Latest episode of Kingdom War Room with Dr. Lake, Dr. Spaulding and myself. In this episode we discuss what it means to believe and we examine the discernment needed to equip us to persevere in our day.
What Does It REALLY Mean to Believe? – Covenant Faith, the Remnant & Going Deeper with God | KWR0061 Description What does it actually mean to believe in Jesus Christ? In this powerful episode of the Kingdom War Room, Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding, and Pastor Corby Shuey tackle one of the most misunderstood words in modern Christianity: belief. Starting with an exegetical study of John 3:16 from the original Greek, the discussion quickly expands into the nature of biblical faith, covenant fidelity, discipleship, repentance, and the dangerous rise of easy-believism within the modern church. The panel examines the difference between intellectual agreement and covenant commitment, why many churches have abandoned true discipleship for entertainment, and how the Holy Spirit is calling the Remnant into deeper levels of spiritual maturity and biblical literacy in these last days. Topics include the Hebrew understanding of faith, the restoration of the image of God in believers, the importance of divine visitations, biblical authority, discipleship, the dangers of pagan influence in Christianity, and practical ways believers can begin going deeper in the Word of God. This is a challenging and encouraging conversation for believers who are serious about walking in covenant faithfulness and preparing for the days ahead.
This blog entry was written by Mandie. I consider Mandie and her family as dear friends and fellow servants of the Lord. They are members of Mount Zion Road Church and most importantly, they are faithful followers of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. I am thankful and blessed that she was willing to allow me to post this entry on my website. In this writing, Mandie encourages us to find joy in knowing the Lord in the everyday. We are encouraged to share the joy of knowing our Savior Jesus with those around us. I pray that you find her words to be a blessing as you read. To God be the glory!
I am convinced that any experience we have in life can point us to our Creator and a perspective that touches our souls. Having children, I see many examples of this every day. They can teach us so much if we only have the eyes to see and compare it to spiritual truth that God can highlight to us. Jesus used parables to teach- everyday objects and culturally significant customs to highlight His purposes and give understanding to those who belonged to Him. As Matthew 13:9 says “He who has ears, let him hear.” and further on in verse 16: “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” A few weeks ago, when we had the unseasonably warmer days (and everyone was rejoicing!), Asher and Daniel took it upon themselves to rummage through the summer clothing that is tucked away in our storage area. The result was they found what they were looking for (that, in itself, is a mini miracle) and they were quick to change out of their warm winter garb and exuberantly put on the short-sleeved clothing. If you can, picture little Daniel strutting around the house as joyful as can be to wear, what he saw, as “new” clothing. We have been blessed abundantly by saints who have passed on their clothing to us and so, while not “new” per se, it was new to Ian and he could not have been happier in that moment. It brought a huge smile to my face! In fact, he had some tears over the next few days as I had to explain the dropping temperatures and his need to put on long-sleeved clothing again. Some of you, I am sure, can relate to that feeling he had. When I was witnessing this adorable display of Ian dancing joyfully in his “new” clothing, the concept of our being a new creation came to mind. I thought about how we are to be new creations and as Ephesians 4:22-24 says:
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 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.”
When something is new to us, we are the most excited and joyful about it. Over time, that feeling wears off. I see it not necessarily as a problem with the item, unless it somehow broke or wore out, but I see it as a problem with our attitude towards that item. It has lost its appeal and novelty. No longer do we feel as excited about it. No longer do we think about it or tell others about it. It, whatever it is, has lost some of its value in our lives. Speaking of being a new creation in Christ, do we, who have been believers in Christ, still live as joyfully now as we did when we first came to know and believe in Him? Or has the newness, the joy worn out over time- similarly to our experience with a physical item? I thought about how this picture of simple joy by a little boy can teach us how we should be joyful in what we have that is new….our new self, or our true self!! And how much greater that joy should be because it is not a physical item that can wear out over time. As Colossians 3:1-4 says:
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
I pray that God encourages your hearts and minds to walk in the newness of the self He intends for you to live in everyday and that the novelty of it will never wear off! May you be blessed by our Father who loves you abundantly!
This blog entry was written by Eric, a friend and fellow servant of our Lord. Eric and his family have been members of Mount Zion Road Church for many years. Most importantly however, they are faithful followers of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. I am thankful and blessed that Eric was willing to allow me to post this entry on my website. Eric encourages us to consider the Biblical, true definition of what it is to be a man of God. I pray that you find these words to be edifying in your walk of faith. May we all serve the Lord with integrity, honor and reverence, for the glory of Jesus!
A man of God is one who believes, obeys, and follows Him in every way according to Scripture. Scripture is our ultimate authority for life, and through it, we understand what is required to become a man of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 explains the supreme authority of Scripture in a believer’s life, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of Godmay be complete, equipped for every good work.” This passage teaches us that all discipled Christian men who believe and obey the Word are deemed men of God.
1 Timothy 6:11-22 gives us an overview of the biblical characteristics of a man of God.
Through these verses, we learn that a man of God lives with:
Integrity as he flees anything to do with false teaching.
Godliness; he pursues love, righteousness, and peace according to what Jesus taught.
Righteousness. He follows the Lord’s commands and keeps himself unstained from the sins of the world.
Generosity with what the Lord has given him.
Knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, which makes one effective for kingdom work.
Spirit-filled direction.
What are the key traits of a Man of God?
A man of God obeys His Word with love, not living for the things of this life but for the things of eternity, willingly serving God in giving freely of his resources, and gladly suffering as a consequence of his faith. Perhaps Micah 6:8 sums up the man of God in one verse: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. From this, we learn that a man of God knows the perseverance necessary to accomplish this lifelong task. The man of God knows he is lost without the Holy Spirit and relies on Him for his walk with Christ. Not by our effort or ability, but by His power and His grace. And as we trip up or fall short, we seek and allow Him to build us back up.
The good fight includes serving Christ by serving others. A man of God does not seek the approval of men but of God; therefore, as he becomes more like Christ, he serves with Christlike compassion.
A man of God is a servant-leader, as is our Lord. A man of God, by his faithful servant leadership, will provide a Christlike witness to unbelievers in his work, relationships, and life as a whole.
How does a Man of God demonstrate faith?
In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus communicated with a Pharisee who admonished Him for not following their rules for washing before a meal. Jesus responded by rebuffing the hypocrites who, “cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness” (v. 39). One lesson that can be gleaned from this interaction is that hypocrites breed hypocrites. A man of God, instead, hides nothing, for his heart is attuned to what he has been taught from Scripture and from his godly mentors. He demonstrates his faith by how his heart leads him along all paths of life.
A man of God not only guards his heart, but he also guards his time in God’s Word. His approach to Scripture includes quality, distraction-free time covered in prayer.
Prayer serves as a man of God’s most important daily communication. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray Continually”, so prayer is the first step built on Scripture’s foundation.
The foundation of Scripture study and prayer builds a man’s trust in God because, in both, the man of God gains personal knowledge of his heavenly Father and of His plans. With this solid footing, a man of God can faithfully lead others in godly living by example and by teaching. The example he displays to his family has eternal benefits as they learn from him.
How can a Man of God lead his family and in his community?
An active man of God should strive to be as godly a man as possible. He gains his greatest counsel from the Word of God and in fellowship with other godly men.
A man of God, who leads his family and in his community well, will:
Love God above all else and spend quality time in the Word and in prayer.
Love his wife as Christ loves the church and will demonstrate Christlike character in his role as husband (Ephesians 5:25).
Love his children and teach them the ways of following Christ (Proverbs 22:6).
Love his church family and serve alongside them, within the church and within their community.
Not be a workaholic. While work may be fulfilling, it should not be all-consuming of his time and energy.
Be a wise steward of God’s resources.
Be balanced in service so no one suffers a lack of his love and leadership.
Disciple young men and encourage other church members
Avoid the very appearance of evil and wrong-doing.
Seek first God’s will, wisdom, kingdom, and righteousness.
How does one grow into a Man of God?
The first action a man must take is to receive salvation by surrendering in faith and repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ. As a new believer, a man should seek a Bible-based church with which to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Without the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, it’s impossible for anyone to please God or be a Godly example for others.
A man of God trusts the Lord to grow him. In today’s world, a man of God stands out in bold contrast to the dominant culture which is full of false teachers. He does pretty much everything opposite to what the world does or approves of; he goes “against the grain” of society because he knows these things displease God. It’s important for a man of God to sharpen his discernment as he interacts with our culture.
He must take practical steps to deepen his faith and grow in spiritual maturity. Having a mentor, an accountability group, and immersing himself in prayer contribute to becoming a man of God.
In closing, a man of God surrenders his entire being to his Creator, centers his life around God’s word, walks in the Spirit, and upholds truth with love and courage. By trusting in Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection, he gains the power to live righteously and the assurance of eternal life. Thus, his deepest aim becomes to glorify God in everything. It should be the desire of every man of God to stand before the Lord one day and hear, “Well done, My faithful servant.”
Latest episode of Kingdom War Room with Dr. Lake, Dr. Spaulding and myself. In this episode we discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. We examine true discipleship as led by the Lord. I pray that you are encouraged, edified and directed in your walk of faith by our Savior Jesus.
In this powerful episode of the Kingdom War Room, Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding, and Dr. Corby Shuey confront many of the theological errors and spiritual deceptions that have infiltrated the modern charismatic movement. Together, they examine the true biblical role of the Holy Spirit, the difference between the New Birth and Spirit empowerment, the misuse of spiritual gifts, and the growing danger of counterfeit signs and wonders in the last days. The discussion moves deeply into Scripture, exposing how emotionalism, entertainment-driven Christianity, and modern mystical movements have replaced authentic discipleship and intimacy with God. The team also explores the biblical purpose of the gifts of the Spirit, the importance of the fruit of the Spirit, discernment regarding modern revival movements, and how believers can prepare spiritually for the rise of deception connected to the Antichrist system. This episode is a sobering but encouraging call for believers to return to covenant faithfulness, authentic prayer, deep study of the Word of God, and genuine intimacy with Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Kingdom War Room #60 challenges the remnant to move beyond hype and emotionalism into a Spirit-led life grounded in truth, holiness, discernment, and the Word of God. 📚 Topics Covered Include:
The difference between the New Birth and the baptism of the Holy Spirit
Why many modern charismatic manifestations fail biblical discernment
The danger of building doctrine on isolated Scriptures
The biblical purpose of the gifts of the Spirit
Why the fruit of the Spirit matters more than spiritual hype
False signs and wonders in the last days
The coming deception connected to the Antichrist system
Problems with entertainment-driven church culture
Why believers must return to deep Bible study and prayer
This blog was written by my wife and ministry partner, Kelly. I am blessed by the Lord to have been given a wife who is a continual support to me and my family. She has a kind heart of empathy and service. She stands alongside of me as we strive to serve our Savior and King, Jesus. May He help us to humbly follow His lead in order to proclaim the mercy, grace and love of our Messiah. I am honored to be able to share the thoughts Kelly has written with you. I pray that you are blessed and encouraged in the reading.
Dear Woman of God,
I know it’s not easy. No matter what your age, the world attempts to pull you down and shut you up. It tells you that you will never measure up, you’ll never be smart enough, pretty enough, thin enough, good enough. You’ll never be enough. Silence that nagging voice. You were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). He has a purpose for you (Philippians 2:13). Seek Him first (Luke 11:9). Look to His Word (Psalm 119:11, James 1:22). Live your calling with humility (Philippians 2:12). May you be encouraged by the Biblical women who came before you; may they cheer you on from the pages of scripture.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb. 12:1-3
Be teachable like Eve (Genesis 2)
Show integrity like Shiphrah & Puah the Egyptian midwives (Exodus 1:15-21)
Sacrifice like Jochebed (Exodus 2)
Worship like Miriam (Exodus 15)
Have courage like Rahab (Joshua 2)
Lead like Deborah (Judges 4-5)
Persevere like Ruth (Ruth)
Be transformed like Naomi (Ruth)
Pray like Hannah (1 Samuel 2)
Stand in the gap like Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
Fight like Esther (Esther)
Trust like Mary (Luke 1)
Reach for Jesus like the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8)
Choose what is better like Mary of Bethany (Luke 10)
Serve like Tabitha/Dorcas (Acts 9)
Be hospitable like Lydia (Acts 16)
Advance the gospel like Pricilla (Acts 18, Romans 16)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)
The characteristic Apostle Paul lists in this encouragement to the body of Jesus which rises above all others is that of love. We are to be adorned with all of the attributes of Christian character listed in this passage through the help of His Holy Spirit, but above all of them resides love. It is love that conditions our character and how we walk out our faith in service to both our King and to others. It is the recognition of the love of our Messiah which inspires us to humbly follow. It is the love that was first poured out for us which compels us to reciprocate the love we were given toward the One who ultimately gave. Jesus gave of Himself because of love so that we might live! Therefore as the Apostle Paul encourages, let us put on love.
The word love found here in the English is taken from the Greek word Agape (G26). I am sure we are all familiar with this term. Agape is self-sacrificing, devotional and benevolent love. It is a love driven for the sake of those who are loved. Jesus went to the cross expressing this love. He suffered the penalty of our sin for the sake of those He loved. He has Redeemed us because of His love for us as His children. He will return to receive us into His Kingdom, forever, because we are loved. As we are loved, we too should respond to this indescribable love of Jesus through our humble devotion toward Him.
Agape love is considered the highest form of love. It is a love that can only result from the humility of the one loving. It comes from a choice to recognize the worth of those who are loved. To lay down one’s own will for the sake of the other, is love. Our Messiah gives us this example when He went to the cross to accomplish the purpose of His first advent, to save those who are His. The body of Messiah must therefore adopt this attitude in our love for one another as we endeavor to build one another up for the common good of accomplishing the work that He has set before us. When we begin to recognize the depth to which we are loved by Jesus, we will be able to perceive but a glimpse of the hope we have in His glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Our eyes fixed upon what is eternal, we choose then to walk in love in effort to accomplish our purpose for His glory!
The Apostle Paul gives the body of Messiah this instruction in his letter to the church in Corinth.
“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”
-(1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NASB95)
These words are most often used during a wedding ceremony. But we must remember that the Apostle Paul is writing to the church. His words are directed to those who have declared faith in Jesus as their savior. While these words are appropriate to share to a couple who is entering into a marriage covenant, they are vital for all of us. These words should not be relegated to only a wedding, but applied daily to the walk of faith for each one. Love must direct our efforts to follow our Savior. All that we choose to do must be driven by the love we have for Jesus. As Paul reminds us, we can choose to act or be motivated to accomplish all sorts of things, but if we do them absent our love for Jesus, we are nothing. It serves no ultimate purpose for the glory of our King. If we do not walk in love for Jesus, we are just making a whole bunch of purposeless noise.
Let us then be patient and kind. Not driven by jealousy or anger in our arrogance to place ourselves at the center of our will, But let us lay down our will for the sake of following the will of our Father. Let us forgive as we have been forgiven. Rejoicing in truth because we can praise the Name of the One who helps us endure all things through His love. Let us walk according to His purpose in our lives for the glory of our King! And finally, let us love in both word and in truth (1 John 3:18). May we all choose to do our best to be the people that our Savior has created us to be. Let the love we confess with our mouths truly be an expression of the love we hold within our heart. All this for the glory of Jesus, who first loved us.
Latest episode of the Kingdom War Room with Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding and myself. In this episode we discuss the consequences of allowing an entertainment model to take precedence in how we hold our worship services.
Episode description: In this powerful episode of the Kingdom War Room, Dr. Michael Lake, Dr. Mike Spaulding, and Dr. Corby Shuey expose the placebo of the entertainment church and why it has left much of the modern church spiritually weak, biblically shallow, and unprepared for the days ahead. The discussion addresses how seeker-sensitive models, business-driven ministry, false spirituality, and biblical illiteracy have created a dangerous vacuum in the Body of Christ. The team contrasts this man-made system with the true pattern of New Testament discipleship, spiritual maturity, pastoral care, and deep teaching from the Word of God. This episode is a serious call for pastors, leaders, and believers to return to Christ and Him crucified, to reopen the wells that have been stopped up by Babylonian compromise, and to pursue a faith that is holy, transformative, and grounded in Scripture. If you are hungry for substance rather than spectacle, for truth rather than performance, and for real kingdom life instead of religious entertainment, this War Room conversation is for you.
I recently completed an in-depth study of the word Predestination. The purpose of the study is to dig into the entirety of God’s Word regarding this topic which can be confusing to understand. While the study addresses the concept of predestination, the ultimate motivation to tackle such a topic is to reveal the potential crisis of faith that can result if we do not carefully examine Scripture. The crisis revealed is found in the deceptions referred to as annihilationism and universalism. Annihilationism refers to the false belief that hell will one day be destroyed. Universalism is the false belief that all people will be granted entrance into heaven regardless of their faith or lack thereof. Faith in this context is not faith in Jesus, rather faith in anything and everything. As stated the purpose of the study Predestination is truly meant to bring insight and discernment so we as the people of God are equipped to not fall victim to false doctrine.
I attached a free copy of the first lesson of the Predestination study. You can print it by clicking the link below. If you find this lesson edifying, I encourage you to get the rest of the study. The book can be found under the Bible studies tab on this site.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)
As we continue to survey the encouragement in the words of the Apostle Paul regarding what we are to put on as those who are humbly seeking to follow the leading of our Messiah, we can determine that these characteristics are all actively applied. We are to willingly seek the Lord as He sanctifies us in our faith. We are to recognize His perception of us as His, chosen and beloved children. We are to imitate Him as we endeavor to adopt reverence and holiness as an aspect of our faith. We are to actively apply compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience as we bear alongside one another. We are to diligently avoid empty complaints which can lead to divisive gossip within the body. As stated, all of these characteristic are actively applied through the help of the Lord. Additionally, as we allow the Lord to work within us, these characteristics become the expression of our faith from the heart. They should be evidenced in the life of a believer as they serve to indicate humility and reverence for our Messiah.
Along with the previously mentioned attributes of Christian character, the Apostle Paul reminds us to put on forgiveness. We are to forgive, as we have been forgiven. I am reminded of the words of our Messiah recorded in the book of Luke. “And Jesus answered him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ And he replied, ‘Say it, Teacher.’ ‘A moneylender had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ‘When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have judged correctly.’ Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.’ Then He said to her, ‘Your sins have been forgiven.’ Those who were reclining at the table with Him began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man who even forgives sins?’ And He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’”[1]
In these verses, Jesus addresses forgiveness. He uses an illustration we can all relate to in that of being forgiven a debt. Jesus affirms Simon the Pharisee’s answer. For those who are able to recognize the depth from which they have received forgiveness, love can be produced. Love for the one forgiving directed to the one who has been forgiven. In this example Jesus reveals the correct attitude we are to exhibit as we come to recognize the weight of the forgiveness we have been offered through the sacrifice of Jesus. We have been forgiven much. In turn we should love Jesus intentionally, diligently and with our whole heart. As much as the words of Jesus direct us to forgive, equally if not more so do they direct us to love because we can receive forgiveness.
Jesus extends His teaching on forgiveness by directing attention to a woman. The identity of this woman is not given. There are speculations as to who she might be, but the truth of her identity is beside the point. This woman is thought to have been delivered from the bondage of prostitution. Jesus reveals that she has received salvation because of her faith (Luke 7:50). Since the time she has been with Jesus, she has been reverently bowing at His feet. She has wet the feet of Jesus with her tears, wiping them with her hair. She anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume, all acts of reverent love directed toward the One who has forgiven. She recognized the depth from which she has been saved. She recognized the power of Jesus to deliver her from despair and because she was forgiven much, in turn she responded in love. She understood that Jesus saved her because of His love for her as a beloved child. She was not offered forgiveness due to anything she had earned. She found forgiveness through the love of the only One who can truly forgive, Jesus.
This woman serves as an example to all of us. Through the forgiveness of Jesus, she was able to see herself as Jesus saw her. As a beloved, precious, forgiven and redeemed child of a King! In our forgiveness and faith in Jesus, He declares the same thing over each one of us. It is because of Him that we are saved. It is through His sacrifice that we are forgiven. And it is His love that firmly establishes us upon a firm foundation, the Rock of our Salvation. Jesus our Messiah. We are saved because we are first loved.
Therefore, as we have been forgiven, so too must we strive to forgive. We are forgiven because of His love. As His children, we are then to allow the love we were first given to direct and condition our attitude. Our example is Jesus. It is faith in Him that offers all of us redemption from brokenness, mistakes and hardships. He does not condemn us in our brokenness. He convicts, corrects and redeems us through it. As we walk together, brothers and sisters in Jesus, let us all respond to the forgiveness of Jesus with love. First love for Him and then secondly love for one another. Let us walk with integrity in reverence to the love we were first given. For we have all been forgiven much, let us also love much.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15 ESV)
The Apostle Paul encourages those of faith to allow the Holy Spirit to bring forth fruit in keeping with humility as we follow the leading of our Messiah. Such characteristics are the fruit of the Spirit which is produced as we seek to allow the Lord to work within our heart. As we follow His lead, our lives should bear evidence of those things the Apostle Paul tells us to put on.
Paul encourages us to put on forbearance or as he stated in Colossians 3:13 “bear with one another”. In our forbearance, we are to choose to walk alongside one another in order to edify and build one another up in faith. This is one of the key aspects of fellowship. Along with the encouragement to put on various characteristics, Paul also alludes to other attitudes which we should take off. As we endeavor to walk alongside of one another in faith, we are to put offcomplaining. Paul warns, we are to put off complaints against one another. The Greek word translated as complaint in verse thirteen is μομφή (G3437- momphe). This word is defined to mean to complain or to pass blame. Paul is clearly stating in his exhortation to the church that in our forbearance with one another as brothers and sisters in faith, we are to diligently avoid passing blame. This is very often the case as we consider complaints. A complaint is levied against another person or a situation because the one complaining is passing blame for something that they personally do not like. More often than not the complaint is based on a personal preference or a demand for conformity to the desires of the one complaining. Paul warns us very clearly, to be careful not to complain for the sake of complaining or blaming others. This attitude does nothing for the edification of the body of Messiah.
Now to interject briefly, I must say complaining is far different from having true, humble concern for another. If we see a brother or sister struggling, we are to come alongside of them in support in the hope that the Lord will work to bring resolve to the hardship (Gal. 6:1-5; Rom. 15:1-2; Eph. 4:32; James 5:13-16). But we are never to point out the struggles of another as a mechanism to complain about them (Matt. 7:1-5). Such attitudes do nothing but tear another down.
Back to the matter at hand, in our complaints we pass blame. We tear down. We bring strife within the camp. We allow our tongue to bring forth the possibility of division. Solomon warns us about the power of words. Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”[1] The words we speak have the power to build up or tear down. We are warned in this verse to do our best to use words that will edify those around us. We will eat the fruit produced by the words we speak. Therefore speak things that will nourish fellowship within the community of faith. Proverbs 12:18, “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” [2] Words of complaint are like the thrusting of a sword against those who are the target of the complaint. Such words do nothing to bring reconciliation, only further division. Rather than using words that tear down and divide, we should as the Proverb instructs use wise words which can bring healing. We are therefore instructed to use our words carefully. The words we speak are best spoken in the effort to edify rather than complain against. To build up rather than to blame and tear down. Additionally Proverbs 15:1-2, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly.”[3] The manner in which we address one another can either turn away wrath or stir up anger. We can use words that are spoken in an effort to encourage and come to an understanding or we can use words that add fuel to a fire stirring up disharmony within our fellowship. Be aware of the words you use, and may they be glorifying to your Savior.
Beloved, there is already enough garbage in this world which attempts to drive us apart. There is already enough distraction, conflicts and disharmony we do not need to add trash to the heap. We should strive to use words that bolster faith. We are to edify one another to encourage perseverance. For in our perseverance, the Lord will fill us with hope (Romans 5:1-5). This hope will not disappoint, rather this hope reminds us of the love poured out for the Salvation of our souls through the mercy of Jesus.
I am not addressing in the writing a neglect of accountability. I am not suggesting that we are to avoid being accountable to God nor am I saying that we do not need to be accountable to one another. Holding ourselves accountable is different than uttering complaints based on a difference of opinion or preference. We are to be accountable to God and to one another because in our willingness to be accountable, the Lord will help us grow producing the fruit of faith which is His will for those who call Him Savior (Prov. 28:13; James 5:16).
Considering again the Apostle Paul’s instruction in the book of Colossians, We must remember that he is writing to the church. He is warning those in the church to conduct themselves in a manner that is honoring to our Messiah. Paul is not speaking to those who do not know any better. It is wise for us all to heed such instruction. It is wise for us to monitor the words we speak. It is noble to conduct ourselves in a manner that glorifies our Savior to the best of our capacity, encouraging one another while today is still called today (Hebrews 3:12-14).
One last word to consider in regard to our walk as people of faith. In the book of Romans. Chapter 14, Paul instructs the church to act in grace toward others as they grow in faith. We are to be careful not to look down upon others. Paul warns against blaming or complaining against another who we perceive to be weak. Paul encourages us to allow grace and the council of the Lord to instruct all of us in our walk of faith. In verse 4 Paul wrote, “Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”[4] Who are we to judge another believer who is humbly striving to seek the Lord. It is by his own master that he is made to stand or fall. What Paul is telling us is that we are all to be servants of our Messiah. Our individual eyes must be focused on Him. We are to seek Him out as we endure the perseverance of our faith. As we focus on Jesus, He will instruct, teach and convict us in our walk. He will cause us to stand or fall. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit will draw us to Jesus. We are to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Paul is reminding us that too often we fix our eyes on what we complain about in others. We fix our eyes in what we perceive to be weakness or failings in a situation. And as we choose to do this we become distracted, agitated and lost. Focusing on complaints only leads us into the weeds. And the glory that is due our Savior is misdirected to deceptively direct attention to the distractions.
We must remember as Paul tells us in verses 10-12, “But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God.’ So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”[5] We are each one accountable for our own walk. We are each one accountable for the words we speak and the attitude we exhibit. We will each one stand before Almighty God giving an account of the good things He has done through our humility. Pray therefore that we choose to hold this attitude as we walk out our faith. Pray to the Lord for perseverance as He helps us endure the trials that this life sometimes throws at us. Pray that we choose to build one another up with words of edification rather than complaints. It is this attitude of reverence for our King that will unify His people under His covering of authority.
Corby Shuey 