"How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water."

Notice that portion in vv. 9 & 10. The duplicity — and power (vv. 5-8) — of our words is astonishing. We used to chant the lie, that "sticks and stones … but words will never hurt me." That’s totally false. Words are far more destructive than any object thrown. At least with sticks and stones the damage is seen, and visible reminder. Yet, words can wound far deeper, and the scars remind though hidden.

The point is illustrated deeply in my own mind as I contemplate my son’s increasing vocabulary (all dozen or so words), and think of how he said "Bible" for the first time today. Wow.

Someday he will realize the infinite worth of the Book he is talking about — I hope and pray his eyes go open as God shines His light. Yet, today, I am really his best connection to what the Bible is all about. Do I bless God, and speak of and from the Bible, and then turn around and reveal a disdain for people, for whom Christ died? He sees it when I do. And although he cannot speak in sentences, he certainly can think complete thoughts. He is arriving at conclusions about our Creator on the basis of our few hours together each day. I speak and pray in front of my son: that God is our Father. Who is Dutch’s father? Does he see a correlation, and will he desire to know this Father whom I love and know and weep at His sheer grace. Is that coming across to my son?

Kari assures me I’m doing well. Yet as a father — twice now — these thoughts weigh on me, as they should. And I hope and pray to be like my own Dad who always has joyful and pleasant words, who is a gentle man who radiates care as a father should.

Resolve to make our words personal

Can we resolve to use our words for the building up of one another?

• Have you recently harmed someone with words, even in a small way? Will you resolve to take practical, even humiliating steps, to seek forgiveness and reconciliation?
• Or, perhaps it is the other way around: How can you forgive them in love?
• Start with those you are connected to. If getting out of that rut seems insurmountable, with and the bickering, complaining and sarcasm, then start "small."
• Begin with those who may seem to be of little importance, on the fringe of your daily life — like those who pump your gas, serve your feed, and drive your kid’s school bus. We can tell a lot about a person by how he or she treats people who supposedly are not adding value to our lives. Are we adding value to theirs?
• Have you realized they may be having a worse day than you are? (Have I realized that?)

Take an interest in them, and in doing so, lose yourself in the beauty of what it means for all persons to be image-bearers of our Creator. Each one of us is marred and worse off than we realize, yet more loved than we dared imagine.

Let’s speak to one another (as made in the image/likeness of God) like we are speaking to Christ, who is The Image of God. That is how it is supposed to be.

"Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It’s not just your sin that separates you from God; your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don’t seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can be found only in Jesus Christ." (p. 22)

“Grace is for the willing and we only become willing when we confess not only the gravity of our sin, but our inability to deliver ourselves from it. Then our willingness opens to us all the sustenance of heart that can only be found in the Son.” (p. 24)
- Paul David Tripp, Whiter Than Snow (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2008), 22, 24.

9 “Therefore I still contend with you,
declares the Lord,
and with your children’s children I will contend.
10 For cross to the coasts of Cyprus and see,
or send to Kedar and examine with care;
see if there has been such a thing.
11 Has a nation changed its gods,
even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
for that which does not profit.
12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the Lord,
13 for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water ."
(Jeremiah 2:9-13)

Did you catch that? Verses 11 and 13 reveal the true sin of God’s people here. It was not primarily that they had done great wicked deeds (they had), but rather the root of the matter was that those bad things were born out of wandering hearts. Their minds and hearts were in love with someone or something other than God. They have forsaken God, and gone after other lesser, non-gods, which cannot satisfy, nor are meant to be worshiped. God uses the metaphor of water, in wells, cisterns and a fountain. Perhaps that is because water is the basic building block of life, the most essential thing our bodies need (and indeed are made of). Without water we die. Water is the best thing for us. So it follows that God is the best Person for us, and chief object of all things and the one from whom we gain our identity, worth and satisfaction.

In the desert, as they were, without the hope of water there is no hope at all. Here is God, the oasis in the desert who satisfies every need, and they want to turn aside and dig their own worthless wells. The metaphors depicts how the people of God in Jeremiah’s day began (continued) to hope in objects and false gods that couple not deliver. Their hopes and faith lay in "broken cisterns that can hold no water" (v. 13). In fact these broken holding tanks were created with their own hands. Oh what poor substitutes. What a shame. These cisterns make empty promises and cannot deliver. And so it is so often in our lives — we become enamored with things that so small and worthless, but somehow eclipse God in our lives. I can relate. Can you relate?

Do you ever take good things and make them into ultimate things? He is not primarily talking about overtly wicked behaviors here. Those follow the true state of the heart, which often prefers a thousand things that are not the true and living Creator God. Thus, they are not aimed on satisfying, nor can they. Only He can satisfy! Do we worship things and positions and opinions like they are God? What do we think about all the time? What are we consumed with? God and Christ and His perfections? We must battle every day to find our joy in God. Not just in the things He gives us, but IN HIM! The affections of our hearts play themselves out in our behavior, and we become like the gods we worship. Not talking about wood and metal statues here. Our gods are in our minds, those things and people we truly value more than life itself. Have we made good things into ultimate things, eclipsing God?

These people had preferred other things to God, exchanging Him and His worth for worthless idols (see v. 11). You see how this is a bit different definition of sin than most. In our day the idea of sin is not en vogue; many say it is does not exhaust and is just a religious and social construct. Yes, sin is a matter of right and wrong (the what and how of life’s daily affairs). But it is also, more deeply, a matter of the heart and mind (the why ). We sin because we want to. And we want to because deep in ourselves we prefer others things to God. Sin is what we do when we are not satisfied with God. Therefore we leave Him all the time. Speaking of sin like this is downplayed since after all doesn’t God want us to be happy. He does! Happy and satisfied in Him! Overjoyed with the replenishing waters of His infinite beauty and worth. Christ came to reveal this glory, God’s worth, and has made it possible for us to drink of this Living Water and not search again (see John 4).

Their two primary sins in this passage where first that they do not seek God as the chief of their whole lives and love, and two that they turned aside and in fact dug their own wells. In the place God was to be they placed their own works and found their identity in cheap substitutes. May we stop and repent of our low views of God, our cheap substitutes for Him, and ask Him to work in us a delight and joy in Him.

Overpower us with Your love, O God! Make us prefer you to anything else in all the world.

It seems that many Christians have a "slop bucket" when it comes to sin. We simply dump our little sins throughout the days and weeks with hardly any care at all, and then go to Jesus seeking forgiveness when things get really bad (or the slop bucket is full). We repent of our slop buckets being too full, and not really of the idolatry of our souls in finding satisfaction outside of Him. (Perhaps we need to repent of our shallow and incomplete repentance?)

The quote on Of First Importance today relates completely to our need to treat Jesus as more than a slop bucket:

“I ought to go to Christ for the forgiveness of each sin. In washing my body, I go over every spot, and wash it out. Should I be less careful in washing my soul?

I ought to see the stripe that was made on the back of Jesus by each of my sins. I ought to see the infinite pang thrill through the soul of Jesus equal to an eternity of my hell for my sins, and for all of them.

I ought to see that in Christ’s bloodshedding there is an infinite over-payment for all my sins. Although Christ did not suffer more than infinite justice demanded, yet He could not suffer at all without laying down an infinite ransom.”

—Robert Murray M’Cheyne, quoted by Andrew Bonar, Memoirs of Robert Murray M’Cheyne (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1960), 175-176.

Also see Jonathan Dodson’s reflections on "Evangelical Confession Booths "

"A person must confront his own sinfulness in all its ravaging depths before he can enjoy the comforts of salvation."
-Martin Luther

In John’s writings we saw the glory and beauty and love of Jesus on display for all the world to see, know and love. And yet we read of people questioning and rejecting Him. Sadly, the same plays out today. If the world only knew the beauty and love of Jesus, He would be their Savior. In this way God demonstrated His love for the world, the He freely gave His Son, that those who believe (trust) in Him should not perish but receive eternal life (John 3:16). God’s judgment is in The Light of the World (John 1:4-5) coming into His world, yet people loved darkness rather than the light (John 3:19a). In this metaphor Jesus speaks of light and darkness, a duality of sorts that shows those who are drawn to Christ and those who reject Him. The consistency of their character (inner person, affections) comes forth in the outworking of their life (works, behavior). People reject Jesus not solely on intellectual grounds (not enough reasons) but because truly their deeds are evil or done in darkness (John 3:19b). This was a sobering reality to consider and a display of God’s grace.

In 1st John the Apostle writes “God is light” (1 John 1:5a). It speaks of His holiness, and His brilliance, the beauty of His glory, and the demands of His justice. Truly, “in Him is no darkness at all” (v. 5b). Flowing from that verse comes the freeing statement, “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another” (v. 7a). On what basis? Because we have lived perfect and morally upright lives? No. The answer is given in the last half of verse 7: “and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all unrighteousness.” What a glorious truth!

Somehow there are people who consider themselves good, as in not needing forgiveness from God (or others) and thus not needing a Savior, Jesus. The Apostle spoke to that same group more than 1900 years ago: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (v. 8). Self-delusion is the worst, for all other see reality but self does not. Coming to grips with our weaknesses, our sin, our depravity and bent towards destructive selfishness is the first step towards a cure. The same concept is restated in verse 10: “If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” Sandwiched between those two is one of the greatest sentences in all the world:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

When we confess we agree with the ultimate reality of the situation, and pour out our heart to God for we have wronged Him and others. The words are not the primary part, for form ever follows function. Am are sorry for offended God, or sorry because there are consequences? God is not into mere moral reformation, but a genuine transformation of our affections. That we as we know, love and enjoy Him we are grieved when obstacles come into the way and we take the bait of temptation, damaging our intimate closeness which must be restored.

It seems that John is borrowing from the Old Testament imagery of the sacrificial system and coming to the only true and living God at His tabernacle or temple. At the altar the sacrifice is made, the innocent in place of the guilty, and atonement is extended, yet the priest would move past that to the bronze laver, to cleansing, a washing away of all unrighteousness. Having been cleansed, they could now enter the Holy Place and then the Holy of Holies, worship God in (temporary) innocence. All of this Jesus did in the most perfect way, once for all securing eternal redemption(Hebrews 9:12). Praise God that even those sins we do not yet realize are atoned for in Christ, and He cleanses us far beyond our understanding.

What a motivation to remain in fellowship with Him (that is what atonement is, it is at-one-ment – the term being coined by John Wycliffe, I believe, to be a representative English translation word for what is taking place as described in the Greek NT). As one with the Triune God we can walk in His light, enjoy His radiance, glory and beauty and share it with others.

God is faithful and loyal to His covenant, and unconditional love comes to us in Jesus Christ, for He is our unwavering Advocate (1 John 2:1-2). Because God punished His innocent Son as we deserve, treating Jesus like He was us, He can now treat us like we are Jesus (see 2 Cor. 5:21). He is not only faithful, He is also just and we know that He shall never do wrong, for in Him is perfect justice. God was the just One and the justifier of guilty people declared innocent (see Romans 3:21-26).

Here’s a short commercial revealing the reality of light and how it is possible to be at home in darkness and seek to repel light. Let us not hide from God’s marvelous light. I found it a great illustration:

 

“… the choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought yet to make it their business all their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin… Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work; be always at it whilst you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you. Your being dead with Christ virtually, your being quickened with him, will not excuse you from this work.”
– John Owen, Mortification of Sin

Owen was…

Here’s one of my favorite quotes from Owen:

Do you mortify;
do you make it your daily work;
be always at it while you live;
cease not a day from this work;
be killing sin or it will be killing you.

• Visit JohnOwen.org
• Download Overcoming Sin and Temptation (PDF)
• Read the essay “John Owen on the Mortification of Sin” by Justin Taylor, presented to the Gospel Coalition 2007
• Read the essay “The Person & Satisfaction of Christ” by John Owen, presented to the Gospel Coalition 2007
• A.N.T.H.E.M. – strategies for fighting lust – an article and tract by John Piper
• Battling the Unbelief of Lust – a sermon by John Piper
• x3watch – accountability software
• Covenant Eyes – accountability software and/or filter

Seeking Honest Answers: Are You a Christian?

…. Here is a very short list of questions to ask those who claim to be saved but who show little evidence of such commitment. It’s not exhaustive but is intended to help start conversation.

Do you love God? In your heart, do you desire to follow Him, worship Him, and obey Him? Does your professed love for God stretch into action? Does it have any practical effect on your life? Would others characterize you as one who loves God? Do you adore God? Do you want to adore Him?

Do you love the Bible? Do you want to follow the One whom it reveals, Jesus Christ, and follow His commandments? Do you enjoy reading the Bible and take nourishment from it? Do you struggle to read it and possess little desire to obey it? Do you care about the Bible? Do you seek to understand how it should be interpreted, or do you care more about how it fits or does not fit with your natural prejudices and opinions? Do you believe that the Bible is true? Is it all true, or are only parts of it true?

Do you love Christians? Or are they like any other people group out there? Does your love take on a practical form? Do you love other Christians more than you love people from your background–your hometown, home state, college or university, athletic team, peer group? Do you desire to serve other Christians? Do you care when you hear about suffering Christians in other countries?

Do you love living out and sharing the gospel? Do you monetarily support other Christians in need? Do you share the gospel with lost people? Do you care if someone is lost? Is that a concern that comes quickly into your mind when talking with another person? Do you pray much for the salvation of lost sinners? Do you want people to be saved? Do you attempt to live out a Christian life in front of other people? Do you inconvenience yourself to present the gospel to others? Do you suffer in any form for the sake of the gospel? Or is your life free of the sting associated with vibrant Christianity lived out in a pagan world? Do you seek to win family members to Christ? Or do you assume they’re fine? Do you ask them penetrating questions or do you simply assume that they are saved? When dealing with others, are spiritual concerns first in your mind?

Do you enjoy church and draw nourishment from it? Is church endlessly boring to you? Do you like preaching? Do you see the need to be confronted about your sin? Do you avoid church in order to avoid being “judged” or “condemned”? Do you love interaction with other believers? Do you want to support the local church? Do you want to support missionaries? Does the spiritual good of other people concern you? Is it more important for you to do your favorite things on Sunday or to worship God with other believers? Do you continually struggle with finding the motivation to go to church? Do you want to go to church?

Does the matter of eternity concern you? Do you want to go to heaven? Do you not want to go to hell? Do you believe in heaven and hell? If so, does your belief take any actional form? Do you desire to go to heaven to worship God for eternity? Do you want to go to heaven because that’s where your favorite people and things are? Do you think about hell? Do you live as if eternity exists?

Does the Bible shape your ethics and morals? Or do you just go with what you feel at a gut level? Or what your parents told you? When there is conflict between your natural worldview and what the Bible says, which side wins? Do you ever change your mind as a result of reading the Bible? When making political, ethical, and moral decisions, do you consider scriptural teachings, or do you base your decisions on your moral sense? Do you want the Bible to shape your ethics? Or do you not really care? Does the Bible affect what you watch, read, and listen to? Or do you just assume everything’s fine? Do you ever avoid or turn off content that is biblically offensive? Do you care if content is moral or immoral in an explicitly biblical sense?

That’s a basic starting point. If used well, these questions could provide a starting point from which to engage people you love on the question of their Christianity. They claim it, but you see little fruit. Seek an opportunity to ask them these questions–or questions of your own–that get to the heart of the matter. Email these questions to someone, call a friend, pull aside a family member when you’re in town together. Listen well, be empathetic and understanding, and share the gospel.

Turn someone back from the edge.

(Owen posted a follow-up as well.)

September 11th, 2001 will remain an historic day in the annuls of our young nation. While the event impacted our entire country, and thousands died, the widespread turning to God we saw in the immediate wake of 9/11 faded away. It seems people wanted answers and solace and freedom from the pain and grief (all good things), but didn’t necessarily want God.

John Piper offers some perspective on Three 9/11’s We Need to Know: How to Mark and Honor This Day. I encourage all to read it.

It is time for men to endeavor to be holy. Specifically, married Christian men (okay, all others too). Only Christian men can effectively say “No” to lust, although statistics say we are not. We have the resources of God and His Spirit, but often choose to follow our own depraved corruptions. Let us rise above the cesspool of average un-holiness and be men who seek after our Maker and live lives honoring to Him, in all joy. As John Owen wrote, “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.” Leave no open door for sin and temptation in your life.
For internet accountability I have x3watch installed on both my home and work computers. Every two weeks Kari gets a detailed list of any site I visited that has even remotely-or-quasi-objectionable material on it. (In fact, in our case, she ends up getting a long list of ESPN.com links, go figure.) But, if on either my home or work computer I were to go to any questionable site, my wife would know. That is a good thing.

Some may tritely say, “If you need a filter to keep you accountable, then you are just not holy enough.” To that I say that out of the 168 hours in a given week I may be strong enough and walking in grace enought for 167.5 of those hours to not need anything to hold me accountable. But what about when I’m tired and weak and perhaps even am coming down from the mountaintop of some great spiritual or personal victory? “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” [1 Corinthians 10:12]. For those times of potential weakness there is the increased measure of safeguard. It’s not worth it to walk close to the edge of the cliff. And for that weak moment, how about we let a little fear keep us out of harm’s way?

The next verse reminds us that none of us is alone in experiencing temptation, and God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can say no to. With each opportunity for temptation God “will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” [10:13].

Accounability and comraderie in growing in holiness is key:

“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” [2 Timothy 2:22]

Notice the two activities of fleeing and pursuing.  Saying “No” to sin and temptation and purposefully following with a devoted heart and mind the path of righteousness, faith, love and peace.  Not doing this alone, and saying “Yes” to the greater pleasures found in God.

For some help with the mindset of consistently seeking to live a whole and holy life, I encourage these resources:

• A.N.T.H.E.M. – strategies for fighting lust – an article and tract by John Piper
• Get to know John Owen and how to mortify sin
• Overcoming Sin and Temptation by John Owen – edited by Justin Taylor and Kelly Kapic
• x3watch – accountability software
• Covenant Eyes – accountability software and/or filter
• Battling the Unbelief of Lust – a sermon by John Piper