Part Two: Perspective for Better Relationships

Fresh Manna© by Pastor Tim Burt
http://www.freshmanna.org/

1 Kings 19:18 “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel–all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”

In the early 80’s I was given a audio tape of a great man of God. This man was speaking at a large national conference to Pastors and ministers. He preached what was considered then a controversial message that some did not like. He preached a message about what America would look like in the future. God had spoken to him about it. He was not a flakey person. He was a good man that had years and years of a good reputation. He preached in detail of the violence, sexuality, and craziness our society would be living in, in the not so distance future. To many it sounded like doom and gloom. The truth is, everything he said describes where our society is today. He hit the nail on the head.

The way our society is makes it more and more difficult for most to live out a Christian life and more difficult to live out godly Christ-like relationships. Why is that? Maybe this short story will illustrate my answer.

I worked as a flight attendant for 13 plus years while preparing for the ministry. Back when I started, it was considered a glamorous job and highly sought after. I was told then by the airline I worked for that they received over one million applications to be a flight attendant a year. When I was hired there were very few males. We were new to the scene.

I consistently had Christian women from church asking me, “I am thinking about applying. It’s what I have always wanted to do. Should I apply?” I would usually respond by asking them about the strength of their Christianity. “Would you say you are more of a follower or a leader?” I would ask them that because unless they were aggressive in their faith and pursuit of God, and unless they were willing to boldly share their faith when God opened the door, the job would be brutal in temptations. I don’t know what goes on in the airlines today, but at that time, the partying, the drinking and drugs, the sleeping around – the temptations in general, were far greater than the day-to-day experience of most other people in the work place. We were gone away from home. We slept in nice hotels. It led to loneliness and temptation. So, I told them, “If you aren’t strong in your love for God and if you don’t pursue and live your faith with great effort and purpose, it could be hard on you as a Christian – as Jesus said to Peter, “Satan desires to sift you like wheat.” I had watched many a Christian fall by the wayside or become lukewarm in their walk with God after taking this job.

Today we live with madness, violence, and perverted sexuality all around us. Can a Christian grow stronger and live functionally in the midst of it? Absolutely! Though madmen leading countries come into our country to insult our leader, and we allow it, I refuse to get discouraged. Though demonically tormented men march into schools and steal the life of children, I won’t be disheartened. Though I see the deception of homosexuality – perverted sexuality that is an abomination to God, creep into the fabric of life, I refuse to become discouraged. Though I see people losing their grip in operating in godly behavior and godly functional relationships, I will not quit working to help them get it right. This is the fight that makes a Christian strong and focused and capable of living out his or her life while making a difference in the live of those around them.

Christians are to love God with their whole heart. They are to love their neighbor as themselves. They are to recognize the devils devices and know they have an enemy that wants to “sift them like wheat.” They are to strive to become disciples of Jesus Christ and then engage in helping others know and grow up in Christ. They are to engage in the building of God’s local churches – committing wholeheartly to serving others. They are to walk in forgiveness daily, laying down their pride minute by minute and pursuing instead kindness and love in all their doings. They are to let integrity and truth in “the fear of the Lord” guide them in their decision making. I didn’t say any of this was easy. What it is, is the plan God has given to keep us safe in “the secret place of the most High” and in His peace and blessing in a defiled world. Even then Satan will execute mad attacks on our lives. When he has done so, don’t question God, pursue and love Him. He will deliver you and bring you back into His peace.

Today does not reflect my normal writing style but I do believe that the Lord is wanting to exhort many to get back on track in their lives TODAY!

This world has always been filled with heartache because of the evilness Satan works through mankind. It breaks our heart when we see it. What it should do is drive us to our knees.

When we are driven to our knees then what? God wants our lives to be right before Him and others so we can be a light, salt, and influence to those around us. On our knees we ask the question. “Does my lifestyle contribute to the world’s degradation or to the Lord’s plan?” Examine your daily words, thoughts, and actions.

Then ask yourself, “Do I believe that the gift of prayer will truly bring supernatural change and protection in this earth or am I just doing it because I am supposed to?” Elijah was once discouraged and felt like he was the only one left who was not crazy and was still doing God’s work. God told him otherwise. 1 Kings 19:18 “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel–all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him.”

Keep your focus, stay the course, follow God, and pray in faith. You will prevail. You will help others love God and prevail.

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt
http://www.freshmanna.org