be a reflection of Jesus Christ. You may indeed be the only Jesus they see! Stop getting angry at your pastor and start thinking about how you could respond to his call for everyone to start reaching out.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Getting Respect
Dear Victorious,
I work in a large office environment and was promoted not long ago to the role of department manager. The problem is that all of the people whom supervise are older then me. Some are old enough to be my parents. How do I win their respect?
Charles J. - Tulsa, OK
Dear Charles,
I don't think any characteristic wins the hearts of adults more quickly than wisdom in the words and actions of a young person. Look up God's definition of what wisdom is and then start pursuing it. To put this differently, stop worrying about what people think of you --- and spend your time worrying about who you actually are. If you're a man of integrity people will respect you and you'll find that age is not a factor.
I work in a large office environment and was promoted not long ago to the role of department manager. The problem is that all of the people whom supervise are older then me. Some are old enough to be my parents. How do I win their respect?
Charles J. - Tulsa, OK
Dear Charles,
I don't think any characteristic wins the hearts of adults more quickly than wisdom in the words and actions of a young person. Look up God's definition of what wisdom is and then start pursuing it. To put this differently, stop worrying about what people think of you --- and spend your time worrying about who you actually are. If you're a man of integrity people will respect you and you'll find that age is not a factor.
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