robsingleton.net

17 October 2007

A ‘convenient’ inconvenient truth

Funny, add one step to this now infamous ‘Al Gore’ headliner and you have to really think about it before it makes sense. That being said, let me explain. I’m applying this to “Christians” who love the ‘get outta Hell free card’ they acquire when they trust in Christ for their salvation, but hate the, ‘in view of God’s mercy, offer yourselves as living sacrifices…’ part we read about in Romans 12:1. That’s probably because we value,

comfort over pain
instant gratification over waiting
going first over going last
being served over serving others
rich over poor
popularity over obscurity
front and center over backstage
beauty over ugly
strength over weakness

Actually, I could go on and on with this list, but in the interest of time and ADD blog readers, let me cut to the chase. Most of us value ourselves over ANYTHING and ANYONE else…period. But God can’t work with that value system. In fact, when that value system grows too pervasive, God’s Holy Spirit is quenched, and His work grinds to a halt.

Today I read a blog on my friend, Perry Noble’s site that says it best. Read on if you want to be challenged:

Pursuing Christ Or Comfort?

What is the one thing you know God wants you to do–but you constantly refuse because, in order to be obedient you would have to be willing to get uncomfortable?

Go back and read that question again…and again…and again.

There is a dangerous mindset among some Christians today, you know, the one that says that God just wants me to be happy and to live a very comfortable life (uh…how exactly does THE CROSS fit into that?) When, in reading Scripture, God is very clear that we exist for HIS glory–not vice versa. AND in trying to live a life that honors Him there will be times we are asked to get incredibly uncomfortable.

This has became very real to me lately as I am in Hosea on my journey through Scripture. Hosea was a prophet, apparently had a pretty good ministry going on, was single and, from the outside looking in, seemed to have it all together. THEN God showed up…and things got uncomfortable.

Take a look at Hosea 1:2-3. Seriously–read those verses and think about what God was asking Hosea to do! Think about it…Hosea is sitting in his study and the Lord begins to deal with him…

“Hosea, I think it is time that you get married!”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Hosea replied…remember, he was a single dude! “I was wondering when You would give me some help here…and I’ve had my eye on this girl…”

“Hosea, uh, she’s not the one for you!”

“Really? Well…uh…I guess that means you have something else in mind–who is it that you want me to marry?”

“A prostitute.”

“A WHAT!!! God, seriously, come on…stop playing around.”

“I’m not playing around Hosea. You are going to marry a prostitute.”

“Well at least tell me what her name is.”

“Gomer.”

“GOMER!!! God, seriously, it’s bad enough that I’m going to marry a prostitute–but GOMER? Have I sinned? What have I done to make You mad? The bloggers are going to go nuts on this one!”

“Who cares what they think–I want to use you for my glory…and while I know this isn’t a decision that you would have came to on your own I want you to know that your willingness to be obedient and uncomfortable will result in thousands of lives being impacted for me. In fact, there’s this guy named Perry who, thousands of years from now, will blog about this conversation…”

OK, so, I just threw in that last part–but I think you get the point. God asked Hosea to do something that was unthinkable, to put his reputation on the line…and through this a message was communicated that still rocks me at my core–all because Hosea was obedient.

I am wrestling with this…what is the Lord asking me to do that is incredibly uncomfortable–but will ultimately result in HIS glory? In the past some of these decisions have been…

Ending a dating relationship because I knew it wasn’t what God wanted. This was HARD because I was so insecure–but had I not been obedient I would not have married ‘Cretia…and then there would be no Charisse!!! (Anyone need to break up?)

Surrendering my money to God. This was seriously one of the TOUGHEST decisions I have ever made. I received Christ in 1990…but I didn’t surrender my money until 1999. I wrestled with this because I was selfish and wanted things for myself rather than truly worshiping Him with ALL that I had. (Anyone need to begin tithing?)

Going into the ministry. I didn’t want to do this. I say it all the time–I hated church and now He wanted me to work in one for the rest of my life. BUT…I could not get the thought of ministry out of my mind and knew it was what He wanted me to do. (Anyone need to change careers?)

I could go on and on…the point is for each one of us to wrestle this to the ground…What is the one thing you know God wants you to do–but you constantly refuse because, in order to be obedient you would have to be willing to get uncomfortable?

Pretty prophetic in view of our ‘divine moment’ we’re facing as a church right now.

Why don’t you pray about what you’ve just read and then ask God what He would have you do regarding our need to “IGNITE” as a church?

I dare you!

Share and Enjoy:

9 Comments currently posted.

Jay Foreman says:

“”"I could not get the thought of ministry out of my mind and knew it was what He wanted me to do. (Anyone need to change careers?)”"”

At least God spared me the “Gomer” of life. Instead He gave me o one of His assigned Angles to marry.

And yea, I need do change careers. God has been IGNITING a fire under my butt for some time now. Yes it IS scary. Isn’t every day any way?

http://www.jayforeman.blogspot.com/

Lance Ratliff says:

I am paying the prayer repeatedly, I just hope I do not miss the message. I Love you U Lord please use me as you will. Praise God!

JT says:

God, I am here…use me for whatever you would have me do today, tomorrow and forever. If it’s here or if it’s there I am ready to do your will. Be with this ‘divine moment’ that we as a church are about to encounter. Move in the my heart and in the hearts of our leaders and all those that call Southbrook home. God, there are many of us that feel that this is our time and that this is our chance to really impact your kingdom. We are flat, out of room and we need more room for the thousands that your are sending our way.

I pray God, that this ‘divine moment’ that we are approaching will go above and beyond our earthly goals. That enough of your money will be raised to build twice the building that we need. God our workers are tired and 4 weekend services are starting to take it’s toll on many. Provide in a huge way like you did for Hosea, Abraham, Moses, David, Paul and all of the many Christ-followers throughout your history.

We love you God and we ask you to pour out your blessings on us. We promise to be good stewards of what you bless us with. We know that you are in control of all things now and all things to come.

Thank-you God for loving us…for your unending grace!

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour…and all the Christ-followers said….

Struggling says:

Well ever since this series has started my husband and I really have been struggling with the message when it comes to the almight dollar sign. I know what you are saying Rob, and I feel what you are saying but I am struggling as to where to get that finance sacrifice. Always in the past in my old church when it came to that Tithing sermon I felt uncomfortable.

Right now I am feeling uncomfortable. We want to give to the church and we have been over our budget trying to figure out where. We have cutback our tv, hardly go out to dinner if at all, and now when we go to the mall it is just to get some exercise and the kids out of the house. I have listened to the messages and I know what you are saying but I just can’t see where. I can’t imagine we are the only ones in Southbrook thinking this?

We are willing to give our time in anyway we can but is that enough? Will we be thought of any less?

I hope I don’t get ripped a new one for lack of better terms on here. It is just something that I have been praying about and has been heavy on my heart.

Rob be easy on me…

Frances says:

Wow Rob! This message hits home in my heart for many reasons and is there something that I need to be doing in obedience to Christ that may cause me discomfort.? The answer is most certainly yes. I have something brewing on the back burner that is simply simmering there because going there can be emotionally draining for me.
However since this is twice that I’ve been nudged in this direction this week–I will find the time to go there soon! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Rob and for once again nudging me forward.

Rob says:

No ripping

I’ve felt the exact same way. I’ve gone round and round with God each time our church has had to raise money. I can still remember a lot of my arguments:

“I gave huge in the first one”

‘”We’ve practiced raising our tithe a percent a year for every year we’ve been married, isn’t that enough?”

“I’m still giving on the last campaign!”

I often found myself feeling like Elijah when he ran from Jezebel and thought God was going to come down pretty hard on him. There was the earthquake, the tornado and the thunder, but none of that noisy, harsh stuff was God at all.

When God finally spoke to Elijah it was in a still, small voice.

That’s how God has been with me and the voice is never condemning, but rather, encouraging and loving. So I’ve stepped out in faith and God has never let me down.

On the other hand, the greatest sign of overall church health is not in the few who’s giving absolutely bankrupts them, but in the many who give faithfully and sacrificially, thus easing the burden on the few.

Everyone’s giving is between them and God and I would never presume to step in the middle of that process and tell someone what they should and shouldn’t give.

Think of me not as the ’stewardship police,’ but rather, the ‘blessing’ encourager.

Rob says:

You’re always welcome, Francis!

Miss seeing you around, hope you’re doing great!

Rob says:

JT, thank you for sharing your prayer for this “Divine Moment” facing Southbrook Church right now!

I’ll pray that everyone catches that fire!

JT says:

Struggling:
A word of encouragement for you. Sometimes when you look on paper it doesn’t make sense. It is so hard to take that step of faith and give when you know on paper it won’t work. All I can tell you is that my family has been at that same point and somehow it works out. We still struggle from time to time to give to God first, but what he has taught us in the past is that he will always make sure we are taken care of.

Like Rob said, it is not anyones place to tell what to give that is totally between you and God. I hope that this helps and I just want to say that was very brave to put your thoughts out there like you did.

Hope you have a great day!!