Grace-Energized Believers Are Not Independent of God
by Dr. John Barnett

The online source for many Americans named Wikipedia really does capture the essence of the current American's thinking:

"In general, the American dream can be defined as being the opportunity and freedom for all citizens to achieve their goals and become rich and famous if only they work hard enough."

This statement of the "American Dream" is the most frank definition of what may actually be our deeply rooted national form of idolatry. As believers we have become so American that we think God and the American dream somehow fit together. We are so steeped in our culture and life that we fail to fear the "Canaanite" danger all around us. We are in the very same dangerous place as Israel in the times of the Judges.

Our society offers us all manner of consumer goods, pleasure, travel and enjoyment, the good things of life--but we are asked to be "tolerant" of (and eventually to buy into) the pagan idolatry which is everywhere around us. And when we do so, and the more we do so - then the terrible sickness and blindness of Revelation 3 takes hold of our lives.

Look at Christ's last letter to His church, the ones in Laodicea:

Revelation 3:14-22 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked - 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' " NKJV

We live in the most intoxicating time in history. We live around the constant allurements of wealth, comfort and the false promises of security. When we give in to the "Canaanite virus" we slowly detach from the closeness to Christ and His church He calls us to and we drift around seeking our goals, plans, and ambitions.

Whether young or old, God wants believers who think deeply about God in an amused, shallow-thinking culture. This person lives a life that is marked by grace-energized convictions:

- They will not be entertained by sensuality; and
- They choose to never be amused by vulgarity.

This quality of godly character means a grace-energized choice to:

- Understand the brevity of life;
- Experience the gravity of God's Word; and
- Live in the reality of eternity.

This morning, may I challenge every young Christian to God's call that you keep a singular focus upon God in an increasingly blurred world.

Monday, September 01, 2008