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Our history as one nation under God

Ronald Reagan was speaking at a Dallas Prayer Breakfast in 1984 when he remarked, “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.” I’m admittedly a huge fan of Ronald Reagan. Last year, I enjoyed reading That Printer of Udell’s, the book Reagan said changed his life. Like anyone, he wasn’t perfect but genuinely tried to be his best.

So much of Reagan’s character was a product of his own journey with God. He was a natural leader and gifted in his ability to craft the words he spoke. The quote above is a good example of that. I often wonder about, and look for, the next Reagan who will lead our country with great strength and an effort to aim at godly morality.

Reagan was the president who most influenced and shaped my political opinions about who should or shouldn’t be our country’s leader. There have been many imperfect presidents in our history whom I would have been proud to vote for.

Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson is an interesting man, and I have wondered if he were to run for president today, would he be elected? He, like Reagan, was a wordsmith with a persuasive personality. His personality and character were problematic in those early years, and he likely would never have survived today’s media scrutiny. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to imagine what our Constitution would sound like if it had been written by someone else.

It was utterly necessary for people who had to use a quill, ink, and parchment paper to give great thought to their words before writing them down. They had no easy way to delete anything from a piece of parchment; therefore, the words were so often profound in their depth of thought.

It was Thomas Jefferson who penned, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

If we carefully consider Jefferson’s words, we can learn much about the thoughts that formed the essential doctrines of America’s foundational beliefs.

Truth should be self-evident.
All people are created equal, even though people are not the same.
There is a Creator who has created us with certain unalienable rights.
Everyone created has the right to live their life.
Everyone created has the freedom to make choices in life.
Everyone created has the right to pursue happiness.

God created us in his image with the freedom to make choices. Then, God gave us his word, the truth, so we could make the right choices as we pursue our freedoms. The truths of God’s word become self-evident when we submit ourselves to our Creator’s laws and lessons.

Thomas Jefferson was a great mind and politician, but in many ways, not a great man by today’s standards. He would most likely not have been elected in today’s political climate. However, Americans would have missed a lot if we hadn’t listened to Thomas Jefferson.

John Adams

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were close friends who worked together to create the founding principles of America’s Declaration of Independence. They were lifelong friends who held one another in high regard but had strong political disagreements. Did you know that they went a full decade at one point without speaking to one another?

An interesting article stated, “These friends had a fight that temporarily ended their relationship. In the election of 1800, Jefferson beat Adams and became the third President of the United States. Their feud began when Adams gave political appointments to some of Jefferson’s enemies right before Jefferson took office. Jefferson felt that Adams had betrayed him. After this fight, the two did not speak for the next ten years.”

Later, friends helped the two men reconcile, and they remained friends for the remainder of their lives. It seems that a lot could be learned today from a healthy knowledge of our country’s history. Both men believed in a Creator, yet history shows us that Jefferson’s faith was much less biblical than that of John Adams.

John Adams understood that Scripture was the foundation for truth and that every word was of God. Jefferson actually created his own Bible by cutting out every reference to miracles, the divinity of Jesus, and his resurrection. Jefferson appreciated the morality of the Christian faith, but Adams appreciated biblical faith and the truth of God’s word.

John Adams said, “The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity.” Adams understood that biblical Christianity offered truth that could consistently endure and govern people for all time, if they chose it as their guide.

Ronald Reagan

As we celebrate our nation this week, it’s good to realize that we are an imperfect country led by imperfect people. That has always been true. I have always been a fan of Ronald Reagan because he worked hard to aim at the highest standards for himself and others. He learned to do that because he was raised by a father who did not live with those aims. Ronald Reagan was a young man when his mom and her preacher handed him That Printer of Udel’s by Harold Bell Wright. I have to admit that the book impacted my own life as well.

I think Reagan was also a gifted wordsmith and someone whose quotes I like to read. Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.” Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). The apostle Paul wrote, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

As we celebrate our freedom this week, let’s remember what the Lord set us free to accomplish. We are called to be his disciples and inspired by the Holy Spirit, whose truth transcends all politics.

Our great political leaders have never been perfect. Our Creator, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is never anything except perfect. If we vote first for his causes and serve his truth, the rest of our lives will be greatly blessed. May you celebrate Independence Day governed by God’s freedoms.

How should we pray for Israel and ourselves?

It’s been a busy week, filled with breaking news. Tensions are high, but so is the praise for those who planned and executed the attack on the nuclear facilities in Iran. Most of the world is grateful that Iran’s capabilities were minimized, but the future remains uncertain. We have many reasons to be in prayer during these tense days.

Israel has always known it needed the help only God could provide from his heavenly throne. Because of its key location, others have always coveted the land. Much of today’s news highlights the brilliance of the Israeli people and their military leaders. I’ve repeatedly said that David’s “genetics” can be seen in many of their war strategies.

King David led many battles during his lifetime and was known for his keen ability to strategize. Why was David such a successful and powerful leader? The answer to that question can help us navigate our questions these days. We should consider praying like the Israelites were taught to pray for King David when we pray for Israel. Psalm 20 has some well-known verses that I find myself praying for Israel today, and those verses are essential for our own country as well.

The timeless wisdom of Psalm 20

Psalm 20 was written by David and used by his people as they prayed for him in times of battle. The psalm begins with the prayer, “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!” (Psalm 20:1–2).

Psalm 20 also says, “Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:6–7).

A lot of news has explained the munitions of the countries involved, and many of the war plans are made with great consideration to those bombs, planes, etc., in mind. You might say that those munitions are the “chariots and horses” of our day.

Most of us still trust in chariots and horses, but David’s psalm would encourage us to trust instead in “the name of the Lord our God.” God’s name is God’s holy, perfect character. When we trust in God, we trust him for his perfect help.

I’m grateful to live in a nation with powerful weapons that our enemies should respect and fear. I’m grateful that we can help discourage or prevent the world from engaging in nuclear war. I appreciate our “chariots and horses,” but choosing to carefully trust only in God is an effort. What are God’s plans for the world and all the people who are living in danger today?

Living in a Tom Clancy novel

Jim and I re-watched The Sum of All Fear, the movie based on Tom Clancy’s novel. When the movie was over, I was surprised at how relevant it felt. I didn’t feel like I was watching a work of fiction as much as I felt like I was viewing actual possibilities. I often feel the same way when I read a Joel Rosenberg novel. The images on the screen and the words of the novels depict nuclear explosions that bring harm to this country and others.

Recognizing that these possibilities are real isn’t comforting. However, living in fear of those possibilities would be wrong. God’s word clearly commands, “Do not fear.” It’s helpful when we can gain some comfort in our government’s ability to keep us safe. They have amassed many “chariots and horses.” But even advanced intelligence-gathering techniques cannot equal the amazing abilities of our Creator, God.

God perfectly understands every moment of history, and the same “right hand” that created this world continues to accomplish his perfect will for it.

Everything on earth has a beginning and an end

God has made it clear that this world is not his permanent plan. He told the prophet Isaiah, “For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind” (Isaiah 65:17). Jesus told John in the Revelation, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more” (Revelation 21:1).

Those important passages can give us an eternal perspective on everything we see on our screens. It is amazing to realize that when we get to heaven, the “former things will not be remembered.” God told Isaiah that they wouldn’t even “come to mind.” When we think of heaven, we think of it with earthly images and ideas. When the Bible describes heaven, the words used are limited to our earthly vocabulary and ability to comprehend. Heaven is so much more than we can understand today.

Everything on earth has a beginning and an end. Every world power, city, person, and tradition or practice will one day end. Some things will last longer than others, but nothing on earth was made to last forever.

How do we pray for Israel today?

We need to pray that Israel will turn to Almighty God for every answer they need. We also need to pray that Israel will seek a right relationship with God through their Messiah, God’s Son. We need to pray for those brilliant people to recognize their overwhelming need for God’s blessings through Jesus.

Psalm 20 is speaking about David’s enemies when it says, “They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O Lord, save the king! May he answer us when we call” (Psalm 20:8–9). Jesus taught us to pray to God, saying, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Jesus didn’t simply teach us to ask that of God. He taught us to pray those words so we would want Jesus, our Messiah, to be our King. All people involved in this war today need to choose that relationship so they can be Spirit-led in their prayers and ideas. We can and should pray that God will save our kings. The more necessary prayer, however, is to pray that the people of our world will make Christ their King and want his will and purpose for these days.

This world will not last forever, but those who choose Jesus as their Lord will. God so loved this world that he gave us Jesus, and anyone who believes in him as Lord and Savior will be saved. The single greatest need anyone has is their salvation.

Who needs you to pray those prayers for them today? May God bless our prayers in miraculous ways for our nations and the sake of his perfect name.

The seven churches: Thyatira

Thyatira was a much different city than the first three addressed in the Revelation. Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum were all critical cities in the Roman Empire and home to some of Rome’s most influential leaders. They were favored cities by Roman officials and for those involved in commerce.

Thyatira was about forty-five miles further inland and east of Pergamum. It was known for its many industries. The city manufactured what was purchased and shipped from the ports of Ephesus and Smyrna. Christ’s words to Thyatira represent the strengths and weaknesses of the people living in that city and the Christians in the early church there.

Jesus wrote to the pastor of the church in Thyatira identifying himself as, “the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze” (Revelation 2:18). This is the only time in the book of Revelation that the phrase “Son of God” appears. The emperor worship included the phrase “Caesar the son of god,” and quite possibly, Jesus is emphasizing his character to those in the church who were dabbling in that cult worship.

Jesus’ eyes were described as “a flame of fire” to indicate his ability to burn through the outward appearance and discern the truth. It’s challenging to know what his feet as burnished bronze was intended to mean, but working with bronze was a significant trade in Thyatira and something they would have been familiar with. Those words could refer to the immoveable perfection of Christ and his words.

Jesus wanted the church in Thyatira to know him as God’s perfect Son, able to discern the truth in each person’s heart and mind.

Who in the church did Christ commend?

Jesus said, “I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first.” Jesus knew those who were the faithful in Thyatira. Their lives were filled with Christian character and Christian service. They were people who had remained faithful to the truth of the gospel teaching, even under persecution. They were people who chose to endure and withstand the influence of those who were teaching a different message. They were also people who had grown stronger in their relationship to God, evidenced by their latter works exceeding the first.

The letter of 1 Peter was written to and circulated among the churches in Asia Minor. It’s possible that the faithful in Thyatira knew and remembered what Peter had taught them in 1 Peter 2:2: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” Jesus commended those in the church who had continued to grow in their faith.

An article on spiritual growth from Christianity.com quotes Oswald Chambers’ words from his classic devotional, My Utmost For His Highest. Chambers said this about our need to grow and mature as Christians consistently: “It is of no value to God to give Him your life for death. He wants you to be a ‘living sacrifice’—to let Him have all your strengths that have been saved and sanctified through Jesus (Romans 12:1). This is what is acceptable to God.”

Will our “works” today exceed those of previous years and be judged acceptable to God? Christians are like the trees of this world. If we aren’t growing in the Lord, then our faith is beginning to falter and die. Jesus commended those in Thyatira whose latter works exceeded their first works. They were models for our spiritual growth.

Jesus’ words to those whose faith had changed course

Some in the church of Thyatira had ceased to grow spiritually, and their works proved that. Jesus told them, “I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols” (Revelation 2:19). There was a woman in the church who was believed by some to be a prophetess, a person who was able to speak for God. Women who taught and preached in the first century were valued and respected as messengers of God. In Thyatira, however, there was a woman who some people had assumed to be a prophetess, but she, like Jezebel in the Old Testament, had led God’s people to believe wrong teaching.

According to Jesus, this influential woman, this Jezebel, was “seducing” the weaker members of the church “to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” Like most of these Roman cities, there were plenty of places where cult worship was offered. Apparently, this “Jezebel” had taught the people in the church that it was fine to tolerate, and even participate in, the so-called worship offered at these idolatrous places.

Jesus doesn’t condemn these practices without offering the way out of them. The first thing Christ offers those who have fallen away from the true faith is the chance to repent. Jesus tells them what will happen to the “Jezebel” and those who have listened to her saying, “Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works” (Revelation 2:22). Jesus is definite about the fact that God will judge those who falsely speak for God and those who tolerate or follow wrong teaching. But, before judgment, there is the opportunity to repent, to stop and turn back to God.

Why will God harshly judge Jezebel and those who follow her if they do not repent? Jesus said, “And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works” (Revelation 2:23). Jesus, with eyes of blazing fire, can discern the hearts and minds of all people. His purpose in bringing judgment on the unfaithful is that people may recognize him as the Son of God and worship him by following his word. Consequence for our sins is often the best road to repentance. Discerning what is false is often the road to truth. The word of God is clear. God will not allow people to misrepresent his character or his word of truth to others. At some point, there will be judgment for that sin.

Who is an overcomer?

Jesus said, “But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. Only hold fast what you have until I come.The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations” (Revelation 2:24–26). Jesus encouraged the Christians of Thyatira, and every Christian, to hold onto the purity of God’s word. Our steadfast faith in God’s truth will help us conquer our sins and continue to serve God until the end. Jesus has authority over the nations. He will rule over and even destroy every sin, or every person that comes against his children. When we remain faithful, we remain under the authority and protection of Christ himself.

The final promise to the overcomer

Jesus said, “And I will give him the morning star” (Revelation 2:28). Jesus reminded those who had remained faithful that he would give them the hope of the coming day. The morning star was the last star seen on the horizon as the sun rose. The morning star was the promise of no more darkness. That promise was also for those who would, in obedience, repent and turn back to faith.

To all of us concerned about the churches in our culture who tolerate teaching that is not biblical truth, hear Jesus say: Do not be influenced by their teaching. Continue instead to grow with a steadfast faith in the pure truth of Scripture. Jesus also would want us to have ears to hear, “I am your Morning Star,” your promise that one day there will be no more darkness.

Let’s commit our lives to a continued effort to grow, and may our growth be seen in the works we do for others. Jesus calls and equips us to be overcomers. We have an eternity with Jesus, the Morning Star, to look forward to someday.

The seven churches: Pergamum

Why was compromise a wrong choice for the Christians in Pergamum?

Pergamum was about sixty-five miles north of Smyrna but was not a coastal city in Asia Minor. It was located inland, in a highly fertile area. Some considered Pergamum the capital of Roman Asia because of its beauty and wealth. King Eumenes of Pergamum hoped to one day build a library that would exceed Alexandria’s. To hinder that plan, the export of papyrus to the region was cut off to Pergamum. That embargo led King Eumenes to develop parchment, a writing material made from animal skins.

Pergamum was home to famous sculptures, temples to many Roman gods, and at least three temples for emperor worship. Finally, it was unique in that it was the only city that Rome allowed to use capital punishment. Even the Jewish historian Josephus wrote about Pergamum, which had a Jewish community living there.

What was it like for the Christians of Pergamum?

When Jesus gave his message to John about Pergamum, he said, “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast to my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells’” (Revelation 2:12–13).

Jesus told the pastor of the Christian church that the words of his message to Pergamum were to be considered a “sharp two-edged sword.” These Christians lived in a city where the Roman leaders were allowed to execute those believed to be criminals. All that is known about Antipas is that he was a faithful witness, and he was killed in a city “where Satan dwells.” In a city that held three temples dedicated to emperor worship, Antipas likely refused to say the words, “Caesar is Lord,” and, as a result, lost his life. Jesus wanted the pastor and the Christians in Pergamum to know that his words would be their weapon, a “sharp two-edged sword.”

But not everyone would stand for their witness as Antipas had done.

Who had compromised their witness in Pergamum?

Jesus said, “But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans” (Revelation 2:14–15).

Apparently, some Christians divided the church and distorted the apostolic message by following wrong teaching. Those wrong teachers were compared to those in Old Testament history who misled the Israelites to follow Baal. The church in Pergamum allowed people to preach a compromised message, and many followed their message.

Jesus commended the church in Ephesus because they “hated the practices of the Nicolaitans,” just as he also “hated them” (Revelation 2:6). The Nicolaitans were a heretical group whose message allowed for certain compromises that made living under Roman rule more bearable or pleasant. This unbiblical teaching was understandably popular, but it was not the truth of God. Jesus spoke against the people “who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans” (2:15).

If Jesus were to write letters to the Christian churches today, what wrong, unbiblical teaching would he point to as false teaching? What issues have Christian churches spoken for or against that do not follow the truth of Scripture? What issues have churches grown quiet about, refusing to address in sermons or Bible study?

What did Jesus instruct the pastor to tell the compromised in Pergamum?

Jesus instructed those who had fallen away from his truth to “repent,” a word that means to “stop and go the other direction.” Jesus told those who followed the teaching of the Nicolaitans, “Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16). The words of Jesus, our Scripture, is a “two-edged sword” which means it cuts in every direction. Jesus taught that a Christian’s most potent weapon in a culture of multiple gods is the truth of God.

Aren’t we seeing that in our own culture today? The quiet and softened messages from the pulpit might not ruffle feathers, but they also don’t stir the waters of the baptistry with people who understand their need to “repent” and be saved. Truth doesn’t have to be a weapon. Still, as the writer of Hebrews makes clear: “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The powerful word of God leads people to seek repentance when they understand their great need of salvation.

Most preachers don’t want to “step on toes,” but let’s face it: a GREAT sermon cuts to our hearts and causes us to consider our own thinking and intentions. It makes us want to repent, turn from wrong habits and ideas, and turn toward God instead.

He who has an ear . . .

Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it” (Revelation 2:17).

Jesus told those who would hear, understand, and obey that they could “conquer.” The truth isn’t just powerful for the Christians who will speak it, but also for those who will accept it. Listening to Jesus and following his word means, as Paul pointed out, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Jesus told the church in Pergamum that he would give them “some hidden manna” and “a white stone, with a new name written on the stone.” We don’t know exactly what Jesus meant, but it’s possible that he was referring to the manna that Moses “hid” in the ark of the covenant to remind God’s people of his abiding grace, power, and faithfulness.

A white stone was often used in the first century as an invitation to a wedding, banquet, or important gathering. Only those with the correct white stone were allowed to enter. Jesus will place a new name and identity on the person who accepts his “invitation.” It’s possible that Jesus was saying to those who would repent and faithfully follow the new covenant gospel that they could now walk daily knowing that Jesus will hand us a “white stone” that invites us into heaven, our new home.

To those who “have an ear to hear,” will you allow Jesus’ word to Pergamum to be a “sharp two-edged sword” that you will faithfully obey, share, and teach as his word of truth? We live in a culture that worships personal truth more than perfect, biblical truth. Compromising biblical truth wasn’t the right choice for Pergamum and isn’t the right choice for Christians today.

The seven churches: Smyrna

Imagine what it would be like to be a member and attend worship at the largest Christian church in Tehran. That is comparable to what it was like to be a Christian church member in Smyrna.

Smyrna was a beautiful seaport city about forty miles north of Ephesus in what is now modern-day Turkey. The city was rich and famous for its advanced learning, especially in science and medicine. Smyrna was also known for its undivided loyalty to the Roman Empire.

It was also the first city to build a temple to honor a Roman emperor. Smyrna passed a law requiring every citizen to present a pinch of incense at the temple and speak, “Caesar is lord.” The Christian confession of faith has always been, “Jesus is Lord.” Understandably, most Christians refused to obey Smyrna’s temple law and honor Caesar. The resulting persecution was miserable, often resulting in a sentence of death for many of the Christians in the city.

The Source of their faith

Jesus’ message to the Christians of Smyrna:

Jesus was identifying his divine nature when he told John, “The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life” (Revelation 2:8). Jesus wanted the people in Smyrna who were suffering great persecution to remember that they had chosen to believe in him, the One who had always existed and the One who had died and then came back to life. The Christians in Smyrna had witnessed or experienced the persecution a faithful Christian could face, and Jesus reminded them that they were followers of the Son of God. Their faith was in the truth: “Jesus is Lord.” Jesus’ resurrection was proof that he had always been Lord and always would be.

Jesus then told John to write this message to the pastor, “the angel” in Smyrna: “I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich)” (Revelation 2:9a). Jesus told the pastor and the people that he knew what they were enduring.

Sometimes pain, grief, or persecution for our faith can cause us to feel isolated and different from everyone else. When Christians refuse to believe what is popular truth because we choose instead to accept the clear truth of Scripture, we can feel persecuted for our faith, too. Jesus would remind us that our faith and our future are secure. Jesus knows you have made him your Lord, and you have chosen to place your faith in him. Jesus wants you to know that whatever your circumstances are here on earth, you are rich as a child of God. You have “set your minds on things above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).

The source of Smyrna’s suffering

It would have been normal for the people of Smyrna to blame the leaders and citizens of Rome for their suffering. Jesus had a different message for the Christians, identifying the true source of their persecution and slander as “those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9b).

The leaders and government of Rome were persecuting the people of Smyrna, but the Jewish leaders and the Jewish people were also attacking them. Jesus didn’t blame the Romans or the Jewish people; he blamed Satan, who was their motivator. Jesus taught the Christians to look past the lost people to the one who wants them to be lost.

Jesus taught the Christians of Smyrna and Christians today to look past the faces who slander us or treat us wrongly because of our faith. Instead, we should see the face of evil, our real enemy. Paul taught a similar lesson saying, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). How might it change our emotions and our actions if we lived with this perspective? How would we treat people if we saw them as lost and usable by Satan to do his work against us?

The Source of our strength

Jesus wanted the Christians in Smyrna to know that he understood how difficult their lives were, but he also wanted them to understand who they should truly blame for their suffering. Then, Jesus told Christians, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

Jesus did not promise the Christians that he would end or limit their suffering on earth. Instead, Jesus taught them their suffering would end forever in heaven. This would have been difficult for the people in Smyrna to hear, and it is difficult truth for us as well. Jesus taught Christians not to fear the things of this world because suffering would only be for “ten days,” meaning a short amount of time. Jesus encouraged his children to “be faithful unto death” because the only crown worth pursuing is “the crown of life.” The word “crown” in this verse refers to the crown awarded to a person at the end of a race.

Why did God allow the Christians of Smyrna to suffer such slander and persecution? They suffered “so that” they could be “tested” or purified by their tribulation. Their eternal reward would be a crown that would mark them as victorious in their faith, for all eternity.

According to Open Doors’ World Watch List top 50, 310 million Christians face very high or extreme levels of persecution. According to Christianity Today, “Overall, more than 380 million Christians live in nations with high levels of persecution or discrimination. That’s 1 in 7 Christians worldwide, including 1 in 5 believers in Africa, 2 in 5 in Asia, and 1 in 16 in Latin America.” Those statistics don’t include nations like America. We might feel persecuted at times for our faith, but our persecution doesn’t reach the levels necessary to be considered persecuted by the world’s standards. Hundreds of millions of our Christian brothers and sisters live faithfully every day, knowing their faith could cost them or their loved ones their lives. Jesus didn’t promise them or us an easy life on earth. He promises that our faith can sustain us to live without fear because we are promised an eternity living with a victor’s crown.

Are his promises enough for your pain or suffering today?

Do his words encourage or discourage you today?

Jesus said, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death” (Revelation 2:11). Will you listen to and hear the truth of Jesus’ words today?

Jesus taught that our faith is to be grounded in the truth of the Source of our faith. Christians say, “Jesus is Lord,” but we must also make him Lord of every choice and circumstance in our earthly lives. Jesus is our King, and we can’t allow anything else to occupy his throne. When Jesus is truly our Lord, we can overcome slander, persecution, suffering, and all other hardships because we know our best hope is eternal, not earthly.

None of us will succeed all the time. Only Jesus could claim that. But we can choose what Jesus taught the Christians in Smyrna to choose. Our joy, our hope, our reward rest in things eternal. Are there earthly goals in your life? Are there people you continue to blame, or do you look past their faces and see the evil face of their motivator? Have you ever been motivated by the evil one to slander or persecute someone?

Those are hard and humbling thoughts, but if the truth leads you to call out to Jesus not just as your Savior but as your Lord, then obedience to Jesus’ words for Smyrna can become your blessing and one day, your eternal crown. We serve a God of grace, but we are called to serve him as our King.

Will you make him your King again today and say with the people of Smyrna, “Jesus is my Lord”?

Easter lessons from Jesus

For the next three weeks, I will focus this blog post on the important teaching of Jesus on the Mount of Olives. His words, found in Matthew 24–25, are called the Olivet Discourse. Jesus took the time on Tuesday of Passion Week to teach and comfort his disciples, who had grown very concerned over what they had seen and heard that day. Jesus knew Easter was coming, and he wanted his disciples to understand better all that would happen then and in the following years.

The beginning of Passion Week

Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the excited cheers of the crowds. On Monday, Jesus and his disciples left Bethany, the home of Lazarus and his sisters, and walked two miles to Jerusalem. They passed a fig tree, and Jesus cursed it for not bearing fruit. When Jesus neared the city of Jerusalem, he wept because so many people there would never recognize the fact that their Messiah was in their midst (Luke 19:41–44).

After entering the city, he saw the temple courts and, for the second time in his ministry, cleansed the temple of the money changers who were immorally taking advantage of the pilgrims who had come to make a sacrifice at the temple. Jesus and his disciples returned to Bethany Monday night.

Holy Tuesday was a teaching Tuesday

Most consider Tuesday to be the day that solidified Jesus’ death sentence. He and his disciples woke up in Bethany that day and returned to Jerusalem. As they passed the fig tree Jesus had cursed the day before, they noticed it was dried up and decaying. Matthew 21:20–22 is the important lesson about prayer that Jesus taught them that day from the fig tree.

Jesus and his disciples were quickly met by a group of Pharisees and Sadducees who were expecting them. The Jewish leaders began to publicly question Jesus, hoping to expose him to the crowds of pilgrims who had come to Jerusalem for Passover.

The Jewish leaders asked Jesus who had given him the authority to say what he had been saying. Jesus answered them with a question of his own, saying, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things” (Matthew 21:24–27). Jesus then told several parables that publicly exposed the wrong thinking of those Jewish leaders.

The Jewish leaders had been frustrated by the fact they couldn’t get Jesus to publicly condemn himself by speaking blasphemy. They reorganized and came at Jesus again, asking him about the resurrection, the greatest commandment, and their understanding of who the Messiah would be. Each confrontation further frustrated the Jewish leaders who were attempting to expose Jesus.

Finally, Jesus pronounced seven woes on the Jewish leaders, calling them “hypocrites, blind guides, whitewashed tombs, and a brood of vipers. His words against these popular and respected leaders condemned them as false teachers and fake politicians. Jesus exposed their teaching as hindering people from truly knowing God and recognizing their Messiah (Matthew 23).

The disciples would likely have been shocked and dismayed to hear Jesus, their teacher, speak this way to these men in such a public forum. Rightfully, they would have feared the retribution that was sure to follow. So, Jesus, understanding their concerns, led them outside the city’s walls and into the olive garden just outside.

As they passed through the gates of the temple, walking toward the Mount of Olives, Jesus pointed to the massive stones in the walls and said, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:1–2). Many of the stones weighed thousands of pounds. One stone that was uncovered is estimated to weigh as much as a 747 Jetliner. Jesus’ words to his disciples would have seemed unfathomable, unrealistic, and even untrue.

If we were in the crowds that day, what would we have thought about Jesus? These men had left everything behind to dedicate their lives to their rabbi, friend, and Messiah. His actions on Tuesday would have been shocking to them, as well as the crowds who didn’t know him well.

Time on the Mount of Olives

The disciples wanted to understand why Jesus was saying these unimaginable things. They asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” The disciples thought the fall of the walls of Jerusalem would mean that God was bringing about the end of the world. They wanted to know when that end would take place. It is still the question people most want to know.

Jesus told his disciples, then and today, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.All these are but the beginning of the birth pains” (Matthew 24:4–8).

The temple in Jerusalem fell in AD 70, just as Jesus told his disciples it would. This world has always had wars and rumors of wars. It experienced two World Wars, and many people understandably believed those days were the “end” of time. There have been famines and earthquakes, yet people are still roaming this planet.

Easter has been celebrated for many centuries now. Is it still the beginning of the birth pains?

An answer that has never satisfied

Jesus didn’t tell his disciples what they wanted to know. Instead, he told his first-century disciples and every disciple that they would follow what they needed to know.

Jesus said,“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:9–14).

When will we celebrate our last Easter? Only God knows. In the meantime, we must understand what those first-century disciples needed to hear.

Are you waiting, working, and willing to serve like Jesus taught?

Have you fallen away? Betrayed your faith? Hated a fellow brother or sister in Christ?
Have you followed false teaching and been led astray?
Has your love for Jesus grown cold, apathetic, or stale?

If any of the above is true, Jesus told you what to do before you get ready to celebrate Easter. Commit to live an enduring faith in Jesus as your Lord and King. An enduring faith experiences the difficult times in this world with a faith that sustains the person until the difficult times fade or others come.

Share the gospel message, the good news about the kingdom of God, because the end will come when all those who God knows will belong in heaven have gone to heaven or belong to the group that Jesus will return for on that last, final day. One Easter Sunday will be the last.

Worship with the joy of knowing your hope is eternal and guaranteed by the truth of the resurrection. Live with an enduring faith in all that Easter has promised. It doesn’t matter when Jesus will return. It only matters that he has promised he will.

Enjoy the beauty of this day with the hope of your salvation and share the gospel of the kingdom. People deserve to know that the last Easter is coming.

It makes good sense to wait with purpose

Books, blogs, articles, and sermons are popular when they discuss the second coming of Christ. Why do we take so much interest in something that Jesus said we would never know or be able to anticipate? Jesus said, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). He could come right now while you enjoy a second cup of coffee and read this blog post.

James had no way of knowing God’s people would still be waiting more than 2000 years later when he told his church, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7–8).

The tulip bulbs I planted last winter are a beautiful reminder to me that, here in Texas, Spring has arrived. When I planted those bulbs, I had no way of knowing when they would bloom. When a farmer plants his crops, he doesn’t know the exact day to schedule the harvest. We can put bulbs and seeds in the ground, but it is up to God to bring the rains, control the winds, and produce the miracle from a tiny seed that turns into something amazing and able to feed our souls and bodies.

Our job is to wait on God’s timing, but we wait with purpose. Weeds need to be pulled and branches trimmed. There are places to step and places to avoid stepping. If God doesn’t send the rain, we must provide water from another source. We wait on God’s timing, but we have work to do while we wait.

We are called to wait with his good purpose

We don’t know when the Lord will return, but James tells us how to wait until that time. The Lord may return for every believer in the world this afternoon. The Lord will most certainly return for several believers today as they pass from this life to eternity. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). The word “today” meant “today” or immediately.

James taught his people to wait with the character of Jesus as we wait to see the face of Jesus. James wrote, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9). I’ve often wondered how many words I would have kept to myself if I had thought of this verse first! James taught us to walk through this life as if Jesus were close by, listening to every word . . because he is.

James also reminded us about the patience of Job, a man who suffered the worst things this earthly life can subject a person to. He didn’t enjoy his suffering, but he held onto his steadfast faith, which promised a future life with God filled with joy and hope. Job understood that the Lord was compassionate and merciful (James 5:11). James taught his church that it is common sense to rely on the promises of our faith during the worst of times because our steadfast faith will keep us from grumbling about things. If we walk in faith, even the most difficult times can produce a godly witness that will be eternally blessed.

Our word can be our bond

James wrote, “Above all . . .do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by any other oath but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” It always felt like James 5:12 was out of place or an afterthought verse, but James, after the previous verses, says, “Above all.” James was likely referring to the oaths that were considered the verbal contracts of the day.

I like to think of James 5:12 as a summary of his entire letter. From the beginning, he has offered common-sense Christianity. James is a practical letter about how a Christian can live carefully and faithfully. In some ways, James 5:12 could be an umbrella of common sense for the entire letter.

Chapter 1: There are trials in this life, and we ought not to be tossed about. Our steadfast faith in God should hold us firm, and our actions, especially during tough times, should show others that we don’t just know God’s word; we believe it.
Chapter 2: We should be careful to love everyone like God loves, without partiality, because we know we cannot judge anyone else’s character. Our job is to live with the character of Christ so that our faith is not just words we confess but something our daily actions prove we trust and believe.
Chapter 3: If we allow God to be Lord of our words, he can also be Lord of our actions. The tongue is a powerful rudder that tends also to steer our actions. If we receive the wisdom from above, we can then know and speak that wisdom to others. Our character can display the character of Christ if we will wisely live with that priority.
Chapter 4: We can live for the world and like the world. We can define success by the world’s standards. Or we can live our eternal lives daily as our highest priority.
Chapter 5: We can sacrifice our eternal treasure for the treasures of this world and claw our way to the top of earth’s ladder. Or, we can endure this life with steadfast faith in the hope of heaven. In humility, we can claw our way to the foot of the cross and choose to be more like Jesus.

And “above all” or overall, as James has taught in this amazing letter, we can make sure we are known as people who speak the truth of God all the time. Every lesson we teach and every action we take can be trusted because people know we are God’s children and we live truthful, faithful lives. Our “yes” and our “no” can be trusted.

What is your “prayer of faith”?

James closes his common-sense letter about faithful living by speaking about prayer (James 5:13–20). To summarize his words: In good times and bad, in sickness and health, in the sinful times and during your righteous days, confess, pray, and trust the power of your faith to carry you through every circumstance of this life.

When someone wanders from the truth, “bring him back.” Pray fervently for everyone because there is no greater use of our time than to “save a soul from death” because the salvation of even one person will cover a multitude of sins.

The single most important reason to live a “Common-sense Christian” witness is that every person who God calls us to influence might be led to seek a saving faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

It’s the Lent season, a perfect time to carefully influence others with our faithful observance of all Easter means to our faith. Let’s be careful to live with humble gratitude for God’s Easter gift. Jesus died to pay for every sin. Jesus rose again as the living example of God’s power over death.

Living wisely and carefully with James’ words in our hearts makes good practical sense. The sermon our life preaches may bring someone to church on Easter Sunday. How many sins could be erased if God’s people steadfastly lived as James taught?

“Above all,” let our words be true and our character Christ-like. Truth is a powerful witness, and its rewards are often eternal. May our common-sense Christianity be a sacrificial gift to Jesus this Easter.

As we wait for his return, it makes good sense to wait with that purpose.

Sin is common, but avoiding it is common sense

Paul said it well when he said, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). How do you handle that fact? Knowing we all sin can cause us to live more carefully because we are aware of our fallen natures. Or that knowledge can cause us to simply shrug our shoulders and say, “Oh well, everyone sins,” disregarding our sins as a normal part of life.

Sin is not a popular topic, but God’s word often deals with the subject, so we should consider it seriously. When we learn to live with an eternal perspective for our earthly lives, we can avoid a lot of sin.

For Christians, avoiding sin makes the most sense. So, how can we learn to avoid sin, especially common ones that sneak up on us?

We can live with an eternal perspective for our earthly lives.

James wrote, “What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14).

James would not get high reviews for that comment. We live in the “take care of yourself first” era, and “you only have one life, live it well.” That’s the perspective of most people on earth, yet it’s the wrong way for the Christian to view life. We don’t have one life; we have one life on earth and another for all eternity.

If we live with an earthly perspective, we will have wrong priorities for our time, our choices, and, most importantly, our values. We can invest in the “mist” that quickly vanishes or in the ocean of blessings that will last forever.

How will you spend your day today? What will you accomplish that will matter forever?

We can learn to recognize sin.

One of my favorite verses in the book of James is, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). I think James gives the best definition for sin in the Bible!

When my boys were little, I had a rule for disciplining them. When they did something wrong, I asked myself, “Did they know it was wrong?” That parenting technique came straight out of James 4:17. If I had never specifically said, “Don’t do that,” I disciplined with words. If, on the other hand, I had taught them not to do something, I disciplined them with consequences of some kind. “Whoever knows the right thing to do” and doesn’t do it, for him or her, it is a sin. It really is that simple.

We have a responsibility to learn to recognize sin and then avoid it. God gave us his word, and we need to know what the Bible says so that we can obey it. God also gave us his Son, the Word, as our living example of what a life of complete obedience looks like. Finally, God gave us his power, his Holy Spirit, so we can resist every temptation to sin.

So why do we still sin? Even though we know the right thing to do, we sometimes choose what we want rather than what God wants for us. I’ve often wished we could see the eternal consequences of our choices because I think we would sin less often.

Have you ever been in a store, a restaurant, or a movie and wished that person from your church hadn’t just seen you? Has someone in your Sunday School class witnessed you having a bad day in public? Are you the same person at work that you are at church or Sunday School?

Years ago, I was in a hurry at the grocery store, and my toddler son would not stop reaching for the stuff on the store shelves. I had a newborn in the cart, and my three-year-old was supposed to behave. Finally, I had enough, and I popped my oldest on the backside to make my point. He started wailing and woke the baby up, who started crying. As I glanced up, I saw the wife of one of our deacons looking at me with a stunned, deer-in-the-headlights look. The sin in the moment wasn’t the behavior of my small children. I knew what to do, they didn’t.

For all of you who just read that and thought, “She is being too hard on herself” – thank you, but that kind of makes my point. I lost my temper with my child and didn’t have an ounce of grace for him in that moment. It was normal. It was common frustration. But it was also a lack of self-control. I could have and would have done better if I had lived with God’s strength in that moment. That son whose backside I whacked just turned 39, and I still remember feeling like I had not lived my best witness to that deacon’s wife in the grocery store. It isn’t the “big sins” that commonly trip us up. More often it’s the multitude of common sins that accumulate and become stored in our minds as acceptable that cost us the most.

When we know the right thing to do and choose not to do it, we sin. It’s a pretty simple definition to hold onto.

We can make our witness an eternal priority.

James wrote, “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days…You have lived on the earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter” (James 5:1–5).

Animals that are about to be sold or butchered for food really enjoy the final month or two of life. They get to eat a LOT, and they get to eat the best grains and grasses. They just don’t understand that all that “good food” is preparing them for death. Everything we own on earth has a beginning and an end. James is teaching us that if we live for the sake of our earthly lives, we will miss the treasure that God wants us to have eternally. But he also said something that should be even more convicting. James said, “You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you” (James 5:6).

When we fail to live with eternal priorities, we “fatten” our personal lives with the temporary stuff that seems important but is only important temporarily. When we live with God’s eternal priorities, we make choices for the sake of our eternal treasure. We should be much more aware of the importance of our witness to others. Pursuing wrong priorities in this lifetime doesn’t just harm our lives; we are probably harming others in the process. Murdering our witness might mean we cause someone else to distrust our faith. We trust Jesus as our Savior, but we must live with Jesus as our Lord. Our words often matter eternally.

Avoiding sin is common sense

Paul was right. All of us will sin, and there is nothing, this side of heaven, that we can do about that. We can’t be perfect, but we can probably all try harder to make godliness our high priority. We expect to sin, but that doesn’t mean we should accept our sins. Instead, we are called to avoid sin with all of our hearts and with all the strength God has given us.

Avoiding sin will lead to eternal rewards for each of us and likely for many others as well. I still wish I could do those moments in the grocery store over again. That experience has served as a reminder for a lot of years now. God is so good at redeeming our mistakes and using them for our sanctification. His grace is truly amazing.

We won’t avoid every sin, but living with God’s common-sense values will help us avoid more than we realize. Why live for the mist when we can inherit his ocean of blessing?

Wisdom is “uncommon” sense

The book of James contains some of the most common-sense teachings in the New Testament but also teaches “uncommon” sense. At the beginning of his letter, James encouraged his first-century readers and all of us to maintain a steadfast, faith-filled relationship with God. He said that good works will result if we walk through life in a close relationship with God. James also said that if anyone lacked wisdom, he or she just needed to ask, and God would provide his wisdom generously.

James addressed wisdom again at the end of chapter 3. James, Jesus’s half-brother, had grown up learning and following the Old Testament teachings that Mary and Joseph would have insisted their children understand. James would have been taught the proverb, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).

In many ways, James 3:13 is one of the most important questions in all Scripture. James asks his readers, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” Who comes to mind when you consider that question? If you’re like me, you have a list of people you consider “wise and understanding.”

For today, let’s also ask: “Whose list contains my name?”

Are you wise and understanding?

James said that wise and understanding people are recognized by examining their actions. James wrote, “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). The key to knowing if your life is full of wisdom is remembering the meaning of the word “meekness.”

James had just written about the power of our words and our great need to be careful with all we say. He wrote about the control a bit had in the horse’s mouth. He described a ship’s ability to be directed by a small rudder. Then James spoke about the “meekness of wisdom.” The meaning of the word meekness in the first century was literally a picture word for the submission of a war horse to the bit in its mouth. The meekness of wisdom reminds us that we need to submit ourselves to God in order to lead lives that God controls and guides. Submission to God’s control is our source of wisdom.

Who is wise and understanding among you? The person whose wisdom is produced by the power and grace of God and lives consistent with his word. How can you be wise? God makes us wise when we are fully submitted to his complete control in our lives. God didn’t intend for Jesus to be only a Savior. God intends for Jesus to be our Lord as well. That’s why God sent his Spirit to indwell our lives. Are we fully submitted to the Holy Spirit’s leadership?

Who is NOT wise and understanding?

James wrote, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14–16).

We are not wise if we compare ourselves to others and feel like we deserve more than we have. We are not wise if we aim for what we want rather than what God wants. We are not wise if we stretch the truth to validate our opinions. James makes it clear that earthly standards for wisdom are unspiritual, even demonic. Earthly standards for truth produce disorder and every vile practice.

Take a minute to consider the last newscast you watched or remember a recent political debate. We can know if we are listening to earthly ideas when those ideas are borne of worldly ambitions and standards.

Common-sense Christianity requires us to seek wisdom, which is sadly not common enough in our world.

Why is wisdom “uncommon” sense?

James answers that question in verse 3:17. He wrote, “But the wisdom from above is . . .” Wisdom is uncommon sense because it comes from God alone. Humans cannot think like God, love like God, or be perfect like God. God’s children need to remember and acknowledge:

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33).
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28).

God’s wisdom is “uncommon” sense because humans cannot produce it and rarely seek it. God’s wisdom must be requested and received.

What does God’s uncommon wisdom look like in us?

James said, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

God’s wisdom purifies, produces peace, and is gentle and reasonable. God’s wisdom fills a person with God’s love, character, and grace.

We will submit our lives to God and his Holy Spirit if we are wise. If we are wise, we will want to exude God’s character as our own. If our lives are filled with his wisdom, we will experience many moments of godliness.

What are the consequences of living with wisdom?

James told us, “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Common-sense Christianity requires us to seek wisdom, whatever the cost, because we aren’t called to simply be peaceful people, we are called to “make” peace. God’s wisdom will produce God’s character in us, and we can help others make peace with their God. If we live with God’s wisdom, we will enjoy a “harvest of righteousness.”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to fill this day and all that follows with God’s uncommon sense? Remember, James began his letter by saying, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Will you ask God for his “uncommon” sense now?

Common Sense tells us to cover our mouths

We all know to cover our mouths when we sneeze to prevent the spread of germs. The Book of James also teaches us to cover our mouths spiritually. Our words can also spread many unhealthy things.

This topic is a tough one. James teaches: “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body” (James 3:2). In other words, all of us will say wrong things because there is no such thing as a perfect person. We all forget to cover our mouths at times spiritually, and our words infect others as a result.

Did you get through the recent political election without saying something you regret? Did you get through yesterday without saying something that would have been more helpful to have left unsaid? James makes it clear that we all sin in this area, and we need to consider the potential our words have to cause harm and learn to live more cautiously as a result.

This sin is common but more hurtful for some

James 3:1 is one of my least favorite verses in Scripture. The verse says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” I’ve taught for a LOT of years, and this verse makes me gulp every time I read it.

We who presume to teach others about God must be cautiously careful with our words. I’m careful not to take the Lord’s name in vain by using it as a cuss word or slander. I really hate when people say the name “Jesus” in frustration or anger. But just because that isn’t my personal issue doesn’t mean I won’t take the Lord’s name in vain by using it lightly, without reverence. I enjoy a good joke or clever satire and don’t mind repeating a few things that I know will entertain those around me. The same mouth that teaches the Bible can spout some words that teach a much different lesson.

If, like me, you are a teacher, a minister, or anyone who wants to share a godly witness with the world, we are called to know that our words matter. It’s good common sense for Christians to be careful with our words.

God created us to speak, then asked us to make him Lord of what we say

I wonder if the first recorded sin in Scripture followed words like these from Eve to Adam: “Hey Adam, you have GOT to try this!” We know Satan’s temptation began with a conversation that led Eve to doubt God’s word as truth. When have our words caused others to doubt the truth of God? That is a sobering thought for all of us. We should never underestimate the power our words can have in the lives of others.

James told his readers, “If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things” (James 3:3–5).

God created us to speak, and James reminds us that when we made Jesus Lord, we also made him King of our conversations. How many times have you walked away from a fun conversation only to hear that still, small voice convict you over something you said? The older I get, the quicker those thoughts come. I rarely make it home before I have to pray, “I’m sorry, Lord. I blew that. Please forgive and redeem my words with your own.”

The church isn’t full of hypocrites

The only reason the church isn’t full of hypocrites, however, is because the church isn’t yet full. A church might run out of seats on Easter Sunday or Christmas Eve. Only then could the church possibly be full of hypocrites.

The reason Christians are labeled hypocrites is because we so often are. It’s okay to acknowledge that we are all sinners because that allows us to help others know that Jesus died for their sins as well. We can tell anyone that the church isn’t full of hypocrites. The church will always make room for one more.

James wrote, “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:7–8).

We will never say everything well. Nor will we always speak the truth of God with love. We will never tame our tongues completely. Truthfully, that just means we can help others to know that everyone needs God as much as we do.

How can you learn to control your words?

The most important part of controlling an addiction is admitting that the addiction is actually controlling you. A typical AA introduction begins, “Hi. My name is _____, and I’m an alcoholic.”

Maybe we should introduce ourselves in a similar way. “Hi. I call myself a Christian, but I’m also still a hypocritical sinner. Thankfully, I’m a sinner saved by grace, and the good news is, God can save you, too.”

As James said, our words can “bless our Lord and Father” and can “curse people who are made in the likeness of God” (From James 3:9). James also said, “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). Whatever we say that does not bless a person’s life might actually cause them harm.

That’s why James wrote, “Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water” (James 3:11–12). Fresh water was considered a great, life-saving value in the first century. Our words can have that same high value for someone’s eternal life.

We choose to speak, and we can choose to speak carefully and thoughtfully.

Common sense requires us to ask for help when we need it

No one says everything right. No one speaks only words of kindness. But who do you know who comes close to speaking almost perfectly? I know someone who amazes me in this area. (Yes, Marcia, I’m thinking of you!) I’ve often asked God to help me be more like Marcia. I look up to her because she yields her words to the Spirit’s leadership. I think James would have been impressed with her as well!

Our words matter. Common sense Christianity requires us to value our words enough to submit our mouths to God’s leadership. If Jesus wouldn’t have said it, we shouldn’t either!

A pastor named Buddy Owens is credited with saying, “When you fix your thoughts on God, God fixes your thoughts.” Jesus said, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” (Matthew 12:36). Let’s fix our minds on “things above,” and then maybe we won’t have as much to fix before that day we stand before God. That’s just good, common-sense Christianity that we can all aim for. That choice will impact a lot of lives, our own included.