Mentoring Minutes

Discipleship is not only knowing Christ as Lord and exalting Him, it is putting ourselves in a position with our Savior, Creator, and Lord for Him to reveal to us who we truly are in Him!  As we make disciples we help others understand who they are in Christ and help them fulfill all He has created and called them to be—in life, in relationships, in community, and in culture.

How then can we make discipleship not only a priority but also a reality in our homes and churches? 

Of course, we turn to God’s Word.  I implore you to take to heart these principles and daily practice these disciplines found in His Word, as they are imperative to becoming His disciple and making disciples of others.

Here are four key principles needed as priorities for your personal development as His disciple.  Note that not one single principle will come naturally to you. That’s why it’s called discipleship; it requires the discipline of His indwelling Holy Spirit giving us the strength by faith to walk in line with His commands and to overcome the selfish desires of our own natural, fleshly lusts:

1. Honorable Submission – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)  Paul tells us just before laying out God’s Covenant Order for relationships in marriage, family, church, and community, that the key to every good relationship begins with our honor for Christ.  In our reverence for Him we are then able to submit to others.  I don’t know about you, but truly submitting to others was impossible for me until I learned to submit to Him.  This is the essence of discipleship.

2. Honest Surrender – “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  (Galatians 6:7-9) 

Look at Paul’s instruction here for Godly living, or discipleship in Christ.  First we must be brutally honest with ourselves: You (understood pronoun) don’t deceive yourself (bold emphasis mine and added). Deception is easy to do in my flesh.  Over time His Spirit calls me away from this self-deception to integrity and honesty that is impossible to do in my selfish flesh. 

We need to know this or we will convince ourselves that by attending church, giving some money, and serving from time to time, or worse, deception that justifies our sinful thoughts and choices.  The former are all good things and we need to do them, but they can be just actions of a fleshly heart seeking favor or attention from others rather than a heart truly surrendered to Christ.  Do not deceive yourself. The only way we can know and grow as His disciples is to honestly evaluate our motives, thoughts, and decisions and make sure they are surrendered to His Spirit and will.  And as we remain patient and persevere in this honest surrender, we will reap His harvest if we don’t give up. That’s discipleship.

3. Holy Sacrifice – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:1-3) 

Pay attention here as I suspect that many of you, like myself and many others I’ve shared this with, initially glossed over something incredibly important in this text.  It is clear that Paul, through the Holy Spirit, is calling us as disciples to sacrifice our life to God.  What I so often missed was that this is not a salvation command, it is a post-salvation one.  Paul is begging us to take what Christ has made “holy and pleasing to God” and surrender it back to God. 

It is not our sacrifice that makes us holy and pleasing; it is His sacrifice that has already done that.  Our job in fulfilling our calling to discipleship is to take what He has made right in God’s eyes and faithfully and sacrificially return it to Him for His Glory.  The only difference between the Old Testament sacrifices and what we are called to in the New Testament under the grace of Christ is that we can choose to get up and walk away from the altar.  Our sacrifice has to be of our own free will, but make no mistake it is what we are called to as His disciples.

He even tells us how we are to do this: Don’t conform (think or do things according) to the world or culture, instead; transform the way you think and act in line with God’s Word. 

He then encourages us with an assurance if we will choose to be a Holy Sacrifice.  We will be living, walking proof of God’s good and perfect will.  We will live it and others will see it.  But be careful because as this happens, if we’re not alert to the enemy, we can begin to think “too highly of ourselves.” 

How do we counter this as we walk as Christ’s disciples?  In humility we obey the command to take the time to honestly think about who we are, and know that God has given each one of us the faith to do just that as His disciples.  This leads to our fourth discipleship principle.

4. Humble Service – “It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end (completely/fully – emphasis mine and added)…Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him…When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”  John 13:1, 3-5; 12-17; Philippians 2:3-8. 

These Scriptures and principles are prevalent throughout this book with regard to relationship, marriage, family, and relational servant-leadership.  I introduce them here because, as stated earlier, every relationship begins with our disciple relationship with Christ as Lord. His teaching and modeling lays the foundation and sets the stage for our discipleship walk in Him.  With that said, I describe here the principle of humble service required of us as disciples and elaborate later in applying it as we live out all other relationships and servant-leadership according to His Word. 

Here are four key elements calling us as His disciples to humble service:

A) Love – Jesus showed them His full and complete love (v. 1).  Since God is Love and Christ is God and here He is described as showing them this complete love, as His disciples we should pay close attention to what happens next.

B) Humility – He knew He was from God, returning to God, and God had placed all things in His hands (authority) (v. 3).  Remember this is the essence of humility, which is knowing with confidence and contentment who you are in Christ so you can place others above yourself.  I asked the Lord several years ago as I was studying and praying through this, “Why would you tell us this about Christ?”  Not audibly but very plainly The Spirit placed these thoughts in my mind in line with The Word.  “I want you to know that Christ knew Who He was because of what He was getting ready to do.” Christ modeled humility.  And what did that look like? What was He getting ready to do? 

C) Service/Servant’s heart – Jesus got up from the table, removed His robe and put a towel around His waist and began to wash all the disciples’ feet (vv. 4-5).  This is what loving humility looks like and we struggle to practice it in our selfish pride if we do not know who we are in Christ. He doesn’t stop there. 

D) Authority – After washing their feet (and His exchange with Peter in vv. 6-11) Jesus does something that should stop us in our tracks when it comes to understanding love, humility, service, and discipleship.  He literally calls attention to what He has done and instead of saying, “There, that’s love and humble service,” He recalls for the 11 remaining disciples that they know Him as Master, Teacher, Rabbi, or Lord, depending on the translation.  What do all of these strongly imply?  That Jesus is the Authority in their eyes and He confirms it: “You are right, that’s what I am.” (vv. 12-13)

In one loving act of humble service and with one question and statement, Jesus powerfully tells His disciples, then and now, that love, humility, a servant’s heart, and authority cannot be separated in My Kingdom!  WOW!  This is powerful and speaks to how we should live as His disciples in our homes, churches, and everywhere we are called and placed in this culture and world for His Kingdom and Glory.

He finishes by describing discipleship.  “Do as I have done for you and you will be blessed” (vv. 14-17).  Live as a humble servant of your Master.

Again these are all repeated in principle in the beautiful condensed Gospel story and our call to imitate Christ found in Philippians 2: Sacrificial love and a humble servant’s heart (6-8); Blessing and authority (vv. 9-11); our discipleship call to be like Him (vv. 3-5).

These are certainly not easy in our flesh.  That’s why we must, as His disciples and by His Spirit, follow through and sacrifice our renewed and holy lives in Christ back to God.  That’s how all of this is fulfilled and we are alive with Christ in us.  As His disciples, it’s how we live and move and have our being.

Ultimately in the discipleship life we are called to sacrifice our SHAPE – Brother Rick Warren wrote Purpose-Driven Life, in which he outlines how we can know how God has called us by our SHAPE.  Spiritual gifts. Heart/passion. Aptitude/ability. Passion/heart. Experience/education.  It was an excellent book as many millions can attest.  I would simply add one thing that I feel confident Brother Warren would agree with:  While our SHAPE reveals how God made us and what He has made us for, according to His Word, the only way we’ll fully know His will is to sacrifice our SHAPE back to Him (see Romans 12:1-2 again).  There is a huge difference in maturity between telling The Lord what we are going to do for Him, and sacrificing back to Him what He has given us with the heart that says, “Here am I, do as you please in and through me.”

Contact L&L to let us know what you’re thinking and how we can help. 

Check out @Loveandlordship for L&L LIVE every Thursday at 4pm on our Facebook page for more.  Also you can find videos and podcasts at www.loveandlorship.com. 

Make it a great day and God bless in Christ!

Love and Lordship…Food for Thought – We were created to live with Christ as Lord.  Sin upset and destroyed that relationship.  Christ’s sacrifice has made it possible for us to return to God but we must do so with Him as Lord and us as His disciples.  Only in this relationship do we discover a fulfilled life.   

Love and Lordship…Action Item(s) – Take a look at the four key principles of discipleship in this article and the four key elements that Christ modeled for us that we are to imitate as His disciples.  Determine where you are doing well and what you need to work on in your heart and actions as you sacrifice your SHAPE and allow Him to have His way in your life and relationships.  Act on it!

“Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.”

—James Wilson (1790)

We must be willing to stand for what is right and best and against what is unjust and harmful and not allow anyone to create a situation or culture that will destroy what we are working toward.  All three of the following issues must be given attention as we move forward.  We must be diligent, vigilant, compassionate and truthful in all things to overcome any actions that will destroy our God-given freedoms.  We must be wise and discerning to listen and work through the real issues and avoid being blindsided by those whose agenda is control and power.  We must be able to empathize with those who are hurting while holding fast to the facts as they truly are…not as our feelings want them to be. 

I always go first to God and His Word for Truth, comfort, peace and solutions.  So, you’ll see Scriptures applicable to each issue.  As we’re willing to apply them in our lives and relationships we will see major change and avoid lies and manipulation.

1. Covid-19 pandemic – Obviously a global issue, impacting our health and economies.  On the surface this appears to be the greatest threat.  As we’ve already seen, there is a return to some normalcy.  That will continue as we create a “herd immunity” from those who have contracted the virus as well as those who will eventually receive the vaccine once it is developed (now likely within 6 months). In the meantime let us make wise choices and encourage our fellow human beings to do the same.  This is solvable and will allow us to return to enjoying our freedoms and freedom of movement, as we are careful and prudent in our health decisions and personal interactions.

The answers and our hope are in the promises of God that I pray will strengthen your faith…God as Healer; the manifestation of Christ’s healing in his suffering and wounds that He took for us, and; His protection from disease.

I, the Lord, am your healer.  Exodus 26:15 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.   I Peter 2:24 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”  For it is He who delivers you from the … deadly pestilence… You will not be afraid of the terror by night… Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness… For you have made the Lord, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.  No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.  Psalm 91:1-3, 5-6, 9-10

2. Social injustice and bigotry – We must listen and stand with our black brothers and sisters doing our best to erase every form of systemic and community injustice and bigotry.  We must also remember that while we can legislate justice and punish injustice, bigotry cannot be removed by force or control.  Removing bigotry and bias is only achieved by an individual’s heart change.  While many philosophies, religions, and ultimately humanism, claim they can bring about this change of heart, history has shown them all to be dismal failures.  The only One that can change hearts is Jesus and as we show others that change in our hearts, willingly surrendering to Him, we hope they will desire and do the same.  Let’s fight injustice and the outcomes of bigotry on every level but let’s do so in a way that we are a witness to His Truth, Love and Grace so others might have the chance to come to know Him and have their hearts changed.  This brings about the lasting systemic change that we desire.  Let’s also be discerning and wise as to whom we listen to and how we respond.

It’s time that mutual love and respect are action items, not bullet points!

The love and justice needed is found in God’s Word and faithfulness as we strive in His strength to truly love all others and especially our black brothers and sisters! 

How wonderful & pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!  Psalm 133:1 Are we not all children of the same Father? Created by the same God?  Malachi 2:10 Your love for one another proves to the world that you are my disciples.   John 13:35 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.    John 17:21

Both of these present threats to our personal and cultural health and we must continue to address them compassionately and carefully.  However there is another issue and it poses by far the greatest threat to who we are as people and as a nation.

In war, truth is the first casualty.                  Athenian playwright Aeschylus

In the never-ending quest for power by any means necessary, truth has indeed become the first casualty. Rather than presenting America with the facts, media, academia, Hollywood, virtue-signaling corporations, and cowardly politicians abide the destruction of their own cities, hundreds of businesses (many minority-owned), and the Rule of Law itself.  The “fundamental transformation of the United States” demands nothing less.                                                                            Arnold Ahlert

This helps no one and actually hinders and harms those who are truly seeking racial justice and equality!  Let us be diligent not to allow this third issue to destroy all we are working for.

3. A moral crisis highlighted by those who pander divisiveness and extreme agendas – While passions are high regarding the injustice (rightfully so), those who manipulate and use the anger, bitterness, rioting, and looting to play on people’s emotions and fears!  They promise immediate gratification through political or government “solutions” if we will just vote them into power. This political agenda and the players involved have shown themselves willing to do whatever is necessary to be in control.

Most of those espousing systemic change without looking to individual heart change will present tired, old agendas and ideologies, doctored up as though they were new in order to appear that their focus is injustice and racism.  Test them deeply as their attempts have proven to be temporary at best and destructive long-term or self-serving at worst in a rabid grasp for power and control. 

“Wannabe radicals are taught the essence of community organizing and the mechanics of anarchists: Change the end goal, make terms relative, and never come to a point of resolution. Instead, just keep the chaos stirred by playing on fears, emotions, and anger. Alinsky describes “how to organize for power: how to get it and how to use it.” The basis for his formula is to DIVIDE the population into Haves, Have-Nots, Have-a-Littles, and Want-Mores, using personal politics to mobilize citizens.”  (Robin Smith) (Bold & caps mine and added).

Think about it…this all plays on who we are as selfish human beings!  How in the world are we going to learn to love and respect one another when this is the defining and predominant narrative being given a voice?  Don’t let these people abduct the narrative and destroy work that really helps bring about health, justice and equality!  Have we learned nothing from the past?

Government and communities can’t change hearts.  Their promises are empty if they are not willing to work for personal and relational healing.  This is where we must focus our attention and efforts to build loving and caring people and communities!

The foundations of our country are not irredeemably racist. Abolition, women’s suffrage, desegregation, the Civil Rights movement—these were not appeals to overthrow our values, these were demands that we fulfill them. And the Constitution that once considered slaves three-fifths of a human being was ultimately the vehicle used to free them and, eventually, to secure their most basic rights.  Senator Marco Rubio  (Full article here)

Again we turn to His Word for the wisdom, discernment and peace needed…

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.                 John 8:31-32 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.                            John 14:6 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.       James 1:5 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.                                                     Hebrews 5:14 The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.    James 3:17

Check out this thought provoking article…Patrick Hampton article.

Contact L&L to let us know what you’re thinking and how we can help. 

Check out @Loveandlordship for L&L LIVE every Thursday at 4pm on our Facebook page for more.  Also you can find videos and podcasts at www.loveandlorship.com. 

Make it a great day and God bless in Christ!

Love and Lordship…Food for Thought – Wisdom and discernment begins with fearing The Lord and placing our fellow man above us.  This is what we’re called to as Christ followers to help control the spread of the pandemic, fight the injustice of racism and expose the deceptions and manipulations of those who would use both for their own favor.   

Love and Lordship…Action Item(s) – Pray for God’s healing to be evident in the pandemic and practice good physical distancing as needed.  Pray for His people to act in love toward all people especially our black brothers and sisters and attend unity rallies and follow through in building relationships in His love.  Pray for us to stand up for justice and against bigotry and speak out to expose extreme agendas that promise solutions but are only for selfish gain.

We know we are in a global health pandemic but even much more disastrous we must admit that we are in a cultural and national pandemic because we are in a spiritual endemic.  We have stood at the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (just as Eve and Adam did) and we’ve eaten from it and called ourselves “god” and defined things as we wanted them to be…and we are seeing the results all around us! 

Respect for the law and every human being comes only with humility, and that humility comes only when we see that law rooted in God and every person created in His image. But too much of our nation’s reality has been controlled arrogance, not humility: arrogance that we don’t need the God of our fathers and founders. Those on the left have convinced too many that our answers lie in politics, their secular humanism and moral relativism. The result is the destruction of life and property that true law, adhered to by true believers, protects. Only return to eternal truths will save us.                                                                                                    Star Parker

We must make changes across the board but none will be successful or fruitful if we do not make them in line with God’s Divine design and order!  It must begin with the individual!  Then we move to relationships that best develop in healthy marriage (as God designed it) and family!  When we have healthy individuals and families we can join with other families to form good communities, including our churches (which, quoting several pastors over the past week, have failed miserably) to deal with Sin and the sins in our lives and culture!  Systems then are a result of Godly, healthy people, relationships and communities!  While we must hold the following accountable, change does not begin in the White House, courthouse or schoolhouse,! It begins in your heart and house and in my heart and house, just as God designed it!

We must stand against evil and for justice in His Truth at all levels!  I’m not coming down on either side politically, my goal and heart is to come down squarely in line with God’s Word!

The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are.  Hebrews 4:12  “The Word of God is the sword that cuts first in me and then in others.”  Oswald Chambers

Think about this…Jesus prayers are always answered exactly as He asked them because He was always one with The Father.  If we are not working toward and part of that unity as He prayed then we are not His disciples and Church.  I’m speaking to all my brothers and sisters in Christ…we must see first and foremost from a Biblical worldview not media, government, science or anything else!

…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.             John 17:21

Beginning with His Word we must PRAY!  This is to His Church… If…My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place. 2 Chron 7:14 God help us!

I spent much of my teen and early adult life as teammates and friends with many black players, spending nights and eating meals in their homes, enjoying our fellowship and friendships, counting many of them my friends to this day. 

I know for a fact in my own personal life that there is hatred and the byproduct of “racism” (actually only one race according to Bible – human race…that’s where the problem begins…my brothers are me and I am them in God’s Creation) as it is part and parcel of our fallen human nature. 

I can tell you straight up that several times I have been in a crowd where black or brown skin color was threatened, looked down upon and demeaned (I was included because I was friends with and part of the group).  Other times I was excluded from the hateful words and actions simply because my color was white.  I hated all of it then and I hate it now!  And while I’ve seen and experienced it on a very small level, I have no idea what it’s like to live on an ongoing basis with that angst or fear nor do my children. There has been tremendous strides made but there are many left to take and it needs to begin in Christ’s Church!

However, we must be diligent and discerning not to espouse rhetoric in the heat of emotion and the moment that does more damage than good…adding to the problem rather than working to solve it! Simply put we must be prayerful and careful how we approach and reiterate the stories, studies, apologies and realities.

The research and numbers do not bear out that there is “systemic racism or injustice.”  The media tells us that nearly everything is rooted in hatred and injustice as they enflame the issues and agendas portraying only their select and worst situations.  I’m not leaning on either one of those as to whatever degree it exists, according to their reports or agendas, unless you have seen it and lived it neither of those truthfully bears witness.  The numbers may say it doesn’t happen.  Tell that to a young black boy/girl walking home through a neighborhood where he/she “does not belong.”  The media says it’s rampant and blows it up, then turns around shows all the wonderful things that happen between good cops and communities of color. 

I can tell you this though, systemic problem or otherwise, it exists in our systems and communities because they are made up of people!  I do know we have a people problem… we have a heart problem!  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. (Matthew 15:19) When we choose to judge someone by the color of his or her skin, which happens all the time, we’ve got a problem.  While it shows up in systems and communities, it does not begin there and will not ultimately be solved there.  It begins in my heart and yours and in our relationships!  That’s why we as Christ followers must lead the way by faith in action lived out in loving relationships.  We have the solution…Jesus!

As Christ followers, we must respond first and foremost in Truth and do so in Love and Grace (Ephesians 4:15)!  Don’t let the media guide you, don’t let the numbers guide you…they may inform you but they may conflict and confuse as well, so they should never lead you… LET THE TRUTH AND LOVE OF CHRIST LEAD YOU!

We must pray for all our leaders starting in our homes, churches, communities and government, as we all try to graciously love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31) and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21) – these are the foundations for any and every good relationship…WHICH MUST INCLUDE INTENTIONAL OUTREACH TO THOSE WHO LOOK DIFFERENT THAN US!  Recall Jesus answer to the synagogue leader who tried to justify himself after Jesus replied to his question about the greatest commandment.  It was the story of the Good Samaritan. Samaritans were the “hated minorities” to the Jews.  Jesus point… your neighbor is the one who acts in love regardless of ethnicity or skin color!

Blaming and looking to the system and demanding change at that level first, and/or only, allows us to avoid the hard, tough work that must be done in our own hearts!  Real change has to occur…in our hearts and relationships.  Only then will we see change in our communities and systems…that’s how God designed it to work and no amount of systemic amendments or pressure (much needed) will change that.

These problems can’t be solved at the systemic or community level alone, although there is need for change that must be addressed.  They must be solved at the personal (heart) and relational level and that responsibility God has given to His Church, His disciples, and seeing the cultural failure we need to own up to it and repent.  That’s where reconciliation and restoration always begin!  It’s desperate! God’s calling His people to wake up and get to it!

I pray that our churches and leaders will repent, teach, disciple and model this change on the personal and relational level and help hold one another accountable in obedience to His standard!  Then we can train up loving servant-leaders to impact our communities and systems for His Kingdom and Glory!

Again, communities and systems are simply products of the people that constitute them.  Any or all systemic injustice, racism, sexual immorality…sin, is always a result of the brokenness and hatred of the individuals that make them up!  As we align with Christ’s Truth on authority, love and servant-leadership in loving relationships, will we see real change…Individual>Relational>Communal>Systemic. 

 I saw this text recently, “The problem is sin not skin, & the answer is grace not race.  Jesus died for all of our sins. Our nation needs him during this time.”  Any problem with another person’s skin color is not their problem.  The problem is in my heart!

We must remain faithful to His Word and be careful not to jump on any bandwagons of emotions, “heat of the moment” reactions, media, and political or other agendas, as they tend to do more damage rather than bring reconciliation and healing.

His Love and Lordship is the answer but it must truly be His and not our cultural or personal revisions…or we find ourselves right back to the Tree of Knowledge!

God’s divine design always starts in the heart of the individual and in relationships. Fail in our hearts, homes and relationships, and no amount of community activism or government can change that. The latter two may control, coerce, or force the issues but can never change hearts! Heart change is what must happen!

This (racist) ‘DNA’ problem is called sin by preachers and cannot be altered by government programs. If it could have, it would have by now.  A changed heart is key, something government lacks the power to achieve.                 Cal Thomas

That’s why we as His Church, His disciples must stand strong in Truth and Love.  2 Corinthians 5:17-21 states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  We are to help reconcile and restore loving relationships among believers as His Word commands us to do. In this way we can show His Love to all people at all times.  We must work with all ethnicities and especially our black and brown brothers and sisters at this time and we must do so knowing that Christ alone has the answer.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:1-2

Christ alone can break down the walls of hostility! All other attempts have been, and will continue to be, temporary at best and self-serving at worst.  He is the only One who changes the human heart. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. (Eph. 2:14)

Love and Lordship came about through God’s teaching and prompting me on these very issues and our failure to address them according to His design and order. 

The following is a brief outline of where we must begin according to His design…

Truth sets you free (John 8:31-32) and Jesus is that Truth (John 14:6).

Love – (Mark 12:29-31) expressed in humility, a servant’s heart and authority as His disciples (John 13:1-5, 12-17), lived out in our lives in a priority of relationships that will develop community and systems and bring the needed change.

Jesus teaches and models authority – Matthew 20:20-28; John 13:1-5, 12-17.

How can you do these things with those in your life, in your community and those that look different than you?  That’s where it begins!

We should not only be working toward unity among our brothers and sisters, it must happen because Jesus prayed for it and died to make it so!  We can make it so in His Truth, Love, grace and power!  As Christ followers we are the ones who should lead the way into Unity!

I’ll finish where I began, in God’s Word…that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.             John 17:21

Remember…The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are. Hebrews 4:12

Let that Sword cut first in me and before I ever point it to others.

That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  I Corinthians 2:5

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Make it a great day and God bless in Christ!

Love and Lordship…Food for Thought – Bigorty and “racism” (ethnic or skin color prejudice) exists because of sin in our lives, individually and collectively.  Christ is the only One that can forgive sin and therefore the only One that can change our hearts and culture.

Love and Lordship…Action Item(s) – Intentionally reach out and connect with someone whose skin color is different than yours to build a deep and lasting relationship in The Lord.  Begin by listening.  Seek The Lord in prayer for this.