Practical Commitments: Modest Appearance and Social Obligation

With just a brief glance at today’s commitments, I was reminded of how one of these commitments is highly ignored while another is readily accepted in our society. As you would easily recognize, modest appearance is not an area we excel at. On the other hand, social obligation is the heartbeat of the younger generation. They are more aware and involved in global issues than previous generations. [Even as I type this, a quote popped up on my screen from one of these socially aware individuals. It says, "Justice is what Love looks like in public."] The difference in our social obligations is the difference in what we fight for. Nevertheless, our forefathers have called us to involve ourselves as citizens of heaven and earth. Here’s today’s commitments…

MODEST APPEARANCE

We will demonstrate the scriptural principle of modesty by appearing and dressing in a manner that will enhance our Christian testimony and will avoid pride, elaborateness or sensuality.

Modesty

According to the biblical idea, modesty is an inner spiritual grace that recoils from anything unseemly and impure, is chaste in thought and conduct, and is free of crudeness and indecency in dress and behavior (Ephesians 4:25, 29, 31; 5:1-8; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10). Therefore, modesty includes our appearance, dress, speech and conduct and can be applied to all situations. The essential issue is, “does our style of life please or displease God?”

Appearance and Dress

Our life, character and self-image are reflected by our apparel and mode of dress. The admonition of Scripture, “Be not conformed to this world,” reminds us that our manner of dress must be modest and decent (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:22, 23). It is not displeasing to God for us to dress well and be well groomed. However, above all we must seek spiritual beauty, which does not come from outward adornment with jewelry, expensive clothes or cosmetics, but from good works, chaste conversation, and a meek and quiet spirit (Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 3:3-5).

Pride, Elaborateness, Sensuality

As godly people we are to abstain from all lusts of the flesh and avoid dressing in a manner that encourages immoral thoughts, attitudes and lifestyles (Galatians 5:13-21; 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Peter 1:4). Our beauty does not depend on elaborate, showy dress extravagant, costly attire or on the use of jewelry or cosmetics, but on our relationship with Christ. External adornment, whether clothing or jewelry, as an outward display of personal worth, is contrary to a spiritual attitude (James 2:1-4).

SOCIAL OBLIGATION

It should be our objective to fulfill our obligations to society by being good citizens, by correcting social injustices, and by protecting the sanctity of life.

Being Good Citizens

As Christians we are members of the kingdom of God as well as a social order of this world. Obedience to God requires us to act in a responsible manner as citizens of our country (Mark 12:13-17; Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). Therefore, we should support civil law and order; hold our leaders in respect and pray for them; participate in school, community and governmental activities; exercise our voting rights; and speak out on clear-cut moral issues. God’s law is supreme, but we are to obey the laws of our country insofar as they are not in conflict with obedience to God (Acts 5:29). When it becomes necessary to disagree with practices and requirements of government, we should do so out of a concern for the promotion of righteousness and not out of delight in discord and controversy.

Correcting Social Injustices

Love for others and the recognition of the equal worth of all men in the sight of God (Acts 10:34; 17:26) should compel us to take steps to improve the situation of those who are underprivileged, neglected, hungry, homeless and victimized by prejudice, persecution and oppression (Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:8-10; 1 John 3:17). In all of our dealings, we must be sensitive to human needs (Luke 10:30-37; James 1:17) and guard against racial and economic discrimination. Every person should have freedom to worship and participate in the life of the church regardless of race, color, sex, social class or nationality.

Protecting the Sanctity of Life

God alone confers life (Genesis 1:1-31); therefore, we are responsible to God to care for our physical life and that of others. If the circumstances require, we must be prepared to risk our life in the service of our neighbor (John 15:13); but the general rule is that we must respect our physical life and employ every worthy means to maintain it. Since God alone confers life, God alone must decide when it is to be ended (Psalm 31:14, 15). Because a human fetus is sacred and blessed of God, we believe that we have the responsibility to protect the life of the unborn (Jeremiah 1:5; Luke 1:41). It is our firm conviction that abortion and euthanasia of aged, mentally incompetent, terminally ill and otherwise handicapped, for reasons of personal convenience, social adjustment or economic advantage, are morally wrong. Furthermore, we believe it is our Christian responsibility to care for the earth and its resources. In the beginning God gave man dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-30). This does not, however, give us license to pollute our natural environment or to waste the resources of the earth.

Application:

Which of these three do you find to be active in your life today?

Which are the most difficult to embody?

Prayerfully, highlight and consider the areas that you can begin to implement in your life from today forward.

Prayer:

Father,

As I have been challenged in so many ways this week, I ask that You would help me to seal these commitments in my heart and life. How I long to live my life with dignity, purpose, and value before You. May I both reach out to others in Your name and at the same time reach out to lift up in Your name. Stir in me a passion that is not just about Sunday’s in a closed building, but a passion that is for faith, justice, and righteousness. May I have integrity: when what I confess and what I do are congruent.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Practical Commitments: Family Responsibility and Behavioral Temperance

Today we look at 4 and 5 of our 7 Practical Commitments. A few weeks ago we briefly addressed the role of the family and the divine order set by God. Just this week we have seen the latest in the attacks against traditional marriage. Yet, beyond fighting for marriage politically, we must begin fighting for our marriages in our homes. These two commitments are strongly linked together today. May our hearts be receptive.

FAMILY RESPONSIBILITY

We will give priority to fulfilling family responsibilities, to preserving the sanctity of marriage and to maintaining divine order in the home.

Priority of the Family

The family is the basic unit of human relationship and as such is foundational to both society and the church (Genesis 2:18-24). The divine origin of the family, along with its foundational character, makes it imperative that we give priority to ministry to the family, both from a personal and corporate standpoint. The practice of Christian disciplines and virtues should begin in the home (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7). Therefore, our families should establish some pattern for family devotions and should endeavor to provide a Christian environment in the home (1 Timothy 3:3, 4; 5:8).

Sanctity of Marriage

Marriage is ordained of God and is a spiritual union in which a man and a woman are joined by God to live together as one (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). Because of the divine character of marriage, it is a lifelong commitment with the only clear biblical allowance for divorce being fornication (Matthew 5:32; 19:9). Sexual involvement, either before marriage or with someone other than the marriage partner, is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Exodus 20:14; 1 Corinthians 6:15-18). Understanding the sanctity of marriage, partners should strive to maintain a happy, harmonious and holy relationship. Should divorce occur, the church should be quick to provide love, understanding and counsel to those involved. The remarriage of divorced persons should be undertaken only after a thorough understanding of and submission to the scriptural instructions concerning this issue (Matthew 19:7-9; Mark 10:2-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 7:2, 10, 11). Should a Christian desire to remain single, this decision should be respected and should be seen as a viable scriptural alternative (II Corinthians 7:8, 32-34).

Divine Order in the Home

When God created man, He created them male and female (Genesis 1:27). He gave them distinctly different characteristics (1 Corinthians 11: 14, 15; 1 Peter 3:7) as well as different responsibilities (Genesis 3:16-19; 1 Peter 3:1-7). In God’s order, the husband is head of the home (Ephesians 5:22-31; Colossians 3:18, 19), parents are to nurture and admonish their children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21), and children are to obey and honor their parents (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20). In order for harmony to exist in the home, God’s order of responsibility must be observed.

BEHAVIORAL TEMPERANCE

We will practice temperance in behavior and will abstain from activities and attitudes which are offensive to our fellowman or which lead to addiction or enslavement.

Temperance

One of the cardinal Christian virtues is temperance or self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25; Titus 1:8, 2:2). It is listed as fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We are admonished to practice moderation and balance in our behavior (Philippians 4:5). The Scripture indicates that it is within our prerogative to control our thinking (Philippians 4:8), our anger (Ephesians 4:26) and our communication (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8). To exercise self-discipline reflects the power of God in our life (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Peter 1:5-11 ).

Offensive Behavior

The Bible speaks clearly that we are to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others as a demonstration of our love for them (Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:9-21, 13:10; Philippians 2:3-5). At times it is necessary for us to control our behavior so as not to bring offense to others (Romans 14:13-21; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). As we know Christ after the Spirit, we are also to know others in the same manner so we will not judge them after their outward behavior alone (2 Corinthians 5:16). A respect and tolerance for differences in others should characterize our relationships (Romans 14:2, 3; 1 Corinthians 8:8; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; 1 Timothy 4:1-5).

Addiction and Enslavement

One of the primary benefits of our liberty in Christ is freedom from the domination of negative forces (John 8:32, 36; Romans 6:14; 8:2). We are counseled not to put ourselves again under bondage (Galatians 5:1). Therefore, a Christian must totally abstain from all alcoholic beverages and other habit-forming and mood-altering chemical substances and refrain from the use of tobacco in any form, marijuana and all other addictive substances, and further, must refrain from any activity (such as gambling or gluttony) which defiles the body as the temple of God or which dominates and enslaves the spirit that has been made free in Christ (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20-35; Isaiah 28:7; 1 Corinthians 3:17; 5:11; 6:10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:21).

Application:

Which of these three do you find to be active in your life today?

Which are the most difficult to embody?

Prayerfully, highlight and consider the areas that you can begin to implement in your life from today forward.

Prayer:

Father, 

In a society plagued by divorce and the rejection of marriage and Your divine order, I ask that You would grant me the necessary grace to fight for marriage and freedom in my life. May my beliefs and biblical commitments not become washed or worn by the society in which I live. Rather, may the faith that I profess be the faith that is lived out behind the closed doors of my home. Then my faith will matter and my commitment be evident.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Twenty-One Questions For Spiritual Leaders

Twenty-One Questions For Spiritual Leaders 

From 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9

I. GOD

 

Not a new convert

1. Can you point to definite areas in your life in which you have spiritually matured during your four years in seminary?

 

Devout

2. Does your lifestyle reveal that your highest priority is knowing and walking with God?

 

II. YOURSELF

 

Temperate

3. In the everyday situations of life do you tend to react to them according to a biblical perspective? That is, are you alert to biblical teaching as it bears on your daily living?

 

Prudent

4. Are you prudent and sober minded to the extent that you can apply biblical principles to walking wisely?

 

Not quick tempered

5. Do you have a short fuse?

 

III. YOUR FAMILY

 

Husband of one wife

6. Are you totally devoted to your own wife, and not distracted, even mentally, by other women?

 

One who manages his own household well

7. Do your wife and children love, respect, and obey you and are they responding positively to God?

 

IV. OTHERS

 

Hospitable

8. Do you make it your practice to invited to and share your home with both Christians and non-Christian outsiders?

 

Able to teach

9. Are you able to communicate the Word of God to others in a non-antagonistic manner and able to handle those who disagree with you in a patient and gentle manner?

 

Not self-willed

10. Are you able to set aside your own preferences in order to maintain peace with people?

 

Loving what is good

11. Do you take advantage of opportunities to do good to all men (both Christians & non-Christians) and to build people up rather than tearing them down?

 

Not a bully

12. Have you overcome the temptation to use the position of leadership to bully people?

 

Uncontentious

13. Have you developed a dislike for becoming involved in quarrels?

 

Gentle

14. Are you able to handle other people in a gentle and mild-mannered way?

 

Just

15. In your relationships with other people are you able to make just decisions; that is, ones which are wise, objective, and honest?

 

Above reproach

16. Is your lifestyle above reproach when evaluated by those closest to you?

 

Respectable

17. Do others around you respect you in that your life adorns the Word of God?

 

Having a good reputation with those on the outside

18. Do you have a good reputation among nonbelievers in the way that you pay your bills, manage your affairs, and react to situations? That is, do they respect you even though they may disagree with your theological viewpoint?

 

V. THINGS

 

Free from the love of money

19. Is the amount of salary you will receive in a position low on your priority list?

 

Not addicted to wine

20. Are you free from being addicted to anything that might take control of your life and cause a weaker Christian to stumble?

 

VI. THE BIBLE

 

Ability to use the Bible

21. Are you able to use the Word of God to exhort people with sound doctrine and to refute those who are antagonistic? 

 

Source:

John Best and Gary Carter, Unpublished class notes, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1985

Found in Kenneth O. Gangel’s Feeding and Leading: Practical Handbook on Administration in Churches and Christian Orgnizations, pp.42-43 (1989)

Feeding and Leading (ch.2) by Kenneth Gangel

Following yesterday’s pattern, here are my notes from chapter 2 of Kenneth Gangel’s Feeding and Leading.

• Christian leadership: the exercise of one’s spiritual gifts under the call of God to serve a certain group of people in achieving the goals God has given them toward the end of glorifying Christ.
• John R. W. Stott: Five distinctives that makes leadership Christian:
  1. vision
  2. industry
  3. perseverance
  4. service
  5. discipline
• He [Stott] concludes: “…that God has a leadership role of some degree and kind for each of us. We need, then, to seek His will within all our hearts, to cry to Him to give us a vision of what He is calling us to do with our lives, and to pray for grace to be faithful–not necessarily successful–in obedience to that heavenly vision.”
• The spiritual leader and the servant leader are synonymous. Without spirituality there is no servant leadership. Without a servant mind-set, there is no spirituality in leadership.
• The Bible describes spirituality not as something which comes automatically at the time of regeneration, but rather a state of maturity into which one grows as the result of a vital Christian life
• One church’s categorization of developing Christian maturity:
  1. Unconditional Love. There is nothing that you have done or will do that can make me stop loving you.
  2. Availability. The mature Christian leader sacrificially puts time, energy, insights, and possessions at the disposal of the group (Acts 2:43-47).
  3. Vulnerability and confidentiality.
  4. Responsibility and accountability. The spiritual leader takes seriously the responsibility for growth of others.
  5. Spiritual authority. A mature leader willingly submits himself to appropriately appointed congregational authority.
  6. Integrity* (added by author). Identified the mature leader as incorruptible, honest, and dependable.
• The Christian leader is the servus servorem dei–the servant of the servants of God.
• Theological conclusions of spiritual leadership:
  1. Spiritual leadership links inseparably with identifiable spiritual gifts and a clear-cut call from God to distinctive leadership positions.
  2. Spiritual leadership consists of a servant attitude patterned after the ministry-to-others demonstration of Jesus Himself.
  3. Spiritual leadership places a strong emphasis on the involvement of people in participatory decision-making as opposed to autocracy and authoritarian techniques.
  4. Spiritual leadership always includes the responsibility of teaching and nurturing those whom we lead.
  5. Spiritual leadership requires an attitude of humility and meekness thoroughly demonstrated by Moses and Paul (among others), and not to be confused with weakness or indecisiveness.
• Spiritual leadership from Romans 12:3-8
  1. Spiritual leadership is meekness. (Rom. 12:3)
     • Absolute monarchy may indeed be the most efficient system the world has ever known, but we had better wait for the absolute control of the Perfect One, in the meantime resisting any pretenders to teh throne.
  2. Spiritual leadership as membership. (Rom. 12:4-5)
     • Peter Drucker reminds us that the word ‘organization’ fails us unless we understand that it means people, a helpful clue to better church relations.
  3. Spiritual leadership is ministry. (Rom. 12:6-8)
     • Spiritual leadership as ministry is not giving orders but nurturing the people of God.
• Christian leadership from Galatians 6:
  1. People who have it know it. (Gal. 6:1)
     • “you who are spiritual” (v.1)
     • Here again we find a recognition of gift and call, the fact, that Christian leaders in any given group, especially a local congregation of the body of Christ, can be spotted by the qualities they possess (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1) [See Twenty-One Questions For Spiritual Leaders From 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9]
  2. People who have it also have greater responsibility. (Gal. 6:2-5)
  3. People who have it can lose it. (Gal. 6:1)
     • “but watch yourself, or you may also be tempted”
• Ward Gasque on learning from “secular leadership”:
  • Christians do not cease to be human when they commit their lives to Christ. Rather, they share a common humanity with all people. Therefore, it is not surprising that they should learn truth from people who are not themselves believers. The church has done so in the past, to its everlasting benefit, and will doubtless do so in the future. This will come as no surprise to anyone who believes in the biblical doctrine of creation.