Not by power, Not by might

The other day, I was watching ‘Homecoming with Rick Reilly’. It’s a show aired on ESPN that chronicles the life of current professional athletes. The guest of the day was Dwayne Wade, current NBA star for the Miami Heat. His mother, Jolinda Wade, was not present for the major part of his childhood and teenage years, in which he moved in with his father and stepfamily. The reasoning behind Jolinda’s absenteeism was an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Rick Reilly, the host, is known for asking pretty invasive and bold questions. One of his questions to Dwayne’s mother was directed towards how she broke free from her addiction. Jolinda confidently and boldly stated the following and I paraphrase. My pastor opened his Bible and directed me to 2 Timothy 3:5… having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Three days later, she stated to be free of her drug addiction. Immediately, I connected with Jolinda because I could relate. Based on the audience’s applause, its safe to assume her transparency touched many.

As a young child, I attended a small missionary Baptist church. During most of the church services, I wondered why I was present. There were rare times that I connected with the speaker. Thankfully, I have matured and appreciate my mom’s encouragement and guidance in attending Sunday services. However, it’s a shame that as a child, I never accepted the revelation of the Spirit of God to change my life. I recall in my early teens accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior. Attached to my decision was a good emotional feeling and pride for pleasing my mom and grandparents, who regularly attended. I understood that I needed Christ for protection from Hell/Satan, but that was the depth of my understanding (unfortunately, this wouldn’t change until early adulthood). About 3 weeks after becoming a Christian, I was in the guidance counselor’s office for using profanity. My mother was contacted at her place of employment to visit my school due to her son’s behavior. Her look of disappointment dictated what my future would hold upon arrival at home. My father was informed and his upset tone indicated similar fate. After arriving home and receiving my mother’s correction, I knew that I would have to explain this unacceptable behavior to my father. When my dad arrived, we chatted. He was obviously upset and wanted to assure that I understand the importance of not using bad language. In attempt to not receive more ‘correction’, I informed my father that I was trying my best to change since becoming a Christian. Of course, this was to detract from being spanked, but also somewhat true. If only I understood God’s authority inside of me.

Before Jesus physically departed from his disciples, He promised a gift from his Father. This gift was the Holy Spirit, the spirit of God present in every Christian. Jesus stated that at the coming of the Holy Spirit, the disciples would receive power to be witnesses throughout the world (Acts 1:4-8). Inside of every Christian is the ability to overcome every sin. This ability has been provided to us because of God’s grace. We must choose to access the Spirit of God that lives inside of us. It must become a reality that we have authority over every obstacle, as Christ has already defeated the dilemmas you face. The most important part of walking in God’s authority is being a good witness. One can not considered themselves effective in influencing anyone for the kingdom of God, if they are not readily walking in the Spirit; as the verse states, receiving ‘power’ was connected to being a witness.

Many Christians practice behaviors that are un-Christ like announcing Christianity for their own benefit, yet ‘turning their backs’ on the most elementary biblical principles. It’s hypocritical, unfortunate, and plays an integral role (in my opinion) of why Christians lack influence today. Generally speaking, we simply do not access the Spirit that resides within us to consistently overcome sin, encourage others, remain faithful, stay optimistic, and lead a holy lifestyle. ‘I’m a Christian’ should be said in our actions, not words. We are the heirs of a promise. A promise to be ‘…be the head, not the tail’ [leaders not followers] that is of course, if we follow the Lord’s commands (Deuteronomy 28:13).

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I strongly encourage you to examine areas of your life were you are being defeated. These unresolved areas are keeping you from being an effective witness for Christ and withholding blessings due to your disobedience. In the case of Jolinda Wade, she missed the blessings of motherhood to a young child and teenager, due to her disobedience in accessing her God given right through Jesus Christ to overcome an addiction. While attending church, she was convicted of her lifestyle and decided to accept the full blessing of God. After years of drug addiction, drug selling, and slum living, she is, now, an ordained minister and reunited with her family. Jolinda’s case was serious, as she was a drug addict. Drug usage is regarded as a terrible among the worldly and Godly, so it receives more negative attention than most destructive behaviors. Your issue may be more subtle, not noticeable among your peers. However, you know it’s holding you back. You must deal with it, before ‘it’ deals with you, your family, friends, and lifestyle.

If you have not giving your life to Christ, then you are being defeated in the most important battle, eternal salvation v. damnation. You need to give your life to Christ. Accepting Him into your heart as Lord and Savior is first and foremost, the most important decision one can make. Moving forward, you must begin reading the Bible. Learning God’s word will help replace your worldly thoughts with the mind of God. Being obedient to His commands will enact His will in your life and you will access the Holy Spirit to do your assignment. Make this decision, today.

Zechariah 4:6

‘…not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.

If you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link .

www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyandTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_with_God.aspx

Try this exercise!

Choose not to speak negative about your relationship with spouse, friend, family, neighbor, and/or peer. Choose not to speak negative about your work place, marriage, authority figure, and/or country.

This exercise is easier to read than literally follow. I have found in some of my closest relationships that it’s easier to talk about our dislikes than likes. That is, ‘Hey, can you believe that Billie is dating Sue! Does he not know…?’ Closeness is discovered through your dislikes for Sue's behavior and Billie’s taste in women. Without a thought of your distasteful conduct and gossiping words, you are judging and belittling someone.

I recently visited with a person whom I believe to not be a Christian. During our visit, a comment was made. ‘Conservatives (which referred to Christians) are so judgmental!’ Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t argue with passion or conviction, because I believed the statement to be generally true. My life experiences play a major role in thinking this way. It is a shame, but true, that I have starred in many life movies as the lead actor in a judgmental role. I don’t believe it stemmed from the thought that I was better; but the stronger case being, judging was a way of relating to a group or individual, which typically were conservatives.

I find that each day, I’m faced with the decision to get involve or initiate. I may have a simple thought about a behavior or attitude I dislike. Engage in morning light-hearted, pessimistic conversation to spark the office mood. Pleading my case to no avail without any agenda other than making conversation. This is foolish, pointless and not constructive in being a good witness. Simple negative words will drive you farther away from developing an intimate, influential relationship. There’s a trust factor in every relationship.

Jack knows if Tom talks about Billie’s issues when Billie is not present, that Tom will more than likely talk about him (Jack) when he is not present. Therefore, Jack doesn’t have real accountability with Tom due to his lack of relational trust. With no trust, intimacy is stagnated or broken. This issue between Jack and Tom may never be verbally or emotionally confronted. Jack and Tom have issues (as we all do), but don’t take advantage of their time together examining each other (Proverbs 27:6). When they meet for lunch, because of their chosen path, the depth of their conversation continues to lead to Billie’s issues. Intimacy has plateau.

The devil has an agenda in all your relationships. Whether you consider your relationship healthy or not, the gossiping, superficial cycle is an easy trend to follow. Be on guard and choose to exercise your right to speak blessings. Do not get caught in the cycle of speaking defeat about a friend’s situation, business venture, bosses’ attitude, or our country’s current status no matter the circumstances. It is a sin to do so and truly one of the quickest ways to damper the mood.

If you find difficulty speaking positive, faith-filled words, you must examine yourself. I would encourage you to begin reading your Bible and discovering what God has to say about the situation. We serve a God with plans to prosper us and give us a hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11). If your speech does not match His plan, you are not aligned.

Matthew 12:35-37
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.

If you chose to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please click on the link below.

http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/BibleStudyAndTheology/Discipleship/Steps_to_Peace_With_God.aspx