The Authority that Comes with Suffering: "Not My Will, But Yours, Lord"

Some months ago, a few character deficiencies bubbled up to the surface of my heart, stemming from the source of sin lurking deep within. I was forced to stand before the towering image of an inflated self that fed on affirmations and was motivated by the opinion and approval of fellow man. This exaggerated sense of self was busting at the seams with pride although I may have failed to diagnose it as such because it was masked securely by false humility. Contrary to what I believed, self-depracation is not humility. As often as I refused to receive any complimentary utterance flowing forth from the lips of my peers, I also secretly relied on them to feed my self-esteem. And this played a huge role in my ministry. I would suppress the flame inside in order to secure people's opinion of me because I would rather be portrayed as humble than standing in the way of Christ's glory. Pride as described in these two polar ends of the spectrum have nothing to do with Christ and everything to do with self and other's assessment of self. But, soon I would find that the more I fix my eyes on Christ, everything and everyone that once served to validate me would lose its sting. When we are approved by the King, we are impacted very little by our surroundings and are therefore impactful in our ministry. May everything external to the soul and spirit fade away so that Christ may dwell richly in us, not having to contend with our fleshly disposition.

If we have entertained pride, we have inevitably invited in his companion known as "rights". In a nation such as this where rights stimulate debate and inflame people to stand up for a laundry list of injustices by enlisting their support for various causes, we are enmeshed with the message that one must strive to preserve and protect his reputation and every "God-given right". I am not at all discounting the great work and advancements made by leaders who left an imprint in our history textbooks as they stood upon the principles of scripture to peacefully combat oppressive issues, such as racial segregation. I am targeting, however, a generation who has tipped the scale, turning a biblical standard of equality into a pattern of self-entitlement. As a result of this, society by and large has adopted the notion that the world is his debtor. With that said, let's look at a secular definition for the word "rights": "that which is due anyone by just claim". We need to evaluate if we, as God's children, define and strive to uphold our rights by the world's standards or by the standards set forth in scripture. For anyone striving in truth, let God be your defense. Psalm 9:4 states, "For You [God] have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness". It is true that every person on this earth indeed has a right and that is to live a life apart from God where he will in turn suffer his fate in eternal damnation. Everything else is given to him by the grace of God [paraphrased from my bible study lecture]. Our "just claim", as the definition states, is to spend eternity apart from God for "our righteousness is as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) next to Him who is pure and holy. When we understand full-heartedly the weight of our sin that Jesus Christ bore on the cross, sentiments of self-entitlement will diminish. Freedom from the guilt, control, and penalty of sin was a gift to us, undeserved by us. We dare not claim it a right if we deeply contemplate our former state.

In our day and age the definition of rights has expanded to include an obligatory claim to a comfortable life with all of its luxuries and amenities at our disposal. For those of us who have fallen into this entrapment, we have placed our hope in a perishable crown, joining the rest of the world in what's coined as the "rat race". But, the analogy I prefer is portrayed as a hamster on his exercise wheel. He runs aimlessly without an achievable end. However, for those of us who have placed our hope in Jesus Christ, Paul tells us to run not with this uncertainty (ref 1 Corinthians 9:26) but temperate, assured of what is awaiting us on the other side of the finish line, our imperishable crown.

Running temperate sometimes means we will fall behind the world's standards of success which might include job promotions, houses, cars, marriage, children, etc. Although these earthly rewards sometimes do come to some very faithful believers (as well as some not so faithful), they are by no means correlated with a man's worth nor are they credited to him for his good deeds. Job who knew no lack until everything was ripped from his fingertips had the proper perspective on claiming rights to his possessions, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away" (Job 1:21). In other words, everything we have is provided by God's gracious hand and therefore not ours to claim. God addresses the Israelites in like manner, silencing prideful hearts that trusted in their own power and might to acquire wealth for themselves. In response to this God says, "remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth..." (ref Deuteronomy 8:17-18). In addition to this, no one is comparatively more worthy to receive God's gifts for up against His spotless standard, every one falls short (ref Romans 3:23). James 1:17 states, "Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning". Our society would have us believe that if man is generally good then he is deserving of good things. But, God says, we are "by nature children of wrath" (Ephesians 2:3). What a relief to know that we aren't rewarded by our character or by merit. For even the greatest treasure known to man, salvation, "is a gift from God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8c-9).

Pride and fixation with our rights cripples a believer from walking in submission to God. If we keep the twin sins around long enough, we will acquire the same salty taste as the rest of the world when we are forced to form our lips around the word, "submit". Submission by God's design is intended to be purposeful and harmonious. We see the blueprint of God's order in the very beginning of creation as God gives Adam dominion over the animals and then provides him a help-mate, known as Eve. Preoccupation with rights was not a thought in their minds until sin was introduced into the picture. The enemy carefully crafted a subtle question to appeal to man's pride. Suddenly he was aware of "rights" which inevitably led to his demise. But, there is hope and the entire bible points to Him as the Savior who would redeem us of such sin, restoring order for all those who look to Him as an example. Philippians 2:5-11 states, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father".

When Jesus Christ relinquished His rights inorder to live in complete submission to the Father, He did not lose any authority destined to Him. He who possessed all power and dominion retained it even when He stepped down as a bondservant before rising again as the King. He did not attempt to preserve His reputation when mocked and beaten while dragging His cross to the mount of Calvary. He wasn't compelled to explain Himself when He was wrongfully accused. Unaffected by pride and bearing no consideration of rights, He secured His obedience to the Father's will, even unto death. He was unscathed by the torment He faced because He was affirmed by God and fully aware of who and whose He is as well as where He was going.

Jesus Christ epitomized and exemplified what we as Christians are challenged with everyday--"dying to self". For Him, death was physical but necessary to prove that one must die in order to live. "Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God" (1 Peter 4:1-2). One lives a futile life when He strives to maintain his rights, but gains everything when he leaves them behind. This is a contradiction to the natural man, but freedom to ears who will hear. Jesus says, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mark 8:35). With that said, what specifically must die in your life so that you can live in the abundance and authority already vested to you in Christ?

Insomuch as humility was a vital component of salvation so was exaltation so that man would know Jesus Christ as Lord. Scripture states, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10). We may not be exalted in this lifetime by status or recognition, but our spirits will be lifted to behold the face of God, empowered by the truth implanted in our hearts that we are "co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory" (Romans 8:17). There is retribution for the person who is loosely attached to his life, including everything that has served to validate him--his family, his career, etc. When we are willing to suffer the loss of all things such as our reputations or our rights, then we are able to identify with Christ through His suffering. And as 2 Timothy 2:12 states, "if we endure, we will also reign with Him".

The apostle Paul is a prominent example of self-denial. Taking into account his extensive background, Paul states, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ" (Philippians 3:7-8). Paul made a radical renunciation of his rights in exchange for radical fellowship with Christ, longing to know not only the power of His resurrection, but also "the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death" (Philippians 3:10). A daily denial of self is the way in which Paul "fellowshipped" with Christ's sufferings and undoubtedly he is now sharing in Christ's glory. We see the evidence of this in his ministry as he was largely responsible for the establishment of the early church. We too will break bread with suffering if we long to live in complete submission to Christ. This may result in the loss of our reputations, our friends/families, our careers, dreams, aspirations, etc. But, if Christ had to learn obedience through suffering, then suffering unto obedience it shall be (ref Hebrews 5:8).

Luke 6:40 drives this point home as it states, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher". As I mentioned before, Christ Himself learned obedience through suffering. Paul followed His lead and so must we. Laying down our pride and rights brings us one step closer to being "perfectly trained" in obedience as Christ was. In this submission, we do not fear losing anything for under Christ's protective covering, gently tucked in the fold of His wing, we find we have everything. Closely submitted to Him, we will operate in His authority and therefore have all authority in the gospel we practice and preach.

In the daily denial of self, may we remember the heart that was ripped apart to get us to this place and rejoice in what lies ahead. As Psalm 51:17 states, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart...". We can experience the strife and tension that results from kicking against God's will or we can sweetly surrender our broken hearts unto Him. This is a sacrifice pleasing to Him for in our brokenness, we are of use to Him. A heart that has been purged of his rights has no might left in him to fight but let go of his life and watch God make something out of the fragmented pieces. And when we have learned to submit in our desperate dependence upon Him, may "not my will, but Yours, Lord" be the anthem upon our lips. As we sing, may power and authority ring true in our ministry, in our hearts, and in the home.

I don't believe I am alone in my dealings with pride and rights. I know the many reasons why we as Christians haven't fully stood in our authority in the light of Christ's glory is because we avoid sharing in His sufferings. May you and I be drawn into such deep communion with our Savior that our hearts are wrenched from our chests as was His when we plead as He did, "not my will, but Yours, be done". For this life is not our own and may we dare not claim it to be so. Let us humble ourselves into submission, being conformed to his death so that everything we've made of this life will be buried behind us. And may we look on to what awaits us just beyond the finish line, a seat in the heavenly place as co-heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory. May pride not block our view as we press forward to what lies ahead and may rights no longer hold us back, in want of what has been laid to rest. Moving forward, may we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, sharing in His sufferings, for this is a sacrifice He will not despise (ref Psalm 51:17). Then "May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you" (1 Peter 5:10). Amen!

Love is Among Us

If you could touch love, would it be like resting your head on a feather down pillow? If you could taste it, would it melt on your tongue like cotton candy? If you could smell it, would it be reminiscent of a lover's scent, hidden in the crease where the neck and shoulder meet? Can you define love? Or would it just be?

I filter through my sentiments when I absorb the black ink from the pages inscribed in the Book of Life and believe that this love it speaks of can only be described and personified in the deity of Jesus Christ. All throughout the scriptures He whispers love into ears that are willing to hear and eyes that desire to see. But do our hearts echo understanding? How do we, like Peter, respond to this simple question Jesus Christ is asking, "Do you love Me?" I stand corrected if I ever think I fully understand what this love means apart from a God who loves ceaselessly. I've experienced romance, motherly adoration, but what kind of love is this that gives of Himself to all of creation unsparingly? What kind of love is this that crushes His only Son so humanity could see that love conquers all things?

It's this kind of love that carries me when I'm tear-stained and torn up inside and defeatedly watch life pass me by as the battle of the mind is a far cry from peace. It's this kind of love that can empathize when my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. It's this kind of love that stretches wide its wings, and bids me into its shadow to dwell in its safety. But as gentle as love may be, it is also ferociously jealous like a lion protecting his pride. Every fear we face is subject to its authority when Love once and for all triumphantly carried it and nailed it to the cross to die. In the light of this love, fear is a lie.

But fear and all of its defenseless friends gain power to torment he who does not know his territory, rooted and grounded in love that is perfect. Christ's love is the land that I speak of and it's immeasurable length, depth, height, and width is ours to receive if we like Joshua believe what God said in Joshua 1:3, "upon the land your feet will tread, I have given you". Like the Levites, instead of an earthy inheritance, our portion is Him. But one must survey the land before he understands how grand his portion is. He must walk the parameters of his estate. He must bury his hands into the earth to know its worth.

But in our human frailty we can't fully conceptualize what that means until we step out of the confines of time and into eternity for then we might be able to perceive the length of Christ's love. I love you more than the sky ends my mother used to say as she kissed my forehead before bed, my eyes gazed across the night sky and I wondered just how long before that love would end. But this love knows no end. It's I'll-stitch-you-in with-my-needle-and-thread kind of love. I am yours and you are Mine; your pulse now pumps blood from My bloodline; You-and-I-are-interwoven-so-tight kind of love. And when we meet, I'll unravel the patchwork with no beginning and end so you can see where I stitched you in--long before you were a thought in your mother's mind, before the beginning of time, and into the endless abyss of bliss. That's how long I love you.

But before you decide just how wide this love is, have you sailed the vast ocean tide? Have you rocked asleep upon the calming peace of the sea's lullaby? And from this cradle looked up to behold the expanse of the sky, observing that it's My arms that hold it all together with enough room to wrap them around the whole human race just to sweep you up in my embrace. That's how wide I love you.

And before you consider just how deep this love can reach, picture My eye peering down into the heart of every man, looking past his deeds, and cherishing his beauty as he was made in the likeness of the Trinity. Despite your inclination to wander away from the burning flame and into the darkness, yes even down into the grave, I in my all-consuming wrath and jealousy will pull you up from the snare of harlotry. And remind you just how much My heart grieves when you are far from Me. This can only be explained by love so deep.

But what about the height of My love? Your praise like incense travels up to the heavens and enthrones Me. As you reverence and adore, I swell up with joy and shower down blessings so you remember that I love you more. I'll walk the ends of the earth for you. Go down into the pit for you. Hold you in the darkest hour.

And as you experience more of My love, you will not cower but have power to hold a torch as you round the corners of dark alleys and into the valleys of life. As I told Joshua, "do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9b). To experience my love, to hear My voice, to grow in the knowledge of Me enlarges your territory both in the physical realm and in the heart where you are no longer afflicted or restricted by fear but free to go where I might send and the more you see and hear, the more your heart will expand wider, longer, higher, and deeper so you might have room enough to receive all of Me.

Peter could not possibly respond affirmatively to the limitless love Jesus Christ speaks of and neither can we until we receive this gift in all of its entirety. Consider your anxieties for this might help you to better understand whether you are on or off the land. The answer is clear when the consummation of His perfect love casts out all fear (Ref 1 John 4:18). So that wherever our feet shall tread, wherever we lay our heads, our hearts are quieted within us for we have seen, touched, tasted, and felt love so great. We have walked it's width, depth, height, and length and as a result are filled with all of the fullness of God. For this is where Christ dwells through faith. And as we remain steadfast, He will provide us the resources we need to expand our house upon the land where He will dwell among us richly. One that will withstand the winds, storms, and tests of life until faith becomes sight, hope will be realized, and knowledge transcends into infinite wisdom. And at this point, we will find that it is only love that remains and rests beneath our feet, bridging the gap from this present life into eternity where we will fall humbly at the throne of our King overwhelmed to be in the presence of the very definition of love. I implore you to explore the portion of your lot for surely you will find that the boundary lines have fallen for you in pleasant places. Love is among us. He is our beautiful inheritance.