Pastor's Pen - Cambria Baptist Church

How Do We See the Spirit Produce Fruit In Our Lives? – March 7, 2025

Posted on Mar 7, 2025 in General |

Over the past several weeks, we have discussed the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. So often, as we look at the list of the fruit of the Spirit, it feels like something that could never be achieved in us. Perhaps we are like Henry, who struggles with his anger. He knows it is a problem. He doesn’t want to live an angry life. But, no matter how hard he tries, the anger seeps to the surface (often like a raging volcano). Maybe we are like Sally. Sally knows that she should not be such a negative, bitter person. She wants to think the best of others, but they are just so stupid. As a result, every conversation she has seems to be a complaint fest about someone or something. She has tried to change. She just doesn’t know how. We want the fruit of the Spirit to be true in us. We just can’t seem to see it happen.

Thankfully, Paul does more than give us the two lists (works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit) and then expects us to figure out how to avoid the one and cling to the other. As Paul concluded Galatians 5, he gives us instructions to change. Note Galatians 5:24-25, “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” If we are going to see the Spirit produce fruit in our lives, we must follow the two steps outlined in these verses.

First, we must learn to crucify the flesh. This is Paul’s graphic description of repentance. We became united with Christ’s death when we came to Christ for salvation. We were crucified with him. Yet, our sin nature has a way of coming off the cross and re-engaging with us. So, we must continually crucify it. The secret to holiness lies in the decisiveness of our repentance and hatred of sin. Often, our sin struggle lies in the fact that we have not truly repented of sin. We feel sorry for it but don’t hate it and turn our back on it. Although our sin was nailed to the cross, we look at it with longing and take it back down.

Crucifying the flesh often requires drastic steps. It may require removing ourselves from situations where we know we will struggle. It may mean that we find a new job, hobby, or even friends. But it is this living out of the Christian life that the world hates so much. When obedience becomes hard, most seek an easier route. One person describes us as religious tourists seeking sensational entertainment, instantaneous pleasure, and emotional excitement. But the way of the cross is not easy. It is a long, hard road that makes tough choices with eternity in mind.

Second, we need to walk in the Spirit. Verse 25 describes it as keeping in step with the Spirit. This means to walk in a straight line and conduct oneself rightly. The pull and allure of sin are strong in our lives. If sin were not so pretty, we would not struggle with it. Satan rarely appears as the horned devil we often associate with him. Instead, he appears as an angel of light. We struggle with sin because we enjoy it. Yet at salvation, and as we grow in our relationship with God, God implants in us through the Holy Spirit a new desire toward God. Any desire to do right is from God alone. This is good news. Although we are to work out our salvation, God is the one who works in us, implanting in us the power to overcome sin through a new motivation to please God.

Have you ever met someone with little to no motivation to accomplish the task at hand? Perhaps that individual at work doesn’t pull their weight. Maybe it’s that kid on your child’s or your own sports team who is more interested in chasing butterflies and counting dandelions than in the game itself. Perhaps it’s your child who has no desire to clean their room or accomplish their chores. It’s aggravating! Yet, for many of us, this is how we approach sin. We have simply determined that this is who we are, and we cannot change. We have tried, and we simply can’t. This verse gives new life to those people. As you draw near to God, He will implant within you a new desire to overcome sin and please him.

Yet not only does God implant in us the desire to overcome sin, but God also grants us the power to overcome sin. You are not alone in this battle. When you feel like quitting on your marriage and your family, don’t. You are not alone in this battle. When you feel like you can’t help but go to that wicked web page again, don’t! You are not alone in this battle. When you are sick of fighting against sin and temptation because you feel as though no one else is with you, don’t! You are not alone in this battle. When you think you don’t have the power to overcome that sin yet again, remember you are not alone in this battle. When we lean into the Spirit, He gives us the power to do right.

We tap into this power through the spiritual disciplines. To walk in the Spirit, we must spend quality time studying God’s Word in its context. We must spend time in prayer communing with God. We must spend time serving and worshiping with God’s people. These and the other spiritual disciplines allow us to draw close to the Spirit and tap into His power. They move the transmission from neutral to drive and provide power from the engine (the Holy Spirit) to the wheels (our works). In short, we see the Spirit produce His fruit in us through Spirit-empowered, Christ-initiated, committed effort.

The Fruit of the Spirit Continued – February 28, 2025

Posted on Feb 28, 2025 in General |

As we seek to evaluate our walk with God, we must begin by examining the production of the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Unfortunately, many Christians believe they have a fantastic walk with God while demonstrating the works of the flesh, not the fruit of the Spirit. One person gossips to another, spreading discord between Christians. Another person responds in anger when things don’t go their way. Some hold grudges because they have not been treated how they expected to be treated. When this happens, we can be sure the individuals are not walking in the Spirit.

Over the last few weeks, we have looked at the first few characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit. Interestingly, the last six deal very closely with one another. They all address our interpersonal relationships. When someone walks in the Spirit, they deal with others in love and graciousness. We discover that Spirit-filled people are marked by patience. Patience is the idea of longsuffering or forbearance with other people. It is the ability to be wronged and move forward without bitterness.

Instead of bitterness and anger, this patience results in kindness. We do not retaliate or simmer but serve the one who wronged us. Rather than gossip or slander them, we speak well of them. As opportunity arises, our attitude towards them becomes gentleness, not hostility. This kindness is furthered by goodness. We serve them and seek to do them good. We observe opportunities to advance their lives and act on them. When someone responds with bitterness to wrong suffered, it is natural and a work of the flesh. It can only come from God when someone responds with patience, kindness, and goodness to wrong.

Those who walk in the Spirit are also marked by faithfulness. There are two aspects to this characteristic. First, this person is a person of faith. They regularly manifest faith in God through their actions and reactions. They are a person of the word and prayer. Second, this results in a person of faithfulness. They become trustworthy, dependable people. Because they are not easily offended, they are loyal.

When these characteristics mark an individual, they are also marked by gentleness or humility. They do not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think. They recognize that everything they have and every ability they hold is a gift from God. So, they treat others with respect and love. They do not seek their glory but God’s glory. They are not loud and brash but humble.

Because they are humble, they are also able to exercise self-control. They control their tongues, they control their bodies, and they control their desires. There are a myriad of applications to this. Spirit-controlled people say no to laziness, gluttony, and excess. They care for their bodies and minds. They recognize that life is not about their pleasure, so that they can resist excess pleasure.

As you read through the list, you probably feel overwhelmed. There is no chance that this list could ever be said of you. I know I feel that way. Yet, we can have hope because seeing these things become a reality is not dependent on our ability. Over the next few weeks, we will discover that these characteristics will become a part of us when we submit to the Holy Spirit. So, we will discuss what that means and what we need to do to submit to Him.

The Fruit of Joy – February 7, 2025

Posted on Feb 7, 2025 in General |

Hank stared into the distance. From the outside, his life seemed like it should be perfect. He had a fantastic job, a wonderful wife, beautiful kids, and a lovely home. Yet here he was, completely unhappy and questioning life. Sally had everything she dreamed of as a child. But her husband, kids, and friends seemed to annoy her now. She spent day after day miserable. Both these people live a life devoid of joy. And this is the story for the vast majority of Christians today.

However, God has something better for us. In Galatians 5, the second characteristic of the fruit of the Spirit is joy. Scriptural joy is deep-seated satisfaction and contentment with life. A characteristic all desire, but few have. Yet, when we recognize that it is the fruit of the Spirit, we discover that it can be (and should be) engrained in our life. It comes through a strong relationship with God.

In 1 John 1, the Apostle John introduces his book with the statement that he wrote it so that we could find joy. This joy comes from the Word of Life, Jesus Christ. But we only gain this joy through a correct, passionate relationship with Christ. In verse 1, we discover that we must honestly believe that Jesus is who He said He is. We must believe that He is real. John informs us that he saw Jesus, touched Jesus, and experienced fellowship with Jesus. And he declares to us that he is real.

In verse 3, John concludes that we must believe that Jesus is real to have a relationship with God and God’s people. When we state that we must believe that Jesus is real, we must believe that He is who He said He is. Jesus is the absolute authority over all things, holds all things in His hands, and died and rose for our redemption. He controls every aspect of your life and the world around you. Far too many Christians lack joy because they downplay Christ’s sovereignty. As a result, if life does not go as planned, they become bitter, angry, and controlling. But when we develop a proper relationship with God, we find joy!

This proper relationship with God involves walking in the light (1 John 1). It means we fix everything in God’s Word and anchor ourselves to it. We don’t make it say what we want it to say. Instead, we allow the Word to say what it says and obey it. Walking in the light means that we humbly confess our sins. We recognize that we regularly sin and deal with it quickly. Walking in the light looks like walking in the Spirit in Galatians 5.

Christ reiterates this reality in John 15. In verse 10, Jesus informs us that we abide in His love when we keep His commandments. Then, in verse 11, Christ tells us that this obedience results in joy. When we discover an unhappy and bitter Christian, we discover a Christian failing to obey God’s Word. They have lost sight of Christ. A joyless Christian is a Christless Christian.

How, then, do we find this joy? By deepening our relationship with Christ. Do you regularly repent and confess your sin (Proverbs 28:13; James 5:16; 1 John 1:8-9)? Are you regularly spending quality time in God’s Word (Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12)? We should note that this quality time is not simply five minutes with a devotional book. Are you regularly spending time in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)? Are you spending time fellowshipping with and serving God’s people (Hebrews 10:24-25)? Are you practicing the spiritual disciplines (Romans 12:1-2)? If your answer to these questions is “no,” it is not a mystery why you don’t have joy.

Walking in the Spirit – January 24, 2025

Posted on Jan 24, 2025 in General |

No true Christian desires to produce the works of the flesh. The Holy Spirit convicts us of this sin, and our consciences create chaotic unease in our hearts. We desire to see the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Over the next several weeks, we want to answer two crucial questions: What is the fruit of the Spirit, and how do we produce this fruit? When we discover the answers to these questions, we discover a life of satisfaction and joy.

Before we address the questions, we must focus on one important aspect of Paul’s text in Galatians 5, which describes the answers we seek. As Paul lists the actions of the flesh and the actions of the Spirit, he assigns two important labels to them. The first list he describes as the works of the flesh. These actions are things that we produce in ourselves through our actions and desires. Nothing of God is in them, so they are all a result of our efforts. This would help us understand why these are so dismal. Our corrupt, sin-stained hearts cannot create anything incorruptible without the help of something perfect.

On the other hand, Paul labels the second list as the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit is not something that you can will or work into being. Instead, the farmer or botanist creates the best environment for the plant to produce the fruit and hopes the harvest is plentiful. They till the ground, fertilize the soil, plant the seeds, water the plants, do all they can to keep pests from devouring the plants, and pray a lot.

In the same way, we can prepare our hearts to produce fruit, but we cannot create it ourselves. We must till the soil, fertilize the ground, plant the seeds, water the plants, and keep the pests away. But the result is not in our hands. It is not our fruit but the fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit produces the fruit in our hearts. The Spirit works in the heart that is prepared (walking in the Spirit) and brings about the characteristics we all desire.

So, you cannot find joy simply by hoping for it. You cannot produce peace by working for it. You cannot become patient or loving simply by counting to ten when you don’t feel patience or love. These attributes must come from the Spirit. And they only come when our hearts are prepared. Much of modern psychology does not work because it fails to recognize this point. Our corrupt hearts cannot produce incorruptible attributes. The incorruptible can only be produced by the incorruptible Holy Spirit. So we must walk in the Spirit. There is an answer to your frustration. You can see these things in your life. But you must look in the right place.

Walking in the Flesh, Part 4 – January 17, 2025

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 in General |

We just want to have fun, let loose, and enjoy our lives. Young (and not-so-young) people beat this drum regularly. What can be so wrong with that? Yet, this attitude reveals a life lived after the flesh for self-pleasure. As we conclude the works of the flesh, we discover two that address today’s party culture.

First, those who live in drunkenness walk after the flesh. Revealing no self-control and ceding control to alcohol, they reveal a short-sighted, self-centered life. Some do so intentionally. They spend the weekend drinking and seeking the stupor of drunkenness. Back in my younger days, I had the opportunity to play for an outstanding semi-professional soccer team. We spent several weekends during the summer in various cities at tournaments. Usually, my team would breeze through the initial rounds and the playoffs. But inevitably, several guys would party the night before the final and arrive at the game hung over. Because they could not function properly, we would lose the game we should have won handily. After this happened a few times, those of us on the team who didn’t drink became frustrated. We asked the guys why they would consistently do this. Their only response was that this was enjoyable. They had bought the lie the world peddles that remembering nothing is better than real life.

Others do so unintentionally. They fail to recognize the line between moderation and drunkenness. As a result, one drink turns into several. Before they realize it, they have ceded control to alcohol. Sadly, often, when these individuals are confronted about their drunkenness, they will deny that they have a problem. Alcohol is a sneaky mistress. She hides the point of drunkenness and leads the unwitting into her web.

Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 6:12 to fight anything that dominates (or controls) us. While something may technically be allowable, its tendency to control individuals makes it terribly unwise. The Christian cannot walk in the Spirit while being controlled by anything other than the Spirit. This is why, as a pastor, I always recommend abstinence from alcohol. You may think you can control it. However, I have not seen a case where, at some point, this terrible mistress did not take control. Why start down a road you know you cannot complete? Instead, take a different road and avoid this danger. Hank wondered why he was not producing the fruit of the Spirit. When he came for counseling, he was shocked when I addressed his nightly alcohol consumption. After all, it was just a beer with dinner. Yet, often, it then turned into another after dinner (and more after that), resulting in alcohol control, not Spirit control. You cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit when the Spirit does not control you.

The final work of the flesh follows right along. Some translations use the word orgies. However, this is too narrow. The word is also used in Romans 13:13. From that context (and the broader contexts in which the word is used in Greek literature), it referred to the drunken parties that would happen at night as people celebrated victories in life and thanked their gods. We call them raves, bar hopping, or even simply parties today. These lifestyles reveal that the Spirit is not at work in our lives.

In the final statement, Paul gives the umbrella statement, “Things like these.” With this statement, he summarizes that anything that controls us reveals that we are not walking in the Spirit. We are not walking in the Spirit when we make life about us. Walking in the Spirit requires an eternal mindset that these things undercut. It follows that those whose lives are marked by these actions will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

There is no category of Christian who regularly and unrepentantly surrenders to sin. That person is an unbeliever. They may have prayed a prayer at some point, but they have not surrendered to Christ’s Lordship. They have not repented of their sin. And they are deceived into thinking that they are a Christian. For this reason, when we find ourselves battling drunkenness, gossiping unrelentingly, displaying hearts of bitterness, creating divisions, resisting authority, or living in immorality, we must check our salvation. These things reveal that we walk in the flesh.

Walking in the Flesh, Part 3 – January 10, 2025

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 in General |

I am not sure that there are more bitter fights than fights between Christians. We have all heard or even witnessed the horror stories of battles between believers. Unfortunately, these battles reveal that those Christians are not walking in the Spirit but after the flesh. The next eight attributes of walking in the flesh found in Galatians 5:20-21 deal with the attitudes that lead to these divisions: enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, and envy.

When Christians and churches are marked by slander, gossip, anger, and fights, you can be sure the Spirit is ignored in their lives. Enmity (or hatred) and strife rise out of jealousy and an inability to control one’s spirit (fits of anger). Christians are called to peace, but thinking only of oneself leads to rivalries, sedition, division, and envy. As Christians sit at a table together and speak ill of others, as they respond in anger to circumstances and set themselves against fellow believers, they reveal where they stand: in the flesh.

James 4 clarifies why this is the case. In verses 1-4, James reveals that our selfish heart is the source of all conflict. First, our passions are at war within us. Our uncontrolled desires result in battle. Passions for power, popularity, and authority have divided friends, families, and churches since the Fall of Genesis 3. These passions lead to unfulfilled desires. We ask things to do what they cannot do (provide satisfaction for us) or do not get what we want and respond with anger due to our unfulfilled desires. Rather than accept that these things cannot do for us what we want or that God, in His infinite wisdom, has deemed that we do not get, we begin to fight for what we want.

Rather than fight with those around us or be angry that God (or others) is not fulfilling our desires, we should seek the heavenly wisdom from God (James 3:13-18). Conflict comes because I don’t get what I want. My flesh is unsatisfied, so I rage. I fail to recognize that God often does not give me what I want because of my selfish desires. I believe life should operate how I want it to operate because I want it to be about me. In two sentences in James 4:1-3, James uses “you” and “your” six times. He undeniably points to the reality that conflict comes from my selfish, arrogant heart.

So often, Christians conflict with one another because one or the other did not do what I wanted them to or what I thought they should do. If their actions are sinful, I should humbly and lovingly confront them. However, more often than not, the actions are not sinful; they are just not what I think should happen. In this case, I am the reason for the conflict. I am the one in sin. I am walking in the flesh. We all must look in the mirror and examine ourselves. Don’t gossip about others. Don’t slander others. Speak and act with humility and love. When I don’t, I am not walking with God.

Works of the Flesh, Part 2 January 3, 2025

Posted on Jan 1, 2025 in General |

Walking in the Flesh, Part 2

January 3, 2025

We live in a day of moralism. A day in which anyone who claims the name of Jesus is considered a Christian. As a result, Christians have lost their way in what it means to live like a Christian. We have allowed many “acceptable sins” and destructive attitudes to mark our lives. Unfortunately, these actions and attitudes reveal that we are not walking the Spirit but after our flesh. We are not living godly lives.

The problem of Christians living like unbelievers is not new. In the early church, Paul penned a letter to the churches of Galatia. In that letter, he provided a way for us to tell if we are walking the Spirit or the flesh. In short, our actions and attitudes reveal what we are following. Last week, we began looking at the list that marks those living after the flesh.

The second part of the list deals with what we worship. Those who walk after the flesh are marked by idolatry and sorcery. Immediately, most Christians would proclaim that this is not an issue for them. We don’t generally have a statue in our homes to which we sacrifice. Nor do we hold seances in our homes. Yet, when we consider these concepts, we discover that we struggle with these sins.

Idolatry is to worship anything other than God. To worship something is to assign it inordinate value. As we examine our lives and the lives of Christians around us, we discover that we all struggle with idolatry. Our hearts are idol factories that create them as fast as we can destroy them. We regularly struggle with valuing things more than God or asking things to do what only God can do.

One sure way to discover your idols is to examine your time/money, and conversations. You might also ask what makes you angry. Inevitably, we get angry when our idol gets poked. When we examine our lives through these filters, we discover that they are full of idols. Sports, money, jobs, family, politics, conspiracy theories, recognition, and acceptance quickly become idols. Unless we remain vigilant, they begin to dominate our lives.

As we consider sorcery, we might discover two ways we unintentionally struggle with this sin. First, some Christians fall prey to concepts like karma and rituals, which bring luck. We “knock on wood” and wear the lucky clothes. These seemingly innocuous actions reveal that we trust in something other than God for direction. Second, the word used here is the same word from which we get our English word pharmaceutical. Many Christians reveal how they live an addiction to items in life. Things like caffeine, over-the-counter drugs, and yes, even vitamins and oils become an addiction. These things can be used for health and God’s glory in their proper place. But they become harmful when we allow them undue weight in our lives. We must always be on guard to keep Christ first and not allow other things to become a talisman to us.

You Do What You Do Because You Want What You Want – December 20, 2024

Posted on Dec 20, 2024 in General |

A good friend tells people regularly, “You do what you do because you want what you want. And you want what you want because you love what you love.” As we examine the fruit of the Spirit and the works of the flesh, we see this is true. There is a battle waging in our hearts between our flesh and the Holy Spirit. When we walk in the Spirit, we do not satisfy the flesh. But when we walk in the flesh, we do not live obediently to God.

As a result, our attitudes and actions reveal what is happening in our hearts. Jesus stated this in Matthew 7:16-18 when He informed us that our fruit (our actions and attitudes) reveal what is happening in our hearts. Years ago, while still in college, I was employed by the dean’s office my senior year as a Resident Advisor. As part of my job, I counseled young men when they struggled to obey the college rules. I remember distinctly one young man insisting that we had it all wrong. We did not understand who he really was. I responded, “That may very well be true. However, all I have to work with is what I observe you doing.” Our actions speak much louder than our words.

In Romans 8, Paul reminds us that all who live after the flesh have their minds set on this world and the things of the flesh. On the other hand, those who live after the Spirit have their minds set on the world to come and the things of the Spirit. As the saying goes, “Your walk talks, and your talk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” So, what is your walk saying to you?

The works of the flesh are evident when we live after the flesh. In Galatians 5, Paul gives a sampling of these works. The list consists of 15 items and concludes with “and things like these,” indicating that the list is not exhaustive. Unfortunately, many of us can (and should) see ourselves through this list. Sexual immorality begins the list. This was as significant in Paul’s day as it is today. Far too many Christians have bought into the modern sexual revolution. We don’t bat an eye when the unmarried engage in sex. We rejoice with them when they move in together. This ought not to be!

Impurity follows suit with the idea of moral dirtiness. It implies a moral looseness and crassness that should never mark a believer. Sensuality completes the concepts regarding the sexual revolution. This word points to an attitude that does not care what God or man thinks. They will satisfy their desires because they “love the other person.” Each of these attitudes and actions is driven by selfish lust and impatience towards God’s plan for the place of sex and marriage.

Far too many Christians have bought into the moralism of today. They have been sold a bill of goods stating that all that matters is that they believe in God. As a result, we do not consider God’s purpose and plan for sex and marriage: to picture the relationship between Christ and the Church. If you do not follow and rejoice in the biblical sexual ethic, you are walking after the flesh.

Learning to Display in the Fruit of the Spirit – December 13, 2024

Posted on Dec 13, 2024 in General |

All of us have a constant battle waging in our hearts. We understand how we are to act to please God. Yet, the events and circumstances of life combined with our sinful nature compound to constantly lead us into responses that don’t please God. Sadly, some Christians have become so accustomed to these poor responses they begin to justify them and surrender the battle. But this is not a battle we have to lose. We can be different people who live with joy and peace. While this seems impossible, it can be a reality for us all.

In Galatians 5, Paul addresses this battle that wages within all of us. In verses 16-18, Paul speaks to the battle waging within us. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. We find victory in this battle when we learn to walk by the Spirit. Yet, it is a constant battle. The desires of our flesh wage war against the Spirit within us. While we certainly hate this battle. We should also learn to be thankful for the struggle.

In Ephesians 2, Paul reveals that we were dead in trespasses and sin before our justification through faith in Christ (our salvation). The key to that statement is that we were dead. Dead things don’t fight. They don’t do anything. They are dead. Paul used this picture to remind us of our total depravity. As he states in Romans 3, none of us are good. In that section (3:10-18), Paul weaves together several Old Testament passages in which God clearly demonstrates that nothing is good in us. Because there is nothing good in any of us, we did not battle against the flesh. We were spiritually dead.

Yet, God made us alive in Christ. He raised us from spiritual death and infused life into us. He clothed us with the righteousness of Christ so that we can now please God and fight against the flesh. With the Spirit now in us, we have a war because we understand what God desires of us. So we fight. We begin to hate the fight because it keeps us from doing what we want through the Spirit: live a life pleasing to God. Yet, this fight is a sign of life in us. Dead things don’t fight. Only things that are alive can fight. The fact that you have this battle in your heart is a sign that you are alive in Christ!

In Romans 6, Paul asks if we should continue to live in sin. He argues that this cannot be the case. We are now dead to sin and alive in Christ. So, we should seek to live apart from sin. Yet, the desires of our flesh keep us from doing that. All the things inside us and around us seek to drive us away from a life lived for God. For, as John says, all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world (1 John 2:16). So the things we desire to do, we find ourselves not doing. The things we desire to refrain from, we find ourselves doing. The result is that we are unhappy, discontent, angry, unsatisfied people.

We regularly point to the people around us as the reason for our unhappiness. However, the reality is that the source of our problems is us. The wars and fighting come from our hearts (James 4:1-10). We don’t get what we want, so we rage. Our desires are not met, so we fight. As you sit and bicker with those around you, you must remember that the problem is not the other person. The problem is your sinful desires.

But there is a wonderful answer. This is a battle we can win. Living in bitter discontentment is not what God desires for us. God wants you to live in joy, not anger, in contentment, not bitterness, in love, not hate, in peace, not conflict. So, He provided a way to victory in this battle. Over the next few weeks, this is the message I want to explore. I hope to reveal the battle plan to discover peace and joy in our lives. And hopefully, as we discover it, we can help those around us discover it as well.

Value Every Moment – October 25, 2024

Posted on Oct 25, 2024 in General |

I am taking a break from our study regarding decision-making this week because I want to share a lesson that God has driven home to me in the last twenty-four hours. I have coached my boys’ soccer teams for the past twelve years. I watched them grow from fun little guys into men who now tower over me. Each stage has been an incredible blessing. Last night, that chapter of life closed for my oldest son. As he walked off the field, ending his senior season of high school, it hit me that I would no longer be on the bench as he came off the field—no more practices or strategy sessions as a coach. I went out to him and met him on the field. Through tears, we hugged each other. I expressed my pride in him and thanked him for letting me coach him. It also hit me that I will do this again with my other son next year. That one will be harder because then it will be all done.

This morning, I received a call from my dad that my mom suffered a stroke. As I write this, we are still waiting to discover the long-term impacts. Thankfully, it appears that her life is not in immediate jeopardy. Yet, it reminded me that life is brief. We all have an end date, and we don’t get to decide or know when it is. Each day is a gift.

These events remind me that we must live each day for Christ while we can. We must savor every day that God gives us. In James 4, James addresses the foolishness of believing that we control life. In verse 13, he challenges those who make plans with the belief that they are in control. In verse 14, he reminds us, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Our lives are like steam coming off a pot of boiling water. It appears, and then it is gone.

So often, we live life as though nothing will change and everything will remain forever. Yet we know that this is not true. It feels like our children grow up overnight. Our minds tell us we are young, while our bodies scream otherwise. Before long, we look in the mirror, and an old person stares at us. Life keeps moving. But this is not a sad or terrible thing. Each season of life holds importance. God has sovereignly ordained each segment and event. James reveals that our role is to acknowledge God throughout. We should respond, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As we walk through every stage, we must acknowledge God. Acknowledging God means more than lip service. It involves walking in obedience to Him.

We should treat each day as a precious gift from God. I see two practical ramifications. First, savor each day. While we plan for the future and work for what is coming, we must not overlook the day in which we live. Parents, your kids will not always be there. When they ask you to do something with them, prioritize it. Put down what you are doing and spend quality time with them. Kids (both old and young), your parents will not always be there. Don’t dismiss them for insignificant things. Talk to them, hug them, and spend time with them.

Second, money and events don’t last. Relationships and service for Christ last. I do not regret missing money-making opportunities to coach my boys. I do not regret missing time working on my car or reading my books to play with my kids. I do not regret prioritizing friendships over things. Make sure you prioritize the things that matter. In the last twenty-four hours, one chapter with my son closed, and my mom suffered a significant health event. These events reminded me to enjoy and make the most of where I am now. Life changes quickly.