Hope

On Deposit

My husband works in a bank. Part of his job is to help potential customers see how his bank might be able to serve their needs better than their current bank. It’s not an easy proposition. After all, the customers have a relationship with their current bank. They know and presumably like their current financial provider. Not only that, but their current bank literally has control over some of the business’ assets. There is a dependency there and it’s a hard bond to break.

As Christians, we also have been entrusted with a deposit. According to 2 Timothy 1:14, our deposit is the Gospel message which we have heard. The fact that this message has been given to us should strengthen our resolve to hold fast to the One Who’s message it is. In other words, just like a customer and a bank are inextricably bonded when the customer gives the bank some money to hold on to, because Christ has given us His message of salvation, we should more fully grasp on to Him.

The wonderful thing about this verse in 2 Timothy is that right before it, Paul is writing about all the suffering he has had to endure. Paul demonstrates to us that the reason he is able to suffer well is because of the fact that Christ entrusted him with the salvation message. It’s because of the Gospel that Paul knows that his suffering is not in vain. It’s because of the Gospel that Paul knows that the work he does here on Earth can have an eternal reward. And it’s because of the Gospel that Paul knows his suffering is temporary but his salvation is secured.

So it should be for us. We should suffer well, work hard, and proceed with confidence because we too have been entrusted with the Good News of Christ.

(And as a side note, we should recognize that when banks take a deposit from one customer then often turn it into a loan for someone else. May we similarly share the deposit that we’ve been given so that we can bless others and receive eternal returns.)

Continue Reading

Being Content Hope

The Whatever List

This continues the mini-series on peace. To see the previous posts, click here, here and here.

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, you are probably familiar with Philippians 4:8. The verse states:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil 4:8, ESV)

This verse is often used as a reminder that as a Christian our thoughts, our actions, our behaviors, need to be that which brings God glory.  It’s a good reminder; one that we probably can’t hear often enough.

However, what is often left out of the discussion is verse 9. It states:

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things,” (Phil 4:9a, ESV)

So Paul is saying – “If you want to accomplish this list of whatever’s – just look at how I’ve lived. See how I’ve focused on what’s true;  see how I’ve lived in accordance with what’s honorable.” And then he states:

“and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:9b, ESV)

Do you catch that? If we focus on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable – then we will experience God’s peace. That’s because when we are focusing on these things, we are focusing on the things of God – and in that – in recognizing Who He is, who we’re not, and that He has all things in His control, we will know His calming presence.

So if we’re feeling anxious – focus on what’s true – that God is in control.

If we’re worried – focus on what’s honorable – doing the things that give God glory.

If you’re uncertain – focus on what’s just -that for the Christian, God’s justice has already been fulfilled.

If you’re in a time of despair – focus on what’s lovely – and be reminded of God’s grace.

May each of us experience His calming peace today, as we focus on the things that are of God.

Continue Reading