It Takes Two Wings to Fly

Jesus' obedience to the Father didn't start on earth; it was there from eternity past.  He was willing to wait 4,000 years, watching the troubles of the people He had created, until the Father said it was time for Him to go and redeem them.

And then, in human flesh, Jesus waited again for 30 years, working as a carpenter and learning obedience, before He could begin the ministry God had sent Him to undertake.

Finally, He had three-and-a-half years to accomplish everything He came to do.  And every step of the way, He did nothing on His own, but only what the Father told Him to do. (See John 8:28)

But how would Jesus make sure all this waiting, sacrifice and suffering resulted in getting the Good News to every nation of the world in the fastest and most understandable way?

Reading through the Gospels, I searched for Christ's master plan for this question, but I found none. Then I stumbled upon Scripture portions like this one, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35)

In other words, the most effective way for people to understand the Gospel is through relationship. "Love one another" is the greatest of all mysteries that ushers in God's kingdom.

We don't really like this answer, because no matter where we live in the world, our biggest challenge is the people we live with.  However, Jesus never altered His plan just because we find it hard to love others.

It’s good to have rules, regulations, and leadership skills within any family, organization, or body of believers.  But in the end, nothing really works unless we understand about loving and caring for one another, and put it into practice.

But then we run into the problem of finding balance.  We often deal with people who frustrate us and test our patience.

At what point do we tell them enough is enough?  Do we love them until the end, like Jesus did with the disciples, taking upon Himself suffering and agony?

As a leader, I have occasionally made decisions on the side of my responsibility, morality, ethics and radical commitment to evangelical faith, only to realize a few years later that I was wrong.  I should have loved a little longer.  This awareness is one of the most difficult things I now live with.

It's important for us to remember that a bird cannot fly with one wing!  It needs two.

Many times you will hear or read a radical message that challenges you to total commitment and extreme sacrifice, asking you to give up everything for the sake of the Gospel, and walk away from everyone who holds you back from embracing the cross.

My friend, this is accurate, but it is only one wing of the bird.  The other wing is what God said to Moses when he asked to see God's glory, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin." (Exodus 34:6–7).

If we want to be His children, we, too, need to love others just as He loves us. 

There is not one of us who has not sinned.  But love, grace and mercy become authentic only when we fail.  That was the experience of the woman who was caught in adultery and brought to Jesus so He could judge her according to the Law.  He was the only person who ever walked on earth who was qualified to say, "Go ahead and stone her."  But He didn't.  Instead, He showed mercy and sent her away in peace, calling her to sin no more. (See John 8:1-11)

We so often demand spiritual perfection from our fellow Christians, forgetting that each of us is on a journey to become more like Jesus.  This journey takes time, and people will frequently fall short. Those whom God has pulled out of the deepest pit and shown the most mercy often become harsh, unbending and merciless toward their children or younger believers.

Please don't let your discipleship and legalism obscure kindness and mercy.  Remember to fly with two wings, total commitment and unconditional love.  Then the world will understand the Gospel and come to know the Savior, Jesus.

 Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace with God.

 

Who Is Your Best Friend?

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24)

Friends are an important and wonderful part of life.  Some friends are lifelong; others are friends only for a short time.  Some friends will always hold a special place in our hearts even though that relationship may have changed or diminished.  Each of us has experienced friendships that fall into at least one or more of these categories.

As we consider our relationships with others, we would do well to ask, “What kind of friend am I?” Am I a fair weather friend who will be there for someone only when it is convenient for me, or am I a true friend who is sincerely interested in the well-being of another individual, regardless of the time and effort it costs me to nurture the friendship?  If we are honest, most of us would admit to being disappointed by friends at one time or another.  At times, we ourselves have been guilty of the same offense.

Earthly friendships are complicated because human beings are complicated, imperfect creatures. However, there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and His name is Jesus.  He is a friend you can go to and pour out your heart.  He truly understands and cares about us and all that concerns us.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus is faithful and loving.  He sees us just as we are and loves us, warts and all.  When I can’t call on anyone else, I know that I can call on Him.  And I know that He will never stop being my friend and that He will always be with me.  His Word promises me of that.

Jesus has loved me with an everlasting love that is not dependent on my employment, my financial status, my physical looks, my sense of humor, or my availability to do Him favor.  If my circumstances change, Jesus remains faithful, true, and constant.  Never too busy for one of His own, He talks to me and is always glad to hear my voice.

So, would Jesus call you His friend?  He would if you love others, especially those in your home and in the church.  He would if you are seeking to obey His commandments.  He would if you are increasing in your understanding of the truths revealed in God’s Word.  And, He would if you know that He chose you to bear fruit that remains. 

Jesus is a friend of those who do whatever He commands.  Obedience to God’s Word qualifies you as a friend of Jesus.  This is a relationship you will never regret.  It is a friendship full of blessings, peace and joy.  So, ask Him to be your friend today and enjoy all it means to have a friend in Jesus

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)

Can God change your life?

God has made it possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing
change in your own life.

Discover how you can find peace with God.