Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy
As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone. -Daniel 5:4
The first thing I thought of when I read through this was a little lie that was told to me when I was immature, meaning new to Christianity. You may recall I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior at the age of sixteen. One of the problems I ran into was not having someone to disciple me. Not one person said, "Here's how we go about living a life that honors what He's done for you."
My aim here isn't to condemn anyone. The goal I have in mind is to encourage anyone new to the Christian life, or anyone needing some discipleship. Be willing to learn from my mistakes. Have a heart that is prepared to take risks, such as losing long-time friends who don't help you maintain integrity. This is what the first half of the book of Daniel is centered on. It focuses on doing the right thing because it's the right thing to do- even and especially when no one can see you doing it (I assure you that God knows.) You are doing something if you're thinking or speaking, so just to clarify: Actions, thoughts, and speech are all part of "being holy."
What do I mean by "holy?" Holy simply means set apart. Consecrated is a fancy word that is also used to describe the definition of holy. One question asked by Beth Moore in this chapter was "Are you fully able to accept the truth that you are a holy vessel?" I answered yes. I had a more difficult time answering the follow-up. "Do you see yourself as holy?" Uh. Let me think about that one for a moment...
I'm not singling any one out here as I write this, so I beseech thee not to take offense. Many life stories are similar. It's a little thing I like to call "humanity." Anyway...it seems like the elephant in the room is sex among young, and/or unmarried Christians. Okay. So, the elephant is here sitting next to me. Let's talk with the elephant and see what it has to tell us.
Good evening, Elephant. (No response.) I sense some tension. How do you feel talking about this? (Still nothing.) It may be painful, but let's just get to the nitty-gritty.
Why don't some Christian men and/or women place the same value on their bodies as Christ does? Well, sometimes it's just easier to continue living like the lie is the truth because it's hard to change the way you do things. And in other cases they aren't instructed any differently. In other words, sometimes we don't realize we're continuing to live a lie because other Christians haven't clued us in.
When I was going through "Pre-marriage Counseling" with the pastor who married my husband and I, she asked me about our sex-life. I thought that was interesting. Why would she assume we were sleeping together? She was right though. My husband and I were sleeping together. Then she said, "Well, I'm not going to tell you to stop, because I know you probably won't." Thinking back on that now, I cringe. A little bit of encouragement in treating our bodies as holy would have gone a long way. We both wanted to do the right thing. But you know what? Even though she didn't take the opportunity to instill the value of ceasing bedroom activities, and resuming once we were married, I felt convicted. God spoke to me in that moment. I told my soon-to-be-husband that I wanted to wait until our wedding night to have sex again. He agreed. It was only two weeks.
Paul leaves to his protege, Titus, some ways to make sure that the believers are taught how to live their new lives in Christ. Chapter two, the mentoring chapter, gives some sage advice. Paul lets Titus know what things are important, which issues need addressing, and why these guidelines are so paramount. I have here for you parts of Titus 2:
As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.
In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us...For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
Sit down, Elephant. I'm not finished yet.You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
If we miss this, it has lasting consequences with overwhelming impact: emotional turmoil, distorted thinking, spiritual decay, physical disease, hopelessness.
A father neglects to tell his daughter how beautiful she is. A mother doesn't respect her own body, so her daughter isn't taught to love herself. A little boy is abused and no one comes to his rescue. A new believer doesn't have anyone willing to mentor her.
Beth had this to say about the lowering of standards:
"A high regard for the things of this world always signal a lowering regard for God...When we have a low regard for what God has called holy (Himself foremost, followed by what belongs to him), we open the door for captivity." p. 101It is fair to say that people, men and women alike, don't value their bodies the same as Christ does because no one has told them either by saying it or showing it.
"You are precious. I care enough about you to make sure you know the truth." Admonition goes far with those of us who have a primary love language of Words of Affirmation. And actions speak louder than words. One can let another person know they are esteemed by showing kindness and respect. If we're treated like we're loved, we'll probably feel and believe that we are loved. It's a good idea to take your fingers and point to, and then read 1 Corinthians 6:20. Scripture tells us, "You were bought at a price. So bring glory to God in the way you use your body."
This seems to be an uncomfortable topic for you, Elephant.
Who has told you that you have worth that is far above rubies? When did you last hear that when Jesus looked out his living room window and saw you, that his heart beat faster and he smiled and said "I want her in our kingdom, Dad. I will pay whatever it costs to see her become your princess. Will you sign the papers to adopt her as my sister? She can have everything I own. We will share it for eternity."
I want you to know, Elephant, that you have purpose and meaning. Tell me about a time when you believed it was okay to misuse your power. What's that? I couldn't hear your voice over the noise your foot made as you slammed it on the floor. There is a time and a place for you. And you are good.
To err is human. This I know, however sex doesn't happen on accident. What's the good news? Your past doesn't define your future. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus when you accept him as your Lord and Savior. When you tell the world that he has changed you, you want to uphold the integrity of your life. The truth is, you can choose to wait. The truth is you won't die. The truth is, you are clean! The truth is you have more value than to give away what no longer belongs to you. You trust God. He lives in you!
This doesn't feel good to talk about. I once felt very dirty after being abused. I believed I was worthless. I believed that it didn't matter if I gave myself away because I was "damaged goods." No one took the time to tell me that I am worth the wait. You too are worth the wait! Gold, silver, rubies, diamonds...these precious gems are no match for you in God's eyes.
I had to tell you all of this because you are loved by God. If you are in Him, then you are my sister, or my brother. I couldn't look you in the eye if I didn't tell you the truth.
Beth closes the video session for week five with this last sentiment:
"Vessels that have been treated as unholy can be treated as holy again." p. 90
The Elephant has left the room.
No comments:
Post a Comment