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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
A revolution is defined as a radical transformation caused by irresistible forces that overturn established orders. It’s safe to say most unchurched people and many professing Christians have “established orders” in their lives that need overturning; Jesus and his Word offering the only genuine radical force that works irresistibly in our lives to change hearts, minds and actions. This revolution accomplishing two things – magnifying our love and zeal for the Lord and increasing our love for others, which according to Christ are the two most important commandments of both Testaments. (Matthew 22:37-40 & Mark 12:29-31)
2 Chronicles 25 tells the story of King Amaziah, who ruled Judah for 29 years; verse 2 summarizing his reign. “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly” What an indictment! He made an appearance of doing the right things, probably doing some tasks quite well; but his heart wasn’t really in it. Distracted by other people or things, he compromised his ideals and actions. Exhausted by the 24/7 nature of ruling a fractious kingdom, he gave in to demands he knew he shouldn’t. Bowing to peer pressure, he let some things slide for the sake of harmony among friends, family and advisers; giving short-shrift to the “complaints” of those who counseled a more rigorous observance of God’s word. Enamored with the trappings of royalty, he lost focus of who he was to worship and give obedience to, taking upon himself the glories of a ruler instead of the duties of one chosen to serve with power. His heart was possibly in the right place at times, but he was lackadaisical in his actions because of a lack of resolve. He wasn’t prepared to exercise self-control and do what his heart told him was the right thing to do because he hadn’t thoroughly prepared his mind to do so.
Which raises the question: Which is more important, the heart or head? I think we need to consider both. We must have a heart – or passion – for whatever we try to accomplish or whoever we choose to follow, but our “heart” usually involves emotion; which can and often does significantly change from one moment to another – good and bad often overflowing our hearts into our lives. (Luke 6:45) Consider David, “…a man after (God’s) own heart…” Acts 13:22; who never-the-less nearly destroyed himself, his family and his nation by allowing his passion for Bathsheba to over-rule his will to act righteously. (2 Samuel 11) The Lord searching our hearts to identify the driving force behind our actions (1 Samuel 16:7), cautioning us to, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 One way we do that is by training and disciplining our minds for the kind of action God desires. (See 1 Peter 1:13)
If there is anything that too often characterizes the church in America today, it is complacency in living out our faith. Like Amaziah, we too often do many of the “right” things for the wrong reasons or from a sense of duty (Matthew 6:1-18); not in genuine obedience to God’s will, lacking a real desire to join him in ministry to a lost world. We forget that, “…wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11:19; and that we are to, “Always be prepared to give a reason (and aid) to everyone who asks…” 1 Peter 3:14 (See also James 2:14-18) Never underestimating the extent to which God, “…searches (our) hearts and minds,… (re)paying each of (us) according to (our) deeds.” Revelation 2:23
It is true that, “As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” Proverbs 23:19; but we must be able to reinforce the sometimes raw desire of our hearts with intellectual resolve. The human condition mired in the truth of, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Matthew 26:41 Scripture warning us that, “Anyone… who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17 Sincerity of heart and reverence for our Lord being the highest motivation for obedient service. (See Colossians 3:17) This concept of single-minded resolve and commitment to a cause is found throughout scripture, which advises, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,…” Ecclesiastes 9:10
Luke records an incident involving several people, possibly during the excitement of the moment, who professed a willingness to follow Jesus; to which he responded in a puzzling way. To one he warned of life without the comforts of hearth and home, to the others he expressed an unwillingness to abide by the preconditions they set for joining him (Even though on the surface their circumstances seemed legitimate); stating his expectations of a total commitment to him and his way. Was he being overly demanding and insensitive? I don’t’ believe so. Rather he was immediately setting a standard of uncontested allegiance to God, seeking volunteers who would dedicate their lives in service to the kingdom to the same degree he did. That priority emphasized by him so there would be no surprises for those who responded to his call, belatedly finding it too demanding and time-consuming. Citing the need for undistracted focus, he said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:57-62 (Anyone familiar with farming aware of the consequences of trying to plow a straight furrow while being distracted by their surroundings.)
A real danger for some Christians can be over-involvement, not in core issues and ministry but in countless meetings dealing with peripheral issues and problems; occasionally being spread too thin while responding to legitimate needs and ministries that aren’t - but could be – met by others. Parachurch activities, none of which are particularly wrong, can distract us from the priority of the salvation ministry of the church as well. Rationing our time, effort and energy may be necessary to insure we accomplish the essential ministry of the church or that which we are best suited for; maintaining a vibrant personal relationship with God, which will then enable us to minister to others in Jesus’ name more effectively.
Jesus declared that those who waver between diligence and complacency, whom Paul characterized as being tossed back and forth by the contrary waves and wind of indecision (Ephesians 4:14) – neither hot nor cold in their pursuit of obedience, will be spat from his mouth like a disappointing drink expected to taste one way but in reality being quite different. (Revelation 3:15,16) That’s why Paul admonishes us, “…to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23,24Accomplished in part by, “…not conform(ing) any longer to the pattern of this world, but be(ing) transformed by the renewing of (your) mind.” Which involves, “…offering your bodies as living sacrifices, (an oxymoron if there ever was one) holy and pleasing to God…” Rom. 12:1,2Jesus promising in return to make all things work for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28); not that nothing bad will ever happen. (See Matthew 10:17-22, with special emphasis on, “…but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”) Paul likewise encouraging us to, “ …stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always giv(ing) yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,…” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (See also Ephesians 6:10,11 & 13)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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