Bah Humbug?

Bah Humbug?

Every year the struggle becomes more and more real-the Christmas struggle that is. Every year I have to stop and ask myself if my observation of Christmas is one of loving Christ and honoring Him or getting caught up in the hype and the falseness that is promoted by retailers, TV commercials, etc. At what point are bigger and better gifts just promoting idol worship instead of showing people we care about them?

There is one great gift that can’t be wrapped in a pretty bow – that is the love of Christ. It is the most important thing that we can share with others during this time of year - and it can’t be bought. It was paid for many years ago and it is freely given now. Christ was born in a manger and there was nothing fancy about it. What makes us believe that giving big expensive gifts can have anything to do with Christmas or that it would be what Christ would want to happen in celebration of His birth? 

How do you think Christ would like to celebrate the day of His birth? Would He want to go volunteer at a homeless shelter or find a way to help others? During His time on earth that is how He spent most of His time, so that would probably be at the top of His list. How does He want us to spend it? He might want us to share His story with those around us. The love of Christ is so powerful and yet overlooked during the most important time of the year. Every American knows what Christmas is, but does every American know why we celebrate this holiday? That’s really sad that there are people who might be celebrating Christmas and don’t even know about Christ. It’s time we tell them, don’t you think?

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7

Under the Influence

Under the Influence

We’ve all heard the term “under the influence” when referring to someone driving while intoxicated. It is a broad term that can include either alcohol or drugs. Basically, it means that the person cannot make clear decisions while driving because their judgment is being clouded by some type of substance. In life our judgment can be clouded not only by substances but by the influence of those around us.

Several years ago I was fortunate enough to meet a man that knew the Lord. Then I was lucky enough to get him to go out with me! Soon we were married and since then my relationship with the Lord has grown. Would I have had this relationship with the Lord if I hadn’t met and married my husband? I’m not sure what the answer is to that question. My husband has been a great influence on my spiritual life. He has led me in a patient and loving way to be a better Christian. Through his support and prayers, I have come to know the Lord on a much deeper level. In a way, I think we have led each other there. We read together. We talk about the Lord. We pray for one another. Yes, we still have arguments like every married couple, we aren’t perfect by any means, but we have a foundation set on the Lord and He is the center of our marriage. So, we continually influence one another to grow stronger in Him. Because of this, I count myself among the blessed.

On the flip side of this coin, is the possibility of being influenced away from the Lord. We look at the world around us and there are a LOT of negative influences out there. A huge part of our population is addicted to something – drugs, alcohol, pornography, etc. Often it is impossible for someone to get away from these things because it has a great hold on them. They become like a prisoner to their addiction and the people they call “friends” are caught up in the same addictions. Even if they break free from the addiction, when they return to their life these addictions are right there waiting for them to return. Seriously, the only way to break free is to move away and start a new life. 

Even if you aren’t addicted to something, there can be people in our lives that lead us away from God. They may not be intentionally leading us away, but if they are influencing us in a way that leads us away from the Lord, then we have two choices - we must become the influence and lead them to the Lord, or we need distance ourselves from them. Satan is a sneaky character. He knows how to pull us away from the Lord and he often uses the people around us to do it. Little things can add up to a big fall from God sometimes. We look at something and think, “everyone else is doing it”, and that is the beginning of the end. Being one of God’s children means being different than the “world”. 

Jesus was a great influence on those around Him. If you read through the gospels, He continually encouraged those around Him to be more. His words were always meant to help us grow closer to Him, and to live as God wants us to live. If you are caught up in an addiction or you are under the influence of those around you, reading the Bible can help. Start in the book of Matthew and read and listen to what Jesus wants you to hear. Let the Lord be the one to influence you instead of those around you.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

Unmasked

Unmasked

This week most of us have watched little ghosts and goblins trek around local streets hoping for some candy. Halloween means dressing up in costumes and many times wearing masks. For the children, this is only one day a year. For many of us, the masks get donned more often than this. These masks become a part of our normal wardrobe, just like the clothes we wear every day.

I can tell you a lot about this mask, because I’ve been a wearer in the past. Let me tell you about my own mask and then ask yourself if you have a mask of your own. In the past there were two different masks I would wear. One mask was worn on Sunday morning. This mask was a mask of perfection. It was what I thought people expected of me, but it was a false face. During the rest of my life I wore a different mask, one that was not so perfect. 

One day, I realized that I was cheating myself, and God, by wearing these two masks. By wearing the first mask I was not allowing myself to truly be known, to be seen, to be honest with my fellow church family members. I was hiding from them and from a God that wanted to love me wholly and to forgive me for my sins. By wearing the second mask I was cheating not only myself but others that would look to me as a Christian and find me lacking. This mask was hurting the Lord as well as those who might come to Him. 

Taking off the mask and allowing myself to be known by the Lord, allowing Him to reside within me and shine through me has been the greatest decision I’ve ever made. Instead of being half a person all of the time, I’ve become a whole person all of the time. Are you wearing a mask? Halloween is over – time to take off the mask!

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.” Luke 8:17