KACHELBELA: Sincere or Perfunctory Thank You!

KACHELBELA: Sincere or Perfunctory Thank You!: Dear Diary, #How_Much_Does_Thank_You_Cost? Like I usually say, my diary has some wry and melancholy tales as well as very inspiring...

Sincere or Perfunctory Thank You!

Dear Diary,

#How_Much_Does_Thank_You_Cost?

Like I usually say, my diary has some wry and melancholy tales as well as very inspiring and life-changing tales. This is one of those life-changing experiences I had yesterday. So, I boarded a mat (Double M) from town and sat next to a jolly gentleman. Once I settled in my seat I made a call to someone and after conversing for a while I concluded with, “Thanks very much, Baraka.” The gentleman turned to me and said, “It’s long since I got a ‘thank you’. I am impressed!” I shelved that and we conversed for a while but couldn’t avoid thinking about it, today I still woke up thinking about the same convo… “Thank You!” That convo really brought me to a solemn consciousness. That gentleman hasn’t gotten a ‘thank you’ for a while, why? Is it that he hasn’t done anything to someone that warrants a thank you? When do we say thank you? Just how much does “Thank You” cost? Why are we stingy with its application? Is “Thank You” just a cliché? To be very honest, countless times I have forgotten to say thank you for small favors I have received from family and friends. Worse, there are times my “Thank You” has been superficial. Worst, there are lots of things I haven’t thanked God for, instead I have whined about what I don’t have.

When is the last time you generously said a genuine thank you to someone and/or to God? If you are deeply and authentically grateful to someone/God you express the emotion with the words “Thank You” but sometimes we’re perfunctory and tend to cheapen it by promising to reciprocate the favor we have received. One of the unfortunate characteristics of the last days is a lack of thanksgiving, 2 Tim 3:2. Ouch! When Jesus met the ten lepers on his way to Jerusalem, they all asked to be healed, Luke 17:11-19. As the lepers went to show themselves to the priests as commanded by Jesus, they were healed. However, only one returned to thank Him. “Were not all ten cleansed?” He asked. It is important to thank people for small and big favors, above all else God is worthy of our thanksgiving.

Certainly, we cannot adequately praise and worship God without also being thankful. The Bible has prominent and imperative calls to give thanks to God. Actually, we are to “enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His Courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.” We give thanks to God for who He is; He is good and His love endures forever, Psalm 106:1; 107:1; 118:1; 136:1; 1 Chr. 16:34. Thank God for salvation and opportunity to serve Him, 1 Tim 1:12–13.In fact it is God’s will to give thanks in all circumstances, 1 Thes 5:18. It should be a natural way of life for us, flowing from our hearts and mouths. We must thank God because everything we have is indeed a gift from Him, James 1:17. I believe thanksgiving unlocks many doors and brings showers of blessings.

Don’t be stingy with the application of “Thank You”

Faithful Scribbler,

NzakuNashipae 

KACHELBELA: #Perfect_Solution_for_Fights_and_Squabbles,

KACHELBELA: #Perfect_Solution_for_Fights_and_Squabbles,: Dear Diary, The life-changing gospel according to James: What Wracks Relationships, Homes, the Body of Christ, and Nations? #Pe...

#Perfect_Solution_for_Fights_and_Squabbles,

Dear Diary,

The life-changing gospel according to James: What Wracks Relationships, Homes, the Body of Christ, and Nations?

#Perfect_Solution_for_Fights_and_Squabbles,

Opening observation

Who hasn’t had fights and quarrels? Countless times, I have had trivial fights and unnecessary squabble with friends and also family. Am sure many of us can identify with me. Probably you have a friend you have been constantly quarreling with, sometime over very trivial things. It leaves you feeling frustrated and sour. Have you stopped to think and ask yourself, “Why are we quarreling? What is the real source of our conflict? Who is to blame?” As you might be aware, the first century church wrestled with conflicts between members. For example, Paul fiercely disagreed with Barnabas over John Mark; the Corinth church was divided into factions; the Philippi church had two wonderful women who couldn’t get along; the members of the Galatia church were biting and devouring each other; at the Ephesus church, in fact Paul appealed for tolerance and love between the church members, (Acts 15:36-40; Gal 5:15; Eph 4:1-16). In James chapter 4, the author takes quality time and space to address the issue of fights and quarrels among brethren. What he is asking is relevant even today not only in the church but also in various institutions. “What causes fights and squabbles among you?” What wracks relationships, homes, churches, and nations?

Source of fights and squabbles, v.1-3

If a conflict is to be solved reasonably, its source must be correctly identified. Remarkably, the enemy is not overseas and/or from the other person but IT DWELLS WITHIN YOU! James answer to the source of fights and quarrels is somewhat blunt, “Don’t they come from desires (Gk hedonon) that battle within you?” v. 1. James identifies the first source of fights and quarrels-desires/pleasure (hedonon). From Strong’s concordance, hedon is defined as “Pleasure, a pleasure, especially sensuous pleasure; a strong desire, passion.” This is a philosophy that views pleasure as the chief goal of life. Because of the overriding desire, a person yields to the evil lusts. “You desire, but do not have, so kill (hate). You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight,” v. 2.

The second source is lack of dependence on God as evidenced in a person’s prayer life or lack of it thereof, v. 2b-3. Lack of prayer means that a person’s focus is not in God but on self, v.2b. It is easy to read self-help books and go for counselling on how to deal with various trials and squabbles instead of praying. On the flip side, a person can use prayer as a means of personal selfish gratification rather than to glorify God, v.3. In the Lord’s prayer, Jesus taught that prayer is not to arm twist God to play to our tune, but to get God’s will done on earth, Matt 6:10. Friends, if you want to receive the good and perfect gift from God, ask with proper motives.

Solutions for the fights and squabbles, v. 4-17

Having identified the source of the squabbles as the desire for pleasure and lack of dependency on God, James rebukes his readers for spiritual unfaithfulness, v. 4-7. The two competing objects of our affection are the world (evil pleasures and all that’s opposed to God) and God, v.4. By choosing to be a friend of the world you become an enemy of God that is because God is a jealous God, v.5. God demands for your love and total devotion and His grace is greater to help you submit to Him and resist Satan and the lustful appeal of the world and all its pleasures, v. 6-7. In our pursuit for pleasure, we get estranged from God. James makes imperative call for repentance and total dependence on God:

• Come near to God, v. 8a;
• Make your conduct pure and purify your hearts, v.8;
• Grief and mourn, v. 9;
• Be humble before God, v. 10;
• Do not slander, v. 11;
• Do not find-fault and judge others unkindly, harshly and with critical spirit, v.11-12;
• Subject and condition your plans to God’s will, v. 13-17. Do not arrogantly boast and brag about tomorrow and your self-sufficiency. To make plans without considering God’s plan and will is arrogance and evil.

I can’t add anything else. The message is unblemished, if you want to avoid fight and squabbles, apply God’s word in the area of your desires and plans; repent and humbly submit your desires and plans to God’s will.

Faithful Scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Is silence the ultimate answer to the problem of t...

KACHELBELA: Is silence the ultimate answer to the problem of t...: Dear Diary, The life changing Gospel According to James 3:  #Life_and_Death_are_in_the_Power_of_the-Tongue #Eat_the_Fruit_of_Your...

Is silence the ultimate answer to the problem of the tongue?

Dear Diary,

The life changing Gospel According to James 3: 

#Life_and_Death_are_in_the_Power_of_the-Tongue

#Eat_the_Fruit_of_Your_Tongue

Earlier, we learned that a person who has been regenerated must apply God’s word in specific areas of life. One of these areas is restraining speech. In chapter 1:19 James mentioned restrain the tongue and reiterated the same in v. 26. In this chapter he expands on the powerful influence and the perversity of the tongue. At the heat of a moment, am sure many of us have said things we regret, let’s see how we can be able to restrain our tongues.  

Opening observation

James’s first concern has to do with those who desire to be teachers. They ought to be conscious of the weight and influence of their tongue which lies at the heart of their teaching. He begins by stating that they have a stricter responsibility, v.1 “Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will ^[a]be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly],” (AMP). Those who want to become teachers must realize that the responsibility and accountability is serious and greater. You remember even Jesus warned, “But the one who did not know it and did things worthy of a beating, will receive only a few [lashes]. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more,” Luke 12:48. The responsibility and accountability is sobering in the light of the shared weakness that the tongue is the most difficult member of a body to tame v.2.

The power of the tongue, 3-6

Consider the following illustrations: first, the bit. A bit is a metal mouthpiece of a bridle whereby a rider controls a horse, v3; second, a rudder.  A rudder is a flat piece, usually of wood, metal, or plastic, hinged vertically near the stern of a boat or ship for steering. Compared of the size of the vessel, the small rudder is able to guide a ship wherever the pilot wants, v. 4; third, fire, an inflammatory and destructive potential. A vast forest is set on fire by a small spark, v.5b; fourth, a world of evil, v. 6. Its powerful influence is such that it can destroy and/or corrupt the whole person and sets the whole course of his life on fire, v6b.  Likewise, the tongue is a small member of the body, it has no bones yet it has power to alter destinies. By controlling it, the entire body is bridled, v. 5a. Now, James concludes this section by tracing the inflaming nature of the tongue back to its source-hell. “…and is itself set on fire by hell,” v.6b.

The perversity of the tongue, v. 7-12

God gave man dominion over creation, Genesis 1:28. Successfully, mankind has been able to tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures, v. 7. However, one of the aspects of the perversity of the tongue is that no man can tame the tongue, v. 8. In its natural state the tongue is restless evil, deadly poison. The second aspect of its perversity is its inconsistency, v. 9-10. We use the same tongue to praise the Lord and our Father and to curse fellow men, who are made in the image of God. James turns to nature for very inspiring illustrations, “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” v. 11. “Can a fig tree bear olives?” v.12. According to nature, a water spring and a plant produce according to its nature. Likewise, a regenerated man ought to restrain his speech-out of a good man’s mouth should come good words.

Demonstration of a living faith: Heavenly vs. earthly wisdom, v. 13-18

So, “Who is wise and understanding?” he should show it by his good life, deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom, v.13. Wisdom enables a regenerated person to live a life of godliness. The character of earthly wisdom is bitter envy, selfish ambition, arrogant and defiant against truth. Such wisdom is sensual and demonic; it doesn’t come from heaven. In fact, it results in confusion and every evil thing, v.14-16. On the flip side the character of heavenly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere, peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness, v. 17-18.

In conclusion, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue and we will eat the fruit of what we say,” Proverbs 18:21. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise,” (Prov. 10:19). “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech,” 1 Peter 3:10. Silence is not the ultimate answer to the problem of the tongue but verbal holiness includes both gracious and honest speech and also silence under the control of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, ask God for heavenly wisdom and understanding to become spiritually mature evidenced in the use of the tongue. The Holy Spirit and Wisdom from God makes it possible for a born again (wo)man to tame the tongue.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: Faith Without Deeds is Dead

KACHELBELA: Faith Without Deeds is Dead: Dear Diary, The life Changing Gospel according to James 2:14-26 #Faith_Must_be_Attended_by_Action Wait a minute, is James for j...

Faith Without Deeds is Dead

Dear Diary,

The life Changing Gospel according to James 2:14-26

#Faith_Must_be_Attended_by_Action

Wait a minute, is James for justification by works? Is he contradicting Paul’s doctrine of Justification by faith alone, Eph. 2:8-10? Not at all! In the preceding passage we learned that listening/reading God’s word must be blended with doing. The section concludes with a warning and an exhortation that we are going to be judged as believers, James 12-13 (at the judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor 5:10). The standard of judgment will be on the basis of the royal law of love, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” Jam. 2:8. Judgment without mercy will be the lot of those who did not show mercy (remember what James has in mind at the beginning of chapter 2, a poor man who instead of receiving mercy from the believers, received cruel discrimination), v. 13. The question James poses is this, “What good/advantage/help is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? v.14. The saving faith Paul talks about is doctrinal while the faith James is addressing is practical.

Stating the proposition, “Faith without action is dead,” v. 17

James proposition is hypothetical and interrogative, “What good is it, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” v. 14. Certainly, genuine faith affects the believer’s lifestyle. Speaking your faith without doing your faith cannot meet practical needs as illustrated by a naked and hungry brother and/or sister, v. 15. Only faith clothed in deeds can meet those needs, v.16-17.

In support of the proposition, “Faith without deeds is dead,” v. 18-26

First, faith is invisible but it can be felt and seen through its good fruit/deeds like meeting the practical needs of a brother or sister who is in dire need of raiment and food. “Faith, not accompanied by good deeds is dead,” v.17. Mere profession of faith proves nothing but action demonstrates the genuineness of your faith, v. 18. Second, saving faith expresses itself outwardly in a changed life, v.19. It’s not enough to believe the Shema creed (that there’s only One God, Deut 6:4), even demons do and in fact, they shudder. How about you and I? Third, “Do you want evidence that faith without deeds is dead?” v. 20. As evidenced in reference to Abraham and Rahab, genuine faith moves people to act in obedience to God, v. 21-25.  Fourth, “The body without the spirit is nothing but a corpse,” v. 26. Undoubtedly, if there are no deeds springing from faith, that faith is dead and useless.

You see, the issue of faith and works is a thorny one and many people think that Paul and James contradicted each other but if you look intently into Paul’s teaching about Faith in relation to work, you will discover that Apostle Paul was combating a legalism mentality that held that a person may earn justification before God by his good deeds while James was combating an insincere faith that had no wholesome effect in the life of the believer acknowledging to have faith.

In conclusion, as a true believer it is important to know that your saving faith is invisible to people but it can be seen, touched and felt through good deeds. Faith and deed are inseparable. Remember, true religion is the kind that meets practical needs of people. However, good deeds are not means to salvation; faith is not an intellectual or emotional response. Indeed, it is not enough to speak faith; it must be accompanied by good deeds. Evidently, good deeds are by-product of genuine faith.  

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: See Yourself in the Mirror of the Word of God

KACHELBELA: See Yourself in the Mirror of the Word of God: Dear Diary, The Life Changing Gospel According to James, (James 1:19-2:13) #See_Yourself_in_the_Mirror_of_the_Word_of_God,  Thi...

See Yourself in the Mirror of the Word of God

Dear Diary,

The Life Changing Gospel According to James, (James 1:19-2:13)

#See_Yourself_in_the_Mirror_of_the_Word_of_God, 

This passage appears like an isolated exhortation from the preceding verses but upon careful consideration there is a significant link. The preceding verse emphasized that God is not the source and author of temptation; instead, He has given us a new birth which comes through the WORD, v.18. The following verse 19-21 emphasizes listening to and receiving the word and verses 22-25 reinforces the doing while verses 26-2:13 are about application of the word into some specific areas of our lives.

Clear the way for the reception of God’s saving Word, James 1:19-21

-          James calls our attention to the reception of God’s word of truth, v. 19-21:

o   Firstly, quick to Listen- a reception of God’s word demands for a readiness to listen, v. 19b.

o   Secondly, restrain speech, v. 19c. Certainly, a continual talker cannot hear cannot when God speaks to him. 

o   Thirdly, restrain anger, v. 19d. If you are angry, your mind is closed to God’s truth and it cannot produce the righteous life that God wants, v.20.

o   Fourthly, rid yourself of all moral filth, v.21a. As you prepare to receive God’s word, you must rid yourself of all moral filth and the prevalent evil.

o   Fifthly, with humility receive the word of God planted in you, v.21a.

Wed Listening with Doing, v. 22-25

-          It’s of paramount importance to know that the Word of God is characterized by freedom and perfection, v. 25. The reason for being blessed is fourfold: first, he looks into God’s truth intently; secondly, he consistently continues to look into God’s word; thirdly, he does not forget what he has heard/read from God’s word; fourthly, he puts what he has read/heard into practice.

-          The author calls us not to merely congratulate ourselves for listening to and/or reading the word. Do not be duped that it is all that is needed to obtain favour with God. Hearing/reading must be mingled with doing.

-          Why should listening/reading be mingled with doing? V. 23-25. Here is an illustration of a man who looks himself in the mirror, studies his face and becomes thoroughly familiar with all his features, v. 23. Upon going away from the mirror, this man immediately forgets what he looks like, “out of sight out of mind,” v. 24. It is preposterous to carefully scrutinize yourself in the mirror then the next minute you forget how you look like. Likewise, the man who listens/reads carefully the word of truth and forgets to put it into practice is ludicrous. The essence of reading/listening to God’s word is to act upon it. In fact, the person who listens and practices the word is blessed in all what He does, v. 25.

Application of God’s Word in Specific areas of life, v. 26-2:13

-          It is not enough to listen/read God’s word, v. 22-25; it’s not sufficient to engage in religious activities, v. 26. A person who has been regenerated by God’s truth must put the spiritual truth into practice:

o   First, in your speech; a person with unrestrained tongue is self-deceived and his religion is worthless because it does not make a difference in the way he lives, v. 26.

o   Second, in your expression of love for others-caring for the orphans and widows, v. 27a.

o   Third, in holiness. A person who has been regenerated by the word of truth must keep himself from being polluted by the world, v. 27b.

o   Fourth, stop showing favouritism or discrimination on the basis of social status. It violates the standard of God’s truth, Ch. 2:1-13. Christ who is our glorious Lord broke down walls of discrimination. No basis for showing favouritism is justified, v. 2-4.

§  Arguments against practice of showing favouritism: first, social snobbishness of the world is short-sighted and superficial, v.5. God does not choose the poor on merit of their inherent poverty and secondly, God chooses those who have nothing in themselves so that none of them may boast before Him.

§  The supreme law that governs human relationships is, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” and by practicing it you do right, v.8. Indeed, love overlooks superficial distinctions such as wealth and quality of clothing and shows kindness to all in spite of a person’s social status.

§  Scriptures strongly condemn discrimination as sin, v. 9-10. To show favouritism does not agree with God’s heart, v.11.

o   Fifth, speak and act in the light of the fact that you will be judged. The recipient of mercy should likewise be merciful, v. 12-13. Mercy must be a mark of a regenerated person.

In conclusion, a person who has been regenerated by God’s truth must restrain his speech, show love to others, be holy; He must not show discrimination and judge others mercilessly.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae