“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

— Matthew 5:37

A little boy was once asked in Sunday school to define the noun “lie.” In response, the boy said, “A lie is an abomination to the Lord and a very present help in time of trouble.” We may laugh at this child’s perspective, and yet doesn’t it hit a little close to home? Have you found yourself justifying a lie here and there? Many of us do. But we need to avoid compromising the truth.

We need to cultivate truthfulness in our lives for several reasons. First, as Charles Hodges says, truthfulness is the very substratum of deity. By that definition, a being who would lie couldn’t be God but merely a false god or lying idols of the heathen. Truthfulness is the very essence of God’s character. If God lied, we could have no confidence in Him whatsoever.

Second, truthfulness is essential to God’s purpose for humankind. We can never reach God’s full potential for us if we lie. The Scripture tells us that our goal is to become like God and Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must become like Him who cannot lie under any circumstances.

Third, lying destroys the fabric of society. Social harmony depends on a certain amount of trust based on truthfulness. How can there be any trust among us when we justify telling lies?

Can you truthfully say that honesty and integrity are qualities in your life? We need to remember that we will stand before God and be held accountable for every idle word. Therefore, in the words of the psalmist, “Keep your tongue from evil.” Let’s pray that our truthfulness as Christians will shine like a beacon in a world steeped in darkness and lies.

“White lies are but the ushers to black ones.”
Eleanor Doan

“In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”

— Ephesians 1:11

Has someone ever included you in his or her will? If so, you might have a small inkling of what it means to be included in the will and testament of God. When God’s will and testament are read, we shall receive glorious things beyond even our wildest imagination. No one in the world could possibly have the slightest conception of the full wonders that God has provided for those who love Him. As Christ’s heirs we receive deliverance from death and the promise of eternal life. He vows to meet all our needs from His abundance, and He works all things together for our good. And one day He will take us to live with Him in Paradise.

Don’t you wonder what Paradise will be like? We’ve seen countless wonders God has created on this earth—how much more splendid will Heaven be? What will it be like when there is no more pain, sorrow, or separation? In this life, many people endure great pain. Many suffer sorrow and heartache over loved ones. Others feel depressed. Yet others are separated from those whom they love. But in Heaven we’ll have no more separation, sickness, heartache, loss, pain, or death. The things of this earth will have passed away. Our release from these things is part of the inheritance God has prepared for His children.

How can you and I receive this inheritance? Paul tells us: “In him we were also chosen… that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:11–13, niv). Put your faith in Jesus, and He will reserve this inheritance for you.

“The key to heaven is shaped like a cross and those that would
enter therein do so by trusting in the cross of Christ.”

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

— Colossians 1:27

Do you ever get involved in a good mystery story, intrigued by the twists and turns, trying to figure it out until, in the final scene, you discover whodunit?

God’s Word contains many mysteries, and God’s mysteries are greater than any other mysteries in the world. No one, not even the cleverest detective, can solve them. We can only discover the truth when God, the great revealer, chooses to make it known.

God has revealed one great mystery to us, a mystery which had previously lain hidden for centuries: Christ in us, our hope of glory. This is the great secret of Christianity. Christ doesn’t just go before us as a leader; beside us as an encourager; behind us as a teacher, pointing the way we should go; or above us as a counselor to whom we turn in times of need. He is all of that, but—far, far more—He is Christ within us as the regenerator, the transformer, the sanctifier, and the strengthener who provides all we ever need. When the ever-living Christ with His supernatural, wonder-working power comes into the heart of the most hardened sinner, He transforms that sinner into a new person. We must all have Christ in us. Only those who allow Christ to reign in their hearts will enter Paradise.

Some have called inviting Christ into our hearts “being born again.” With that truth, we have these options: “Born once, die twice; born twice, die once.” If you have been born twice— once physically and then spiritually—you will die only once. You will be spared the second death, and instead you will pass from this life directly into the presence of God’s glory. And eternity with Christ is another great mystery—one that only Christians will know.

“Every character has an inward spring; let Christ be
that spring. Every action has a keynote; let Christ be
that note to which your whole life is attuned.”
Henry Drummond

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength …”

— Jeremiah 17:5

Humanism—faith in humankind—seems to creep further and further into our society. How does this perspective affect our culture?

To understand the impact humanism has on our society, we must first understand humanistic theory. Let’s look at the four principles upon which it is based. First, humanism touts the doctrine of atheism. Whereas our catechism says that humankind’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, the humanist says that humankind’s chief end is to glorify humankind. The originator of humanism, the ancient Greek philosopher Protagoras, put it this way, “Man is the measure of all things.” Humanism also asserts the doctrine of evolution. Humanists believe the universe is self-existing and not created. Humans simply evolved from lesser forms and are therefore nothing more than animals. The third doctrine of humanism is amorality. Humanists don’t believe in absolutes but instead view truth as relative. Finally, humanists believe that we must have a collectivist society, sacrificing individual well-being for the common good, and that we must establish this society immediately. Some have said that humanism is nothing other than communism in philosophical garb.

Since humanism seems to have a system of doctrinal beliefs, is it a religion? The Humanist Manifesto of 1933 calls it such nine times. Not only is humanism a religion, it’s an insidious one. It uses our public schools as church buildings; some school teachers serve as its ministers; its high priesthood is the National Education Association; its property is valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Every year our nation spends tens of billions of dollars in the propagation of humanism’s doctrines and tenets. Humanism is particularly dangerous because, unlike any other religion in America, it is endorsed in the public schools and established in every department of the government of the United States.

We know Who wins in the end, but tragically, many souls will be lost as humanism’s influence increases. Today pray that Jesus will save those who promote the false religion of humanism and for all who believe in it.

“If God is dead, then all things are permissible.”
Fyodor Dostoevsky

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness …”

— Matthew 6:33

Would you call yourself a successful person? What measure do you use to determine your answer to that question?

Many people define success as being happy. But if that’s our definition, few who seek success find it. Happiness is a byproduct of seeking something outside ourselves, something we cannot control. So if we bank our success on it, we’ll often experience frustration. But ultimately, it’s a lie that happiness is the evidence and result of a successful life.

If we’re ever to experience success, we first need to understand the true definition of it. Jesus Christ described success for us in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Those who seek God’s kingdom and His will for their lives are usually those who experience God’s richest blessings. These people find that which others spend their whole lives pursuing: gifts God gives to those who seek Him.

Consider the words of David Livingstone who, after great suffering and personal loss, wrote, “My Jesus, my Christ, my God, my King, my all, I again consecrate my life entirely unto Thee. I will place no value upon any thing or any relationship except as it relates to Thy Kingdom and Thy cause.” A great hero of the faith, Livingstone opened up Africa to the Gospel, sharing God’s good news with millions who had never heard it before. Livingstone’s words and actions exemplified true success: seeking first the kingdom of God.

If the whole world applauds but Christ says, “Nay,” then one’s life is a tragic failure. Today set your heart first and foremost toward God’s kingdom, forsaking anything that might stand in your way. Do this, and you shall no doubt succeed, at least by the standards that really count in life.

“The Bible never tells us to seek the Kingdom
of God; it tells us to seek it first.”
Charles Spurgeon

“By pride comes only contention, but with the well-advised is wisdom.”

— Proverbs 13:10

When you think of humble people, what images come to your mind? What characteristics and attitudes contribute to humility?

We often hold misconceptions about humility. Some people believe they can gain humility only when they deny the talents they possess. But that’s not humility; it’s foolishness. When we deny our abilities, we deny the goodness and grace of God, the giver of every good and perfect gift.

Rather, humility comes from a proper perspective about our God-given gifts and talents. We can admit that we have talents, abilities, and intelligence and still remain humble as long as we acknowledge we’ve received them all from God. Therefore, we don’t take the glory but instead give thanks to God who is the source of our talents and abilities. We also thank Him for our accomplishments. We shouldn’t say, “I can’t brag about the talents I’ve received, but just look at what I’ve done with them.” Again, we acknowledge that God works through us and that without Him we can do nothing.

Foster humility in your life today. Thank God for giving you abilities and for accomplishing His work in and through you. May you give glory to God as you use your gifts and talents for Him today.

“By the grace of God I am what I am:
Not I, but the grace of God in me.”
John Knox

“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.”

— Matthew 23:11

Do you want to be great? The pursuit of greatness has been an almost universal quest on the part of humankind. For five thousand years, people have toiled up the path toward greatness as they see it—to the way that leads to fame and fortune, to power and privilege and ease.

But Jesus stands beside that path with outstretched arms saying, “You seek greatness, but you’re not even on the right path. The pinnacles of greatness which you see are illusory. The path to greatness lies not in being served, but in serving.” Does that truth surprise you? It’s exactly the opposite of what we think, the opposite of what the world tells us.

The world’s view of greatness bombards us constantly. Every time we open the newspaper or read a magazine or turn on the television, the world sets before us its view of greatness—its perversion of God’s view of greatness, the Devil’s view of greatness—with so-called great people gaining more possessions and notoriety and expecting others to take care of their every need. Millions of people within the Church have allowed this incorrect view to unconsciously seep into their minds and hearts with all its deadly tendencies.

We need another view—Jesus Christ’s view. Just as Jesus said that we descend to rise and that we die to live, He said that the one who seeks greatness must first seek servanthood. He said that even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. He demonstrated His view of greatness on the night before He went to the cross. At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, stunning them by His humble act of servanthood.

So I ask you again, do you want to be great? If so, then imitate Jesus, who came to minister rather than to be ministered to. Start today by finding, or even making, an opportunity to serve someone else.

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we
have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”
Albert Pine

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”

— Hebrews 2:1

Have you ever rowed a raft on a river? If you have, then you probably know that when you row upstream, away from the falls, you have to keep going. If you stop rowing, you’ll inevitably drift backward, silently, imperceptibly toward the falls, toward danger. But as this happens, you may not realize that you’re drifting away.

The Christian life is like paddling against a rapidly flowing river. It takes a definite decision of our wills to live for Christ, but it takes no such definite decision to drift away. All you have to do is neglect your faith, even for a brief time, and before you know it, you’re headed straight for spiritual destruction.

You’ve probably heard the classic story about the wife who complained that her husband never sat next to her in the car anymore. He, the driver, turned to her and said, “But, dear, I never moved.” We’re the same way with God. Though sometimes we may feel far from Him, He never forsakes us. Instead, we allow ourselves to drift away from Him.

Such drifting in the Christian life seldom happens instantly. When we neglect our relationship with Jesus Christ, even for a short while, the drifting begins. Continued neglect leads to disaster. Someone has put this truth into an easy-to-understand word picture. To maintain a flow toward Christ, we must apply ourselves to the “oars”—the oars of Scripture reading and prayer which together provide for our devotional life. As we “row” toward Christ, we grow closer to Him and further from the crashing falls. But if we just let the oars sit in the water, we go wherever the river runs, in a direction toward crashing defeat.

If you’ve been drifting away from the Lord, then I urge you to draw near to Him today. Make a conscious decision to apply yourself to the oars of faith, interacting with God daily through His Word and through prayer.

“… Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love,
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above.”
Robert Robinson

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”

— Psalm 103:2

“Thank you.” Two simple words that let us know we’re appreciated for what we do and who we are.

When was the last time those words crossed your lips as you prayed to God?

I believe the Scriptures place a great deal more emphasis upon gratitude than we realize. In fact, the Scriptures consider thankfulness and its antithesis, thanklessness, as extremely important issues. Throughout the Bible, we’re called again and again to praise and thank God.

Most people have Christianity absolutely backward. They suppose that the motive of the Christian life is to perform good deeds in the hope of gaining eternal life. And if that were the case, we wouldn’t need to express thanks to God; we would have earned our own passage to Heaven with no one to thank but ourselves. But we can’t achieve eternal life on our own; we can gain salvation only through God’s grace by faith in Jesus Christ. And this truth engenders a heart of thankfulness and praise. God’s amazing grace inspires us to express our deepest gratitude to our Lord and Savior.

When we freely offer God our thanks and praise, our lives change. As we count our many blessings, one by one, we may become overwhelmed by what God has done in our lives. We may also learn to trust Him for future needs as we review God’s perfect track record of taking care of us.

I encourage you to keep a spiritual journal, where you record your prayer requests and the Lord’s answers. The ancient Israelites often ran into problems because they didn’t remember all God had done for them in their past, such as parting the Red Sea to save them from Pharaoh and the Egyptians. But if you keep a prayer journal, you won’t suffer from the same “amnesia.” As you regularly write down God’s answers to your prayers, you’ll remember His wonderful care for you, and you’ll automatically be filled with gratefulness and adoration toward God.

“A thankful heart is … the parent of all other virtues.”
Cicero

“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

— Joshua 24:15

People of little resolve never accomplish anything. General Julius became Julius Caesar because he made a tough decision: He dared to cross the Rubicon, a river all Roman generals were forbidden to cross even with the smallest band of soldiers. He said, “If I cross not this river this instant then my life shall be overcome with calamities.” And laying the reins upon the neck of his horse, he plunged into the river with this cry: “The die is cast.” He crossed to the other side, ready for battle and ready for destiny.

Our “Rubicon” is the choice to serve God’s kingdom. We all serve something. Even if we decide to ignore God’s service and live for pleasure, Jesus tells us, “Whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin.” We need to actively choose who we’ll serve, not wavering somewhere in neutral ground. Charles Spurgeon talks about a group of people he calls “betweenites.” Spurgeon says when the forces of Christ and the forces of Satan gather on opposing hills for that final battle, the “betweenites” will be milling around in the valley below and will be trampled by both sides.

The choice to serve God is urgent; we shouldn’t put it off. You have to decide for yourself—will you serve God, or won’t you? No one can make that choice for you. We all shall die alone and stand alone before God’s presence to account for our choices. In that day we shall be without excuse.

Cross the Rubicon today—choose to serve the Lord with all your heart. Say with Joshua, that tremendous leader of the Israelites, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

“Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things;
give heart and soul and mind and strength,
to serve the King of kings.”
William Merrill