The Harvest is Great... but the Laborers are Grumbling!

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PART I

When love and unity mark the church, God the Father is honored and glorified. Jesus' prayer in John chapter 17 makes this clear, especially verses 20-26. In Gethsemane just prior to His arrest, trial and crucifixion, Jesus prayed for us. "For those who will believe" (v. 20)—this includes all Christians living today.

What did He ask the Father on our behalf? He didn't pray that we would be happy or healthy or go unhurt by the actions of others. He prayed that we would get along with one another, that we would be one. "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you have sent me" (v. 23).

When a congregation of believers are “one”, we reflect the unity and character of the triune God we have committed our lives to serving. The glory of God is thus seen in His people, and the Father is well pleased.

Disunity is the Devil's Delight
Anything that pleases God is a target of His enemy. Satan, our adversary, promotes disunity. He is out to destroy the church. He is highly skilled and experienced in using church people to accomplish this. These are not demon-possessed people. These are true believers, well-meaning saints. Often they are pillars within the church community with strong personalities, deserving of respect, but they are sometimes used unwittingly by Satan... to divide the church.

Satan can use us by filling our hearts with self-seeking motives. He is an expert at taking our unresolved anger and causing great pain to everyone it touches. We easily become blinded to what we are doing, and soon we become his instruments for causing divisions in the Body.

The real enemy is not the person we are reacting against because of some disruptive behavior in the church or a personal grudge against a brother. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world" (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy is the Devil, who delights in creating disunity. He hides in the background, preferring we not recognize his role in our conflicts. Riding on our selfishness and insecurities, he can work through well-meaning folks like us to wreak havoc in the church. Most of the time we don't even realize he is using us to create mischief and discord.

He can even encourage us to quote Bible verses to prove our point and in the process widen the schism among brothers. He comes as "an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). He enjoys our sanctimoniously asking special prayer for the "terrible things that are going on." This raises suspicions that weaken the church and destroy its credibility before the watching world.

Paul rightly warned the church to "watch out for those who cause divisions" (Romans 16:17). He also appealed "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought" (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Division Today
We should hate sin in the church. We should deplore the inroads worldly thought has made in subverting the purity of the church. The obvious ones make us look like we've cloned the world's values: materialism, pride, the sins of the flesh.

But the one most prevalent in the church today is the one that cripples the local church most often - division, divisiveness. This sin concerns most of the letters in the New Testament. Divisiveness is what the false teachers brought to the Early Church, and divisiveness is having a heyday in the church today.

Divisiveness seems to originate from tried and tested seeds that bring forth division and discontent. We see it most often in the following:

The worship wars: “Why don't they sing the right kind of music?” (Translation: “My kind.”)
Who really leads the church: The preacher? The elders? “We don't like the preachers or the elders leadership style.”
Wrestling with change: “We've always done it this way. How dare you suggest changing.”

Sinful Acts
Usually the real issue is one of power. Each person wants a rightful place as one who knows what needs to be done. After all, we often think we have been around long enough to have some influence with others. So we create an issue, if not a crisis. Paul, in Galatians 5:19-20, reminds us that the acts of the sinful nature include, "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" . A divisive spirit is listed with sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft. Dissension keeps wicked company.

Jude describes these people in verse 16 as "grumblers" who are governed by their own evil desires. They "boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage."

If you ask Christians today to write down words or phrases that best describe their church, "grumbling" would likely be mentioned at the top of the list. We seem to think it's all right to complain. After all, ours is a free country with the right of free expression. But the Bible does not teach this sort of freedom within the Church. "Freedom in Christ" does not translate to "open season" on anything and everything that you don't like about the church, its operation, it's leaders or it's members.

Acceptable Sins
"There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers" (Prov. 6:16-19).

God hates the actions and attitudes that stir up dissension among brothers. Yet when was the last time elders in your church have personally addressed people who sowed dissension through grumbling?

More is said in the New Testament about love and unity in the church than about divorce or even adultery. Yet we tend to let the grumblers and gossips get away with their remarks. Are these "acceptable sins"?

As laborers in the Kingdom, we work hard to bring the good news of Jesus the Christ to all people. The world sees us and asks, "Why can't you get along with one another?" Ouch... that hurts! No wonder Paul was always exhorting the New Testament churches to pursue unity. Perhaps Godliness is best demonstrated when we speak the truth to one another and among one another in love.... when we learn to bear with one another's weaknesses... when our expectations for one another do not exceed that set by our Lord. Unity must be the benchmark of Christian brotherhood regardless of our personal preferences and assumed rights. If you find yourself squabbling, grumbling, bickering and complaining about your brothers and sisters... then maybe it's time for a renovation of your heart and mind. There is still time.

Reasonable Expectations can ease tensions

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Expectations are an important part of life aren’t they? I’m not sure we could function without expectations... as they’re a way of expressing our hopes and dreams for something better in the future. We hear a lot about expectations today. All of us expect the economy to stabilize and improve, it’s just a matter of when. Some of us expect our favorite sports team to go the distance this year and win the championship. I’ve been expecting the Eagles to win the Super Bowl for a along time.... I’m still hoping they will someday. See, there’s that quality of hope connected to expectations. Expectations are woven into our thinking about every aspect of life... business... family... relationships... and even our Churches.

Expectations come in several forms: High Expectations.... Unrealistic Expectations... Failed Expectations to name a few. These forms have less to do with the enduring quality of “hope”, and more to do with unsavory characteristics such as arrogance, self-sufficiency, superiority, independence, conceit and a sense of entitlement. Expectations are a manifestation of pride.

We know that Pride, is cunning, baffling, and powerful. So “expectations” that emanate from “pride” can be more harmful than good.

Let me briefly illustrate how “expectations” can have an adverse affect on relationships. Troubled marriages are often plagued by the perception of “failed expectations”. “You’re not what I expected in a wife. You don’t clean the house like Mom used to... you’re not a good cook”.... It goes both ways... “You’re not what I expected in a husband.... you care more about your buddies than you do me and the kids”. The perception of “expectations” not met, spills over to the kids who feel a sense of failure right along with their parents who feel they are failing in their relationship.

Sadly, one of the greatest sources of pain in our families and in our congregations come from unrealistic, high-unattainable and frustrated expectations. Expectations not properly grounded, are a recipe for failure in family relationships, in fellowship with christian brothers and sisters and they represent a serious impediment to our spiritual growth.

Now I know what you're thinking. Shouldn't we expect the best out of one another? From our marriage mates... our children... even from associates in the workplace? Shouldn't we encourage each other to strive for excellence and never settle for anything less? Absolutely. But... we must use the power of expectations properly. Christ taught us how to use expectations. Somewhere along the line... we seem to have forgotten that lesson. We need to relearn it.

Okay, let’s review our Lord’s expectations. Does He demand a lot? You bet he does. Does He expect much from us? Only our best. Does He have expectations? Oh yes...just that we leave everything, deny all, and follow Him. WOW.... high expectations to say the least, right? So what’s the difference with His “expectations” and ours? Jesus' expectations were accompanied by forgiveness and acceptance. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.... Romans 5:8

Jesus went to the cross with no expectations that anyone would even care what his sacrifice would mean to the human family. Of course we know that he was confident that humanity would indeed recognize why he gave his life for us. But he made no bargain in advance of the cross with humanity. You see, expectations create conditional love. "I love you, but I'll love you more if........." The love of God is unconditional... totally and completely without expectations. His sacrifice, was not conditional or dependent on our performance by any measure.

When we love with expectations, we say, "I love you.... but I'll love you even more if......?" Christ's love is not like this. No strings, no expectations, no hidden agendas, no secrets. His love for us was, and is, up front and clear. "I love you," He says, "even if you let Me down. I love you in spite of your failures." “I love you the way you are”.

The expectations of Christ also deliver something totally unique.... His forgiveness and tenderness. Fail, sin, stumble, ignore Him.... feel terrible about it and you land safely in His arms of tolerance by grace.

Alone, human evolved expectations can be bullets that kill relationships, ignite strife and bickering in a congregation... but when buffered by acceptance and forgiveness, they can bring out the best in us and everyone around us.

Expectations are unconsciously premeditated resentment... waiting to pounce on someone who has no clue they’re about to be measured and evaluated by unrealistic expectations.

Do we set ourselves up to resent others when they don't live up to what we expect?  Who owns the expectation?  And then who owns the resentment?  It is amazing how often we ourselves get in the way of our own best intentions.  If you want to see the harmful effects of expectations in full bloom... look around your congregation... they’re working overtime and causing untold harm.

Often people in a congregation expect pastors and their wives to be people who can walk on water. Always saying the right the thing, with the right look on their faces, working around the clock for the congregation... perfect in every way. They’re not and never will be. They are people just like the sheep they minister to. You need only reflect on the criteria established for the hiring of your last preaching minister to understand how “expectations” can set up both the man hired and the congregants for future misunderstandings and unrealized expectations. I have seen congregations set expectations for a minister so high and unrealistic that only Christ himself could meet the standards of those expectations.

Many in a congregation expect the preacher to feed sheep the same way he feeds lambs, babes in Christ, and that's the worst expectation you could have for a minister. Grown sheep need to be shown the pasture for themselves.

Failed, unrealistic, unattainable expectations have broken the spirit of more preachers and their families than one can probably count. I shudder to think of the emotional wasteland our “expectations” have created for these men who seek to follow the calling of God and use their talents to minister... only to find themselves cast into a lion’s den and fed upon by a ravenous congregation with expectations gone array.

Ask yourself, do your expectations crush people? Or do they challenge and encourage? Husbands, wives, do unrealistic expectations of each other cause tensions in your relationship? To the members of a congregation, are the expectations for your minister and even the elders, reasonable and realistic? Is it easier for the people who associate with you and live with you to walk with God because of you?

As you ponder those questions... I also want you to think about the often used expression... Pride goes before a fall. The verse is from Proverbs 16:18 and it actually reads this way.... “Pride goeth before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 11:12 and 18:12 express similar sentiments.

What goes before, or “leads to” a fall?   The Bible says it’s ‘Pride’.  What is pride?  The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines pride as ‘overarching opinion of one’s own qualities and merits, proud, haughty, arrogant. 

With “pride” at the root...all forms of “expectations” are conditional. They are imposed on others to govern, control and manipulate and they are in fact an unsavory manifestation of pride and arrogance. Pride separates us from others, by seducing us into thinking that we are better than others.  Pride is the root cause of every caste system, every class system, and every system of racial hatred that man has even known. Expectations are the chief means to manage these ungodly systems.

Pride is basically nonproductive and unteachable: “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice”. (Proverbs 13:10)  Pride is self-destructive: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:10)  Pride is the spirit of the mocker: “The proud and arrogant man-"Mocker" is his name; he behaves with overweening pride.” (Proverbs 21:24).

The Bible admonishes us: “Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (Romans 12:16)  Pride goes before a fall.... walking hand-in-hand with close ally... unrealistic expectations. God has made a solemn promise to the prideful.... you will fall... HE will bring you down.

What expectations are reasonable among Christians? Rather simple if you see and hear what the Scripture teaches us.

If you say you love the Lord, then demonstrate your love unconditionally... in devotion, faithful service, obedience, care and acceptance for all who profess the same love for the Lord.

That’s what Jesus expects... and he declared his “expectations” in John 13:34-35.... "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Somehow, Christians have lost their understanding of this powerful command from our Lord.

Do you use expectation like God does... to challenge, encourage, and nurture? Or do you use expectation like Satan does... to discourage and crush? God's expectations nurture people by building relationships that can endure for an eternity.

New Heals, Half Soles... and a Hearing Ear!

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When I was a kid growing up in the late 50’s and early 60’s, my parents would buy me a new pair of shoes when I needed them, not when I wanted them. My feet had grown to almost adult size early on, so it was expected that I would wear a pair of shoes for at least a year or longer. I remember vividly how my shoes would disappear for about a week in early August, returning before the start of school with new heals and half-soles. All shined up with new laces.... good as new. I was also destined to wear the same jeans if they fit... patching holes in the knees was no problem for my Mom. I didn’t seem to mind the patches as most other guys I went to school with wore the same kind of patched jeans and didn’t complain, at least not that any of us noticed. We certainly didn’t gather at recess in the school yard and complain about wearing patched jeans and last years shoes. Pretty much my entire wardrobe, which would fit in two dresser drawers, was good for another year if I hadn’t managed to totally destroy some wearable item.

Then... as if someone had flipped a switch.... with a new school year approaching, I descended into full blown rebellion at the idea of wearing “last years” clothes, shoes... anything! This was not a small rebellion here folks... it was the fit of the century! All my pals were doing the same thing. We all wanted the latest styles, new looks, new shoes and a pair of sneakers for everyday wear. Wearing patched jeans... are you nuts Mom... no one wears patched jeans anymore!

Times were changing and I wanted to change right along with the times, and didn’t care what it cost or who had to pay the bill! Being “cool”... that was the thing! I was a teenager in the mid-60’s and America was picking up speed. Our great society and culture was on the verge of plunging headlong into the age of conspicuous consumption, unbridled excess, unlimited indulgences and self-gratification. Money was flowing, capitalism was king and everyone wanted to capture their piece of the great American dream. The 70’s taught us how, the 80’s perfected the art, and the 90’s made excesses and self-gratification seem like normal acceptable everyday behavior. After all, this was the beginnings of the American dream being lived to the fullest.

Now, here we are in the year 2009, and things have changed. Things aren’t so good, and could get a lot worse before they get better and will likely never be the way they once were. The country's economic situation is affecting how we live and how many of us will have to live in retirement... if that prospect even exists. People are taking fewer vacations, looking for sales and putting off large purchases.

Society is heading toward a major shift, there is no guessing where it is going to take us. We just know it’s not going to be like it was. To many of us are unprepared to deal with the enormity of the new reality heading our way. We’ve carried the weight of meaningless things and have fallen victim to an insatiable appetite for things of fleeting worth and value.

But then again, maybe you have recognized the future and you’re adapting. Maybe you loved shopping.... but now you get more pleasure out of paying off a credit card than maxing one out. Maybe you are reengaging with old hobbies, simple things, and you actually make the time to pursue them now.

Job losses have been devastating on many Americans. But maybe there’s a valuable unintended consequence of job loss. Families are growing closer, reconnecting, and the not-so-young-anymore-kids-now-adults, are moving home with their kids living with Dad and Mom to make ends meet. Maybe they lost their house and job. For some, this is most certainly humbling and embarrassing, but it has made many realize how little time families spent together during the “decades of decadence".

We’ve also seen tragic events. Lives wiped out in anger, frustration and bitterness as stark realization sets in, that the America dream has failed to satisfy many. Greed has taken an awful toll on many many lives. So, what about the future? Once our country recovers from this recession, will we go back to the way we were? Will we want to go back? Living simply now may be our refuge from the drowning weight of excesses, but will we be satisfied with a simpler America in the future?

We have to accept that our nation has had a massive heart attack! Fortunately she will survive. But like all heart attacks, they serve as a warning that changes must be made. Lifestyle changes. Lasting changes to ensure that life can and will go on.

What an incredible time of opportunity! Just suppose.... that without the din of consumerism, spending beyond our means and pursuits of meaningless excesses... Americans might be more tuned to “hear” the word of God?

A simpler, less hectic, less pressured lifestyle leaves time for humans to think, to ponder, to reflect and to consider what all of this life really means. Remember, inside every human is the longing and desire to connect with the divine.... to contemplate something better than our fleeting life span.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture in all the Bible is... "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear".

In the Gospels, Jesus cried out time and time again: "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9,23; 7:16; Luke 8:8; 14:35). And in Revelation 13:9, as the New Testament draws to a close, we read it again..... "If anyone has an ear, let him hear."

People don’t hear too well when they’re distracted. Distractions can come in many forms... hunger, poverty, violent surroundings, and of course the lures of materialism, excesses and self-indulgence as it has been for decades in America. When the mind is occupied by personal needs, wants and desires.... everything else drowns out.... especially God.

America claims to be a nation of Christians, even though one can hardly compare the beliefs of this generation with what the Bible teaches.

Americans are increasingly comfortable picking and choosing theological views they deem to be helpful in endorsing their lifestyle of choice and are quite comfortable discarding the rest of the Bible’s teachings. Still, most people say their faith is becoming increasingly important as a source of personal moral guidance.

But maybe now with all the encroaching change, this nation of so-called Christians will begin to listen... to hear what the living God is saying.

It may sound cliché, but there is no time like now, to rediscover the true meaning of what it means to call yourself a Christian. Remember, it’s not about us anymore... the party is over. If you are concerned about your future.... then you should reflect on that which Jesus Christ has bought and paid for.... you.

How important can “hearing” really be? When Jesus was transfigured on the mountain, God the Father spoke from heaven: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, Hear Him!" (Matthew 17:5).

Not everyone will give a hearing ear no matter what happens in their life. Jesus explained that some would simply refuse to hear: "For the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their heart and turn, So that I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear" (Matthew 13:15,16). Jesus presented the truth on a take-it-or-leave-it basis: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matthew 11:15). Anyone who has children knows it is possible for audible words to be ignored and simply "not heard"!

What does it take to really hear? In the parable of the sower, Jesus said that “good hearts” will hear and obey the word: "But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience" (Luke 8:15).

Jesus also warned: "Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given" (Mark 4:24). He once told a crowd... "Hear Me, everyone, and understand" (Mark 7:14). And on one occasion He told His disciples: "Let these words sink down into your ears" (Luke 9:44).

Jesus explained that the family of God consists of those who listen to the Father: "My mother and My brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it" (Luke 8:21). He also said: "He who is of God hears God's words" (John 8:47); "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27); "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice" (John 18:37).

Paul warned Timothy that some people will turn their ears away from the truth: "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Seven times in Revelation, in the letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor, Christ commands: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). The Spirit speaks through the Bible: "We also have the prophetic word made more sure, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:19-21). Are we listening?

Are we heeding the prophetic word? Are we hearing what the Spirit says to the churches? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Most people who call themselves Christians in our fast paced contemporary society, are not listening to what the Spirit is saying. Far too many churches are failing in their mission to be beacons of truth. Sadly... the truth is not found in them... making all you should be hearing of little value. Individuals prefer to follow their own way, the latest trend, and churches have compromised truth in favor of the less restrictive and flexible traditions of men.

NOW... is the time to think about taking that comfortable pair of shoes to your local repair shop and get some new heals and soles. Make ‘em last. Your future, your eternal future, is far more important that whatever excesses and self-indulgences you’ve been chasing. God wants you to last...forever!

Are you listening to your Father in Heaven? As we claim the title “Christian” are we willing and obedient “hearers” of the word of God?

Times are changing... you still have a chance to reflect on what it means to be a true follower of Christ. Ponder the quality and quantity of your personal commitment to Him. Start with prayer.... listen and you will hear... God will renovate your heart and mind, just like a cobbler makes an old pair of shoes... new again.