2018-10-26
Psalm 119:59 NKJV
Thinkers: Thinkers like to know – everything. They’re the investigators, scientists, and inventors among us. They love to discover truths no one else has uncovered, and master bodies of knowledge, skills, and hobbies on their own. They have amazing memories when it comes to retaining information about things they’re interested in. On the minus side, thinkers can be introverted; they enjoy having their own space. So what’s the sin that can “so easily trip up” a thinker? (a) Insensitivity to others. Sometimes thinkers love being right more than they love the people around them. And they’re not always comfortable expressing emotion or affection. They’re inclined to express their feelings indirectly or through gestures, so it can feel like they’re takers and not givers. They don’t like to lose arguments, and they don’t like to be interrupted. They enjoy solitude for hours on end – even days. That doesn’t mean they’re more spiritual than the rest of us; it just means they have a lower need for community and connection. The problem is we weren’t created to fly solo. You can only grow spiritually as you give to others and are willing to receive from them. Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35 NIV). (b) Thinkers often struggle with the concept of “faith.” That doesn’t make them bad people; most are honest doubters. Faith and reason aren’t necessarily opposed, but when reason won’t take you another step, faith in God enables you to keep going. Life will hand you situations that reason alone can’t resolve – that’s when you need faith in God.
Soul food: Isa 12-16; John 6:25-34; Ps 85; Prov 27:20-22
2018-10-25
1 Corinthians 9:27 NKJV
Artists: Artists not only love beauty and see it in places others don’t, they’re uniquely gifted to create it. They express their individuality in bold ways that enrich us all. They bring color and flair to a world that would otherwise be drab. But since none of us can live in the ideal world of our imagination, artists are sometimes ill equipped to live in the real world with its problems and pressures. The same sensitivity that makes them creative often enslaves them to emotional swings that put people off, and ends up destroying the artist himself. From Ernest Hemingway to Elvis Presley, the history books tell the story. King David was artistic. He was a gifted poet, dancer, and composer of many songs. But his inability to control his impulses culminated in an affair that led to murder and the devastation of his family. Understand one thing: Every strength God gives you has a corresponding weakness that must be identified and handled in the right way. The more talented you are, the more disciplined you must be. Paul was wise enough to recognize his own proclivities: “I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest…when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway” (KJV). The last few decades have proven that even people God gifted to build great churches and lead great ministries aren’t immune to temptation. Where there is great talent – there is great temptation. Where do sheep find their greatest safety? By sticking close to the shepherd. Today, do that!
Soul food: Isa 8-11; John 6:1-24; Ps 126; Prov 27:17-19
2018-10-24
Philippians 2:5 NIV
Achievers: Achievers love to overcome challenges and perform for others. At best, they’re motivated to grow, stretch, and learn. They inspire and move people to action and enjoy being in front of crowds. Giving a talk energizes them. Without a chance to develop and shine they lose their motivation. Achievers want to make an impact, can be tempted to live for the image they portray, and end up idolizing their own performance. They’re apt to measure success in terms of applause and recognition. When John the Baptist said about Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV), he demonstrated the kind of surrender that can be difficult for an achiever. Simon Magus thought he could buy a spectacular ministry like Peter’s, and offered Peter money in exchange for the ability to give others the Holy Spirit (See Acts 8:18-22 NIV). Similarly, an unredeemed achiever can turn what looks like serving God into serving himself. For many of us “the sin that so easily trips us up” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) is pride. While achievers have the ability to accomplish great things and enrich the lives of others, they can also become preoccupied with their own image and success. What’s the answer? Paul says: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves…look not only to your own interests, but…the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5 NIV).
Soul food: Isa 4-7; John 5:31-47; Ps 5; Prov 27:13-16
2018-10-23
Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Servers: Servers love to be needed. They’re natural caregivers who’ll fluff up your pillow even when it doesn’t need fluffing! They remember birthdays and anniversaries, and they’re often first to get up from the table and wash the dishes. Servers often work in social settings where they support other people. They’re most comfortable when they have something to do. But while they’re drawn to help people, that helping often comes from their own neediness. Lurking under their servant-hood is sometimes low self-esteem that demands to be fed. And because it can never be fully satisfied, they end up draining others. Martha is a great illustration. While she was busy serving, her sister Mary sat at Jesus’ feet (See Luke 10:39-42.) On the plus side, servers demonstrate love in action and have a natural other-centeredness that makes people feel cared for. On the minus side, they sometimes use their “giving” to manipulate others. And the problem is that when you try to lighten their burden and lift their load, they won’t let you. Their innate fear of not being needed makes it impossible for them to set healthy boundaries. So what’s the answer? (a) Make sure your first priority is serving God, not people. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” (b) Understand that your reward comes from God, not other people. “The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does” (Ephesians 6:8 NIV). (c) Don’t complain. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault” (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV).
Soul food: Isa 1-3; John 5:16-30; Ps 15; Prov 27:10-12
2018-10-22
Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Because of how we’re wired we often find ourselves drawn to certain sins. Consequently our areas of weakness are usually consistent and predictable. It’s like having a “sin profile.” In his book Signature Sins: Taming Our Wayward Hearts, Dr. Michael W. Mangis identifies nine of these patterns using an ancient system called the Enneagram. It’s somewhat controversial because it’s been used by many spiritual traditions. However, it’s thought to have originated out of consideration of the seven deadly sins and the fruit of the Spirit, therefore it can be applied within a Christian framework. To help you become more self-aware and build a defense against your particular area of vulnerability, let’s spend the next few days looking at these nine pattern sins, and the people most likely to wrestle with them. Reformers: Reformers are drawn to perfection. They have a high standard of excellence and their greatest fear is being flawed. (They make good surgeons – and excellent golfers.) At their best they’re crusaders, watchdogs, and prophets. But because they wrestle with perfectionism and self-righteousness, they tend to judge others whose standards aren’t quite so high. The prophet Amos is a good example. He writes about “a plumb line” that shows how far short people fall of God’s standards (See Amos 7:7-8). Writing to the reformers, Paul said, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” As a reformer your greatest challenge will be to demonstrate love, patience, and grace in your dealings with others. And with God’s help you can do it.
Soul food: Exo 39-40; John 5:1-15; Ps 41; Prov 27:7-9
2018-10-21
Hebrews 12:1 NLT
In his book The Me I Want to Be, John Ortberg points out that a “pattern sin” is one you’re habitually drawn to. That doesn’t mean nobody else commits it. It just means you’re vulnerable in that particular area. Usually the pattern of your sin is related to the pattern of your gifts. Just as home-run hitters in baseball also strike out a lot, your gifts and passions can indicate your areas of vulnerability. For example, extroverts who have the ability to inspire and encourage others are sometimes prone to gossip. People who love to learn may be tempted to feel superior and talk down to others. People who are spontaneous and have a great appetite for life often struggle with impulse control. Good listeners can become passive enablers. Optimists are often susceptible to denial. Greek mythology speaks of the nemesis (an enemy who seems unbeatable). Your nemesis is like you in almost every way, except he’s the ruined version of you. Sherlock Holmes’ nemesis was Professor Moriarty, also a brilliant man. He was like Holmes would’ve been if he’d gone wrong. Because there’s a relationship between the best and the worst versions of you, in many areas of life you’re your own nemesis. And what they have in common is – they’re both you! Why is it helpful to know this? Because awareness and sensitivity to your own proclivities are the first steps toward building a defense. We have a staggering capacity for self-deception and self-justification. Addressing careless, coldhearted believers in the end-age church, Jesus told them they needed “ointment [the Holy Spirit] for your eyes so you will be able to see” (Revelation 3:18 NLT).
Soul food: Acts 13:21-22; 1 Sam 16; 1 Sam 17:32-51; 1 Sam 24:1-17
