SECRET #34 OF FOLLOWING JESUS

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If I were to write the song "What The World Needs Now?", I would offer a substitute for the normal answer of love. What the world needs more than anything else right now is good, sound judgment-common sense judgment. We have become intoxicated with the spirit of political correctness. This toxic spirit is so fearful of offending someone, so there is very little that is wrong, bad or foolish. In fact, we don't even want our youth to feel the pain of losing athletic contests, so many don't even want to keep score, where one team is the winner and the other a loser.

As followers of Jesus we have no right to judge someone with condemnation. This is what Jesus means when He introduces the idea of judging. We are to judge-to judge by making conclusions about what is good or bad, right or wrong and wise or foolish. This is common sense judgment. Common sense judgment or discernment is woefully lacking today. And when you make a conclusion kind of judgment, there are four steps to keep in mind as to how you go about making these kinds of conclusions.

Step #1 is to JUDGE WITH THE PROPER SPIRIT-to remember that in the way you make a judgment call about someone or something, you will be judged in the same way and by the same standard as you judge. So be careful how you judge others. Judge with the proper spirit-with a balance of grace and truth. Judging another with truth only can be harsh and lacks the relational dimension of a proper spirit. Judging another with grace only is weak and lacks the truth necessary to get people back on track.

Today we come to the second principle Jesus teaches on how to judge: Step #2-JUDGE WITH THE PROPER STARTING POINT. Jesus says it this way: "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:3-5)

This brings us to SECRET #34: The follower of Jesus judges himself first. There is a really basic principle underlying this principle of how we judge things and one another. No matter what you set out to do, begin with yourself. If you want your child to be disciplined and responsible, you must be disciplined and responsible. There is no way you can give away to your child anything you don't own yourself, so you must begin with you.

We have really messed up this principle in our sense of outreach or as many call it, evangelism. So much time is spent investing in better and more effective outreach, however outreach must begin with you first. In order to be most effective in your outreach, you must reach yourself first. Everything begins with you personally. This has been violated over and over when it comes to making disciples. Jesus commands those who follow Him to make disciples of Him. The problem is that most of those who are leading discipleship classes haven't learned to be a simple follower of Jesus yet. Therefore, making disciples has been most ineffective.

When you judge with conclusion, common sense, judgment, it's vital that you look at yourself first. Don't go after the speck in your brother's eye, until you have taken the log out of your own eye. It's all a matter of perspective. Once you remove the log out of your eye, then you will be able to see clearly how to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

What's interesting is that when you haven't dealt with your own "stuff", you tend to pick away and condemn others for whatever their "stuff" happens to be. And, when you haven't dealt with your own "stuff", there are two problems that emerge. First-you lack any credibility to help another with his problem. Second-with a log in your eye you can't see well enough to help anyone else. In fact, you'll probably poke your brother's eye out while attempting to be a helper.

The violation of this secret, SECRET #34, is rampant among those who call themselves Christians or followers of Jesus. It's even come to the point that the favorite indoor sport for most churches is to come together weekly and confess the sins of the world! The follower of Jesus judges himself first.

SECRET #33 OF FOLLOWING JESUS

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As we come to the 33rd secret of following Jesus we insert ourselves into the last 3rd of Jesus' extensive teaching in Matthew 5-7. Jesus shifts gears a bit here and emphasizes a few principles on how to relate to one another, especially when you are not necessarily in full agreement. It's here that Jesus makes a statement that has been one of the most frequently quoted sayings of Jesus. Even though this saying is widely quoted, its intended meaning is rarely fully understood.

The popular saying I'm talking about is "Don't judge that you be not judged." Here's the full quote of Jesus: "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2)

This passage seems to say "No judging!" and is commonly quoted in this way. However, there are so many other passages in the Scripture that imply the necessity for making judgment calls in a variety of ways. There has to be sound judgment in our world, otherwise there would be chaos, confusion, attractive cults and cultishness, rampant lying throughout our society and immorality reigning on every hand. But wait a minute! That's exactly what we have now! It's because of the misunderstanding of what this passage really means.

There are two types of judgment: FIRST-There is condemnation kind of judgment-a pronouncement of condemnation and rejection that is reserved for God only. SECOND-There is conclusion kind of judgment-making a judgment call after examining the evidence. This is really a personal responsibility for us.

This passage isn't saying not to judge, but when you judge, make conclusions about things and people. Judging by making conclusions about a person or a matter is really having a rare wisdom quality of life-discernment. We desperately need more discernment to understand what's right and wrong, good and evil, wise and foolish.

The great need for discernment-for making judgment calls and conclusions about a variety of things sets us up for SECRET #33: The follower of Jesus judges by conclusion, never condemnation.

And, as you make conclusion kind of judgments, be sure to conduct your judgment in the proper way. There are 4 steps for doing this that we'll handle one day at a time.

STEP #1-JUDGE WITH THE PROPER SPIRIT: "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you." In essence, Jesus is saying that when you judge another with conclusion kind of judgment, understand that you will be judged by others in precisely the same area. If you are critical of another's parenting style, you will be critically analyzed for your parenting prowess.

So, what is the proper spirit? I think it's the balance between grace and truth. Practically speaking, to have the proper spirit in making conclusions or exercising discernment, you must view life and people through the eyes of Jesus. By the way, who is the only one who is said to be "full of grace and truth"? Only Jesus. So judging with the proper spirit is treating others as Jesus would treat them. SECRET #33 is The follower of Jesus judges by conclusion, never condemnation.

SECRET #32 OF FOLLOWING JESUS

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Earlier Jesus contrasted two ways of storing up your treasures. One is to store up for yourself earthly treasures and the other is to store up for yourself heavenly treasures. Earthly treasures are usually a focus on the visible stuff in our lives. To have your focus on earthly visible stuff will produce in you darkness even to your psychological and physical being. To have your focus on heavenly treasures is to keep your spiritual eyes on the invisible dimensions of life.

I've had the privilege of speaking at many memorial services which ministers to the family and friends who are experiencing the sorrow and the loss. At a time such as this there is very little talk, if any, about the visible, earthly treasures collected over the years. The primary discussion is about the invisible stuff that matters most-a series of reflections on the attitudes and actions of the departed one that have been observed over the years. What's interesting is that in order for these reflections to be observed, they all had to be in the context of relationships. You can see people relating, but the heart of relationships consists of the invisible. These are the heavenly treasures that last forever.

Then Jesus makes it clear that if you choose to build your life around heavenly treasures instead of the earthly ones, you will enjoy a healing light in your heart and throughout your whole body. And, if you live your life in this direction toward God and full of light inside, you don't have any reason to worry about the necessities of life. So, stop your worrying!

One of the insights Jesus gives to encourage you to stop your worrying is rarely talked about, but I think it's one of the most important of all. He mentions in passing that God already knows what your needs are. In other words, God is not surprised when something comes up in your life. He is not surprised! To me, this is one of the most comforting thoughts ever. Since God is not surprised with your situation, there is no reason to worry when things go wrong or don't go in the right direction you were hoping.

What I like about Jesus' instructions is that He doesn't just leave you hanging. He doesn't say stop your worrying without giving you something to do instead. Instead of worrying, Jesus gives you something very significant to do. He says: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33) This is where we get the next secret. SECRET #32: The follower of Jesus seeks first the Kingdom and His righteousness.

Seek His Righteousness of HEAVENLY TREASURES! Since God already knows your needs and is not surprised when something happens (or doesn't happen) to you, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things (eating, drinking and clothing) will be taken care of by God Himself. This is what is meant by "walking with Jesus." I think seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness is the same as seeking after Jesus.

To seek after Jesus-His Kingdom and His righteousness-is to enjoy God's principle of plenty. The principle of plenty says that with God there is always enough. Without Him there is never enough! Trust God and enjoy the plenty from Him. Trust anything or anyone other than God, and you will surely have a perpetual state of dissatisfaction! When you come to the end of yourself, then and only then will you come to the understanding that God is ENOUGH!

Jesus has one more thing to add to this teaching. He says: "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34) This is the source of the very helpful philosophy of life espoused by the various anonymous groups of the importance of living your life ONE DAY AT A TIME. You can count on it. Each day has enough problems on its own without piling up more that might happen in the future, so live your day fully-today. Yesterday is a cancelled check. Tomorrow is a promissory note. Today is the only cash you have, so spend your cash well.

Years ago I summed up this series of teachings this way: Look around you and be distressed. Look within you and be depressed. LOOK TO JESUS AND BE AT REST. SECRET #32 is The follower of Jesus seeks first the Kingdom and His righteousness.

SECRET #31 OF FOLLOWING JESUS

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Jesus continues His teaching with: "For this reason I say to you," NOTE the connection to earthly and heavenly treasures. Now "for this reason" DON'T WORRY! "Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow nor reap nor gather into barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27) So, SECRET #31: The follower of Jesus does not worry about life necessities.

So Jesus says, "Stop worrying about earthly treasures!" Such as your life-(eating and drinking). "Look at the birds" (26) implies that worry is natural. Worry is useless (27). You can't add anything to your height or years to your life.

"And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!" (Matthew 6:28-30)

Observe the lilies (28-29). If God takes care of them, He will most surely take care of you. Worry is not only useless; it is faithless (30). When you worry, you take everything into your own hands, which is not trusting in God.

"Do not worry then, saying, `What will we eat?' or `What will we drink?' or `What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." (Matthew 6:31-32)

In addition to these words of Jesus on worry, there is one more passage that I like to use personally and share with others. Disciplining myself to do what this passage teaches has really served me and others well in giving us a lift.

Here it is. There are three things that require your discipline. FIRST-Do not be anxious about anything. Did you get that? In order to work on your faith, you must discipline yourself to stop worrying about everything! Worry gets you absolutely nowhere. But it is so easy to get caught up in the swirl of worrying, as if you could do something to control the situation.

SECOND-but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Instead of worrying, discipline yourself to pray about everything! Note that you are to ask God while being grateful-with thanksgiving. Then, note you are to present your requests-desires-what you want-to God. Tell God what you want. Discipline yourself to take all of your requests or desires to God. Just by offering up your desires to God indicates a surrender of your control and giving the matter over to Him. Remember, God already knows your desires before you ask them. What He wants to know is whether or not you are willing to present them in surrender before Him.

After the first two disciplines-(1) do not worry about anything, instead (2) let your desires be made known to God, there is a major result: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. You will experience the peace of God and it will be the kind of peace that is beyond belief. It will be incredible! Your part is to discipline yourself not to worry and to take your desires before God. Note that this peace that you are given will guard your heart and mind. Why is this so important? It's because your heart and mind is where your worry resides. Lock up your heart and mind, so that worry is unable to be activated!

SECRET #31: The follower of Jesus does not worry about life necessities. So stop your worry and put your trust in God who knows all that you need now or will ever need. He will come through on your behalf! As my wife likes me to say to her: "Everything is going to be OK!"

SECRET #30 OF FOLLOWING JESUS

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We're making our way through 75 secrets or teachings of Jesus. The interesting thing about the secrets of Jesus is that they are intensely relevant and applicable no matter the society or generation. One of Jesus' primary themes is the struggle over money and wealth when desiring to live the spiritual life most consistently.

Jesus says: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21) SECRET #30: The follower of Jesus has a single-mindedness toward heavenly treasures.

Remember, you were created to be dependent upon God. This is at the core of what that means. Jesus speaks more about money and how to handle it than most any other subject. That's not because He is taking up an offering or running a pledge drive. He has plenty without yours! It's because money and material things-earthly treasures-are the easiest to become dependent upon, the earthly treasures that most easily distract us away from God. So, here Jesus contrasts only two options. You can invest your life storing up heavenly treasures or you can invest your life storing up earthly treasures.

NOTE that earthly treasures are full of insecurity and the heavenly treasures will be secure! Earthly treasures produce emptiness, loss and even can be destructive. In my experience earthly treasures create four empty and destructive toxins-guilt, anger, fear and shame. Earthly treasures over promise and under deliver. The promises are always about peace, love, joy and hope. What's interesting is it's within a relationship with Jesus that peace, love, joy and hope can be consistently embraced and experienced. That's why Jesus is the Good News; Jesus is the essence of your heavenly treasures!

And NOTE that your heart will always reveal what your true treasure really is. In fact, your treasure leads the way for your heart! Jesus says: "The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" (Matthew 6:22-23)

The focus of your eye determines the health of your inner-side. If your eye is clear (has a clear focus upon heavenly treasures), then your entire inners will be full of light, wholeness and health. If your eye is bad (unclear-having a focus on earthly treasures), then your inners will be full of darkness, stressfulness and emptiness. I see this as your spiritual focus that will directly affect your psychological (and later physical) well-being, all due to your focus!

Jesus says: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." (Matthew 6:24) Now, Jesus gives the ultimatum of it all! You cannot serve two masters! We tend to think that we can get away with it, but we can't. We tend to make Jesus the Lord of the general, but make ourselves the Lord of the specifics. I have a masters degree in doing this. I call it "doing things my way for Jesus." Believers tend to talk about standing on the Rock of Ages, but their actions look like they are clinging to a piece of driftwood!

Jesus introduces a most dynamic principle. It's the PRINCIPLE OF PRIMARY FOCUS or SINGLEMINDEDNESS! AN UNEXAMINED LIFE IS NOT WORTH LIVING. Walking with Jesus always moves you toward evaluating every dimension of your life. Try on a couple of simple steps in applying this paragraph.

#1-RELEASE YOUR TIGHT GRIP ON EARTHLY TREASURES! You must remember that you came into this world naked and will go out in the same way. After you die, there will be a large garage sale. You have been entrusted with what you are and what you have to be the manager of it all while you're on planet earth. There will be an accounting review later!

#2-REFOCUS ON YOUR HEAVENLY TREASURES! What are you doing that will last forever? Think about it! THE PRINCIPLE OF PRIMARY FOCUS MEANS A SINGLE-MINDEDNESS TOWARD GOD-your heavenly treasures in Jesus! SECRET #30: The follower of Jesus has a single-mindedness toward heavenly treasures. When you're walking with Jesus, keeping His principles, you're trafficking in heavenly treasures.