What Do We Lack?

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Mark 10:21–22)

The story of the rich young ruler astounds me nearly every time that I hear it or read it because this man doesn’t seem far off from the mindset of God. Quite honestly, in my own estimation of things, this man is better than me because I’m confident the Lord would say I lack more than “one thing.”

One thing.

This man had been keeping the commands of God from his youth (Mark 10:20). And Jesus does not argue with him, doesn’t hastily correct him, on this. Jesus doesn’t say, “That’s what you think!”

His going away grieving is amazing, too, isn’t it? He’s been told that he lacks one thing, but he goes away grieving. This “one thing” was big. Obviously it was big enough to keep him from following Jesus. He went away … 

If we examine ourselves as we should (2 Cor 13:5), what would we come away with? Maybe we fear self-examination, and so we don’t do it — we hope to ignore our sins long enough that they will go away on their own, or maybe even improve without us having to deal with them at all.

Or maybe we succeed in being dishonest with ourselves, and our self-examination never leads to correction. We believe we’re all right as we are, that there’s no room for improvement. This is delusional (James 1:22, 26;  1 Cor 3:18; 6:9;  Gal 6:3, 7;  2 Tim 3:12–13;  1 John 1:8).

In Greek mythology we meet a man who seems invincible. His name is Achilles. The myth is that he was dipped into the river Styx by his mother. He was immersed, except for where she was holding him: his heel. And so today, we talk about a weakness as someone’s Achilles heel.

Everyone doesn’t suffer from the same weaknesses. Some struggle with alcoholism, while others don’t ever find themselves tempted to take one drink. Some are consumed by sex, money or power. Paul urged the Corinthians, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor 10:12).

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). As an illustration of this, we will consider Matthew 26:30–35:

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.

We remember how tragically this ended for Peter. Thankfully, he was not consumed by self-destruction, nor his desire to repent and make things right with the Lord (see John 21:15–19). I’d suggest that in this story we find Peter’s “Achilles heel” to be over-confidence (pride) in himself.
The point of all this is for us to honestly examine ourselves in light of God’s will. If we lack knowledge of his word, then we need to step up on that immediately and prayerfully (2 Tim 2:15; 3:14—4:5;  James 1:5–8;  2 Pet 1:5–11).

It’s not just that “we know better,” but that we “do better.” James urges us to be doers of the word (James 1:22). But it’s not just about being busy, but being active in a growing faith for the edification of ourselves and our spiritual family (Eph 4:11–16;  Heb 10:24–25).

We need also to remind ourselves that we cannot serve God and mammon (Matt 6:24; also see James 4:4). Mammon could very well be wealth or money, as more recent English translations have it. But some have suggested the word mammon means anything that could serve as an idol and replace God. God wants us to serve him completely (Matt 22:34–40;  Rom 8:5–11;  Col 3:1–11).

What do we lack? Are we willing to see the spiritual obstacles for what they are, or will we continue to ignore them? Judgment is coming for us all (Heb 9:27). We can be ready on God’s terms by knowing his will, and doing it (Php 2:12–13).

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil (2 Cor 5:10).

Being Wrong Isn't the Worst Thing

For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of 

the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, 

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 

(Romans 3:22–24)

The first word of the gospel, as the apostle Peter proclaimed it on the Day of Pentecost two millennia ago, is repent. This single word distills the gospel message into one word:

“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:36–38).

Being wrong is not the worst thing, but willfully remaining wrong is. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries (Hebrews 10:24–27).

There’s much involved with repentance: “As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter” (2 Corinthians 7:9–11).

Repentance is what the first century world needed, and it’s what the twenty-first century world needs. “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30–31).

Ignorance cannot be a proper defense against God’s perfect judgment. Paul said: “In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:16–17). To the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:18–20).

Ignorance is removed with knowledge. But it’s not merely knowing God’s will that changes us (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:1) — because if we don’t use the knowledge, it’s useless to us. “Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools. … Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly” (Proverbs 26:7, 11). The Lord of glory spoke of two different kinds of people: those who hear and do, and those who hear but refuse to change (Luke 6:46–49). James reminds us all: “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21–22).

We could summarize the point by contrasting King Saul and King David, likewise the apostles Judas and Peter. Saul and Judas did not repent (again, consider 2 Corinthians 7:10–11). But David and Peter were of the sort who, when they were confronted with their sin, admitted it and sought God’s forgiveness immediately. The point is not that David and Peter were perfect keepers of God’s laws, but again, they repented.

Jesus said, “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:1–5; see Matthew 4:17; 11:20–24; Luke 15:7, 10). Oh, that we would have a heart like David and like Peter. We’re all sinners (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22). The problem is when we’re content to stay in our sin (cf. 2 Peter 2:20–22; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

God and Judas Iscariot

“For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work.”

— 2 Thessalonians 2:7 —

Where do we begin? Evil exists, ultimately, because we have been designed by our Creator to make free will choices; to discern between right and wrong. Again, be design we are free to choose; God does not coerce us into making the right choices to His name’s glory. Furthermore, He will judge everything in perfect justice in the end (Romans 14:10–12; 1 Corinthians 4:3–5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27).

Free will is wonderful until someone’s free will adversely affects us, directly or indirectly. As when we were in school and one student made the dumb decision to act up; and then we all suffered the consequences.

Again, God allows things to be done—the good and the bad—and He will judge it all: every idle word we say (Matthew 12:36–37) and every thought and intention of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12–13). He didn’t stop Judas Iscariot from betraying His Son into the ruthless hands of the Jews (John 18:2, 5). “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:28, 31–32).

It’s not that God causes all things … He causes all things to work together (the Greek word sunergeō from which our word “synergy” comes from) for good. And for good to those who love Him! Truly, God’s grace toward us when we were helpless, when we were ungodly, is stunning! God should be praised for His indescribable gift (Romans 5:6–9; 2 Corinthians 9:15).

The first couple of chapters of the first book in the Bible describes a beautiful and sinless place identified as the Garden of Eden (2:8). We’re informed that in the beginning God “saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). But something happened …

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.’” And the serpent said to the woman, “You surely shall not die!” (Genesis 3:1–4)

The word of God is clear that Eve was deceived (2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14). But what Adam did was poorly discern between right and wrong: and he chose wrong, he chose to do that which was evil in the sight of God—he sinned. And there were immediate and far-reaching consequences. To this day we bear in ourselves the consequences of Adam’s sin (Romans 5:12). We do not bear his guilt—that’s on him (see Romans 5:14)—but when we ourselves sin against God’s will, that’s on us. “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:24–25).

In Solomon’s assessment, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God” (Ecclesiastes 8:11–13).

All is not hopeless. We must depend upon the promises of God (see Hebrews 6:13–20). “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9–11).

Avoid Such People

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, 

says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.

—2 Corinthians 6:17—

Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the 

appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

—2 Timothy 3:5—

Following Jesus means that we’re living in this world, but our citizenship is not of this world: the apostle Paul said so, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). Part of what this means is that we live here, but our thoughts and ways should not remain here—we’re looking to the eternal as we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 4:16—5:7; also read Isaiah 55:8–11).

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ [a contextual reference to baptism (Col. 2:12)], keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:1–3).

The title of this brief article comes from the larger context of 2 Timothy 3:1–5:

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Paul warns us about who our friends and acquaintances are—“Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupt good morals. Awake to soberness righteously, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God: I say this to move you to shame” (1 Cor. 15:33–34).

In a different context, the same apostle Paul urged Christ’s followers:

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 6:14—7:1).

How do we go about cleansing ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit?
My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to their whole body. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you. Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established. Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil (Proverbs 4:20–27 WEB).

Also, our entertainment—what we read and watch—truly affects how we think and act. We believe differently because we will read and watch what we want and act as if it won’t influence us at all. We need to be discerning and then do what we know is right and pleasing to the Lord who made and saved us (Romans 12:1–2; Philippians 4:8–9), including avoiding such people who are not helping us get closer to God, but pushing us further away.

He Is Able

“For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could 

swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself”

—Hebrews 6:13—

Trust is difficult to obtain and keep. It’s like a treasure that we find and try to protect from corruption. Everyone has, at varying degrees, issues with trusting someone because once we lose that trust, it may take a lifetime to renew. Furthermore, we too often evaluate trusting God the way we would fallible people.

Men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:16–19).

The apostle Paul put it this way: “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Read 2 Corinthians 11:16–33 and consider everything Paul endured as an apostle. And through it all, he trusted the One who does not change (James 1:16–17; Hebrews 13:8–9).

God's Longsuffering and Our Diligence

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected;

but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which

Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

—Philppians 3:12—

Numbers 32 shows us that the tribes of Reuben and Gad were satisfied with not crossing the Jordan into the promised land. The essence of their attitude is revealed in verse 5 when they say, “Do not take us over the Jordan.” Moses’ reply sounds visceral—“Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?”

In our own assessment of things, it may not seem to be so bad that Reuben and Gad wanted to remain on the east of Jordan. Their argument is that they have a lot of livestock and the land they were already occupying, with the rest of Israel, was good for livestock (vv. 1–5). But, again, Moses sees their disposition as discouraging to the rest of Israel as they were poised to displace the Canaanites and possess the land as God was giving it to them (Num. 15:2; Deut. 7:1–2). And this, to me, seems to be the issue: God had promised Israel, including the tribes of Reuben and Gad, a possession in Canaan; and here they were saying that they’d rather have something else. They were happy with the shortcut.

As the rest of this plays out, the armies of Reuben and Gad pledge that they will help their brethren in the upcoming battles against the Canaanites. Moses sternly warns them, “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

One of the clear lessons we can take away from this is about God’s longsuffering. Here He wanted to bring them all into the promised land, a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Lev. 20:24). They were satisfied with the shortcut.

God has promised us a dwelling place in His house (cf. John 14:2–3; Heb. 11:13–16; Php. 3:20–21). And although we don’t know exactly what all this entails, or how we will experience it in its fulfillment, we know Him and therefore trust that He will do what He’s promised (cf. Heb. 6:13–20).

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:2–3).

We need spiritual stamina. We don’t know how long this journey in life under the sun is going to be; we don’t know when the Lord will come again or when we will pass from this life, but we can be prepared (cf. 1 Pet. 1:6–9).

Preparation involves diligence. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:10–11).

And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb. 6:11–12).

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith (2 Pet. 1:5).

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:10–11).

Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation (2 Pet. 3:13–15).

Never give up! Be patient and trust in the Lord completely (James 5:7–12; Heb. 11:6). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

Problem Finders and Solution Seekers

Anyone can find a problem. The world, and more specifically the Lord’s body here and everywhere else, could benefit tremendously from having fewer who find problems and offer nothing more. We all could profit from those who seek solutions.

Years ago I preached a sermon that I’m sure was designed by me to point out a problem the congregation was having. In my mind’s eye I see myself getting a worked up and all “preachery.” Afterward, one dear sister said the lesson was needed, but then she asked, “What can we do to fix this?” Her question has stayed with me through the years because I know deep down that I am one who can triumphantly find problems while offering little to nothing in solving them.

It’s difficult sometimes to find a solution to a problem. Here’s one: rather than complaining about attendance, say something to someone who is not making it a priority, and saying that needed thing in love —“speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Eph. 4:15–16; also see Col. 4:6).

When it comes to attendance to Bible studies and worship, it is honestly discouraging (at worst) and disappointing (at the least) for brothers and sisters to willingly not show up.

A solution to this problem? “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). “If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed” (1 Cor. 16:22).

The truth is, there’s a heart problem with some, and one of the ways it shows is by a lack of attending as we should. Not attending shows it’s not a priority with you, and that there are times when you come before the Lord and your brethren (suffering from “I” trouble). Don’t go looking for exceptions, because you know better. Yes, there are exceptions, but too many are wanting the exception to somehow serve as the rule. “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries (Heb. 10:23–27).

When the Lord addressed the saints in Ephesus he charged them with abandoning the love they had at first, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent (Rev. 2:4–5).

We desperately need godly grief (2 Cor. 7:9–11). And godly grief, which leads to repentance, begins with a humbled heart —“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2; also see Matt. 5:3–4; Php. 2:12–13).

Again, finding problems is easy; anyone can do it. But being willing, open, and eager to find and implement a solution is tougher. It begins with an acknowledgement that something needs to change (cf. James 3:13–18), and then doing what we know we should. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Is Ignorance a Defense Before God?

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30–31).

We might be deceived into believing that ignorance is bliss. Wise King Solomon even nearly said so — “Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain” (Ecclesiastes 1:18 NASB). But we all know from experience that not knowing, especially willfully not knowing, is detrimental.

God has not left us alone. More than that, God has not left us without witnesses to His existence and to what He, as our Creator, desires of us: "That you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:15–17).

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:19–20).

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:20–21).

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart (Ephesians 4:17–18).

Ignorance as a result of the hardness of their hearts! Some people are willful in their ignorance of God’s will: they simply don’t want to know because they don’t care about God’s will or about pleasing Him (see Hebrews 11:6; Proverbs 8:17). “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14–16).

Ignorance is no defense before God in judgment — “when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–10).

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more (Luke 12:47–48).

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure (1 John 3:1–3).

“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6–7). “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’ ” (1 Peter 1:14–16).

Caleb's Tenacious Faith

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).

What Caleb saw and experienced in the land that he and eleven other spies saw and experienced was the same. Of course, we’re familiar with the story about how ten of these spies came back essentially saying they could not overcome it; but Caleb and Joshua contradicted their report. Again, Caleb urged that they were “well able to overcome it.”

One can almost imagine the excitement in Caleb’s voice as he tried to convince Israel that the land was theirs — maybe even a bit of urgency in the excitement since he probably understood the tide turning against their desire to faithfully follow the Mighty God who had brought them to Kadesh-barnea, the very southern part of this rich land expressed by God as flowing with milk and honey (Num 13:27; 14:8-9). This was a turning point for Israel that became forty years of waiting and watching as a faithless generation died as punishment for their lack of faith (Psalm 95:8-11; Heb 3:7—4:11).

For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. (Heb 3:16-19)

Caleb’s faith was tenacious as he faithfully obeyed the Mighty God who asked a nation to do what seemed impossible. And so, after hearing that the land would be theirs, and having to wait 45 long years for the unfaithful to die in the wilderness, Caleb asks Joshua for his inheritance from the Lord:

“Now behold, the Lord has let me live, just as He spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, when Israel walked in the wilderness; and now behold, I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in. Now then, give me this hill country about which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I will drive them out as the Lord has spoken.” So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. (Josh 14:10-13)

We’re not given a physical description of Caleb, but I imagine him as a bulldog: smallish, scrappy, and solid muscle. Interestingly, his name means “dog” (ISBE, I:573). The most positive implication being that of loyalty and strength as a dog is “man’s best friend.” Caleb was God’s best friend as he faithfully defended the Lord and was blessed with strength to engage and win a war with giants in the land (i.e., the Anakim were so described — Num 13:22-23; Deut 1:28; 2:10-11).

Although Caleb is not mentioned by name in the New Testament, he might well be in the mind of the author of Hebrews who was moved by the Holy Spirit: “For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight” (Heb 11:32-34; Josh 14:12).

We need Caleb’s tenacious faith! “He wholly followed the Lord” (Josh 14:14). We need to completely trust and obey our Mighty God (see Php 4:13; Col 1:11; 1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 2:4).

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Eph 6:10-13)

Growth Requires Effort

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

(1 Corinthians 3:5–7)

Growth, whether individual or congregational, comes with effort. It doesn’t come accidentally, but purposefully. Ultimately, God gives the increase, but we must work at planting and watering—every part doing its share (Eph. 4:15–16 NKJV).

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12–13).

So, what can we do to help in the effort of growth? First of all, we must decide that growth is not optional but vital—and the word “vital” is important because it means living, active, energetic.
“… Harmful to Christians is the assumption that anything worthwhile can be acquired at once. We assume that if something can be done at all, it can be done quickly and efficiently. Our attention spans have been conditioned by thirty-second commercials. Our sense of reality has been flattened by thirty-page abridgements” (Eugene Peterson, A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, pp. 11–12, 1980).

A primary contribution to growth (individually and congregationally) is time, which requires patience and therefore dependence upon the Lord—“Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7–8).

Waiting doesn’t mean we’re sitting and doing nothing at all but waiting—it means we’re working the ground, sowing the seed, and watering until the Lord gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:5–7).

I believe the most important contributing factor to growth is prayer. Paul requested prayers—“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints: and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:18–19 NKJV).

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Col. 4:2–4 NKJV).

But prayer should not be the only thing we do in the effort of growing personally and as a group. We need to study, since we are Jesus’ disciples (students), God’s word to know what it is that we need to ask for (1 John 5:14–15) and to discern what is pleasing to God (Eph. 5:10). Not just study about God’s word, from commentaries or other study helps, but actually read His word (Rom. 10:8–10).

We can’t teach what we don’t know (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:14–17; Psalm 1:1–2; Prov. 15:28). It’s not about simply knowing things (1 Cor. 8:1), but knowing things so that we can do those things which please our God and Father (Heb. 12:28–29).

So, if we focus ourselves with prayer and study, the natural growth will come to us personally and, therefore, we will begin seeing that truly “the fields are white for harvest” ( John 4:34–38).

Christianity is not a sprint; and it should not be a start/stop life of service. We need to see our obedience of faith as a long walk in heaven’s direction. Remember: time, patience, and dependence.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Heb. 12:1–2 NASB).

"Lead Me in the Way Everlasting"

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24)

Are we open with God? The question is not: Are we open to Him, but are we open with Him? The writer of Hebrews 4:12–13 clearly suggest that we are open to Him — and there’s nothing we can do to hide our thoughts or intentions from Him (also see Psalm 139:7–12).

Being open with God is something for which we should strive. It may not be an easy thing to accomplish, but if we desire heaven, then we are going to open our hearts, minds, and motives to Him. But how can we do this, and do this well? By examining ourselves in the light of His Word — “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). One of the opportunities we have in examining ourselves is in our participation in the Lord’s Supper, when it should be a time of personal reflection and honest appraisal with the intention of:

• understanding where we have sinned against God,
• why we desperately need the sacrifice of His Son, 
• and a thankfulness determined to please Him in our lives — “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself” (1 Corinthians 11:27–29). 

It’s not that God is wanting to merely “put us in our place” — although the truth is, our deserved place is far below Him as His thoughts are ways are far superior to ours (Isaiah 55:8–9; Matthew 5:43–48). Through His Word, God is striving to elevate us through right-thinking, and therefore, right living —

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:11–14).

It’s not just about knowing God’s will, but performing it to His standards (Acts 26:19–20; Romans 12:1–2; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Why do you call me “Lord, Lord,” and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great (Luke 6:46–49).

God seeks what is ultimately best for us (Hebrews 12:3–11). This doesn’t mean that He’s like a genie seeking to grant every wish; rather, that He is our Creator and Savior and knows what is best for us with the fullest intention being our soul’s salvation from sin! “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him” (1 Thessalonians 5:9–10; see 1 Timothy 2:1–5).

Being open with God — expressing ourselves in absolute dependence upon Him in prayer in bad times and good times — is to our eternal benefit (Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:17–18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:23–24)

Did Jesus Ever Sneeze?

I realize that the title will cause some to be a bit hesitant to read any further, but I am not trying to be ridiculous.

My point in asking if Jesus ever sneezed is to emphasize what the Scriptures do about Him: that He was "being found in appearance as a man" (Philippians 2:8). On earth Jesus didn't enjoy such divine protection from physical suffering. As a matter of biblical record, He suffered much (e.g., the cross).

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (1 Peter 2:23–25).

Remember that God became flesh; that's actually the meaning of the name Immanuel—"God with us" (Matthew 1:23). And the reason why He became flesh was to save us from ourselves by becoming what we were supposed to be from the beginning when God saw that everything He had created was very good (Genesis 1:31).

And the only way for us to overcome these frail bodies is by walking by faith, and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). I don't believe faith is blind—faith is directed by God's word (Romans 10:17; 14:23).

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:1–3).

Making Crooked What God Has Made Straight

Paul said to Elymas the magician: "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?" (Acts 13:10 ESV)

Not everything in the Bible is difficult to understand.

There are those who know the truth, but simply refuse to comply with it; and therefore, they do whatever they can to make the simple truth seem hard to understand.

In the first century they were identified as Gnostics, and 1 John addresses it. There were many forms of Gnosticism, and quite honestly not all of the forms were anti-truth or anti-God; but most of them were because they sought to elevate man by means of himself rather than elevating man by means of God (see Colossians 2:20-23).

There's a difference between self-righteousness and true righteousness. Self-righteousness is based upon what "self" thinks, and can be unreliable; true righteousness is based upon the reliable standard of what God our Creator—whose ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9)—thinks.

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue. (Psalm 5:8-9 ESV)

Predictable Unpredictability

It's been interesting watching the development of the storm trackers tracking TS Erika.

It just goes to show that no one really knows what's going to happen with it — the forecast has changed a lot in the last 24 hours, and will probably change even more as it gets closer to us.

Jesus said, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today" (Matthew 6:34 NLT).

Come what may, God is good and we must trust in his promises —

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Peter 1:2-4 NASB).

His Indescribable Gift

In the familiar passage concerning monetary contributions — i.e., "giving" — the apostle Paul concludes with the exultant cry: "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

I realize the term "grace" seems to be overused, and maybe even abused. Reading that statement again, I must admit that one cannot really over-use such a wonderful term, but it is abused by many to cover everything. And grace does not cover everything: grace covers everything sought in the Lord:

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:11-15)

Grace instructs us to deny and look. We are instructed by God's grace to deny — ungodliness and worldly desires. Of course the world will not understand nor appreciate this, but those who are striving to think on things above (Colossians 3:2) will. 

The world seems to dwell on the sinister, and sometimes even applauds evil things. For example, how many popular shows are about "the dark side" of life? We are often entertained by these things. The contrast set before us in God's word is that we're to dwell on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good reputation (Philippians 4:8). These "things" don't come easy to our restless minds: It requires effort, and often it is also requires quiet. 

The desire may well be there, but finding the requisite "peace and quiet" may not be so easy. But if we will make the time to find a peaceful moment, and if we will use that quiet time for dwelling on God's immeasurable grace, we will find ourselves overwhelmed.

I don't believe we will ever understand or appreciate God's grace (Romans 5:6-8). We are all undesirable, and would be forsaken forever, if it weren't for God's grace.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. … He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:16, 36).

For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:32-36)

The Weather Exposes Our Vulnerability

I am often amazed by the beauty of powerful storms. Whether it be a hurricane or winter storm, the power cannot be ignored or denied.

Sometimes we forget how powerless we really are … until a storm comes barreling through.

Here in South Florida we enjoyed a beautiful day yesterday: highs in the 80s, a nice breeze coming in off the Atlantic, and lots of sun. Today, it is dark and windy and cold. A 20 degree difference from one day to another!

We need to learn how helpless we are. We need help. We are dependent and vulnerable whether we recognize these things or not.

"Who can know the intensity of your anger? Because our fear of you matches your wrath, teach us to keep account of our days so we may develop inner wisdom" (Psalms 90:11-12 ISV).

Do We Visualize God With A Smile Or A Frown?

Ecclesiastes 8:15  And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Someone recently wrote that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”

After reading that statement, I had to read it again. I think sometimes we fail to appreciate what God has done for us in providing us so much joy. James reminds us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). In other words, if it is good, then it has come from God. I would advise that just because people may classify something as good doesn’t necessarily make it good — consider Isaiah 5:20 as an example where people get things turned around by calling bad things good and good things bad.

Maybe we only see God as a taskmaster commanding us nothing but to fear him and literally shake in our boots. But the word he provided to us suggests a proper balance (Romans 11:22). Yes, he is God and there is no other (Isaiah 46:9; Romans 8:12-17; 1John 4:17-19), but he is loving and desires that all be saved from deserved wrath (Romans 2:3-11; 1Timothy 2:1-4; 2Peter 3:9).

Sometimes we don't associate happiness with God; again, we may only see him as a taskmaster handing out impossible commands. 

One test for ourselves might be this — Do we visualize God with a smile or a frown?

Jesus Is Not a Burger King

And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."      —Revelation 19:11-16

Most people know the name Jesus Christ. Most probably don't realize that the term "Christ" was interpreted by the Jews (Luke 23:2) to mean "King." When Pontius Pilate directly asked Jesus if He were a king, Jesus did not deny the claim (John 18:33-37). 

Westerners don't know much about kings. We read our history books, and wonder how anyone could be loyal to death to one person. We're acclimated to the concepts of temporary influence and rule—our American presidents can only serve 2 terms, or 8 years; and we've only had one exception.

A lot of people who quickly identify themselves as "Christians" actually offer service based mostly upon their own ideas of submission. We read or hear what Jesus commands, but we'd rather put our own spin on these things.

For example, marriage: We know the divine rules (one man and one woman for life), but we'd rather bend the rule to our own views. This is willful sin. God said, "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). How many books have been written to say that this is not what He really meant?

In Mark's gospel account, we read: "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery" (Mark 10:11-12). It's simple, until we deceive ourselves into thinking it's not. 

There are other issues: worship services! A lot of people will claim to follow Jesus, but absolutely refuse—for whatever excuses offered—to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). And how dare anyone put a subjective spin on Hebrews 10:24-27?

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

If we have the attitude that Jesus is King, then we will unreservedly and without hesitation follow His commands (John 14:15, 23-24; 15:14). But when we know His will, and simply brush it off because we esteem Him like any other man suggesting what we're to do, then we are woefully deceived and in danger of eternal damnation. 

I know many scoff at God's eternal rule. But one day He will come in perfect judgment. Wouldn't we rather err on the side of loyalty and mindful obedience to the King of kings? Why are we so willful? 

Jesus is not a symbol of prosperity! He's not a joker! He's not a hippie! He's not a gimmick! He is King of kings, and Lord of lords!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.      —Isaiah 9:6-7

"Out With Doubt?!" You Better Check That Attitude

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted” (Matthew 28:16-17).

What?! Some of the 11 doubted? I think today we’d toss the doubters out on their ears!

At Corinth (really no surprise there) some did not believe in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul does not simply ignore this as he spends a lot of time defending the reality of the resurrection, but he doesn’t withdraw from them either. Today preachers would vilify this church on Facebook. (It takes too much time, effort, and love to talk to people face-to-face.)

I mention these things because doubt is normal, and it may be that we sometimes doubt and feel that if we let anyone know about our doubts that we’d be criticized. The truth is we would probably be criticized, but that’s other people’s problem as they struggle with their own insecurities.

The apostle John said this:

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:18-20)

 “God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

When we doubt — notice that I said WHEN and not IF — we should trust that God is longsuffering and that his longsuffering is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15). And so, with doubt should hopefully come a desire for a greater comfort: not necessarily more knowledge, but more love, mercy, and faith.

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:5-10)