Compass Point #23

Even in the midst of your greatest struggles, recognize that God is using your life experiences, good and bad, to help shape your heart. He offers encouragement when you need it, comfort when it seems impossible, and purpose through it all. Still, there are those that questions whether God can truly provide healing after their terrible struggle. They somehow feel that they are too bad, too far gone, or the pain is too much for God to do anything in and through them. But God can.

Through the most horrific life experiences, God is shaping your heart if you will let him for your own health, and for the health of others.

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1–4 (ESV)

You see, when God heals you, He wants you to then help heal others. You can provide comfort because you have been comforted. You can share compassion because you have experienced compassion. Likely, you have become more aware of the hardships of others once you have experienced hardship and you probably know what they need in the midst of it. How is God shaping you through the good and bad? What have you experienced that you can share with others?

Truth: God is shaping our hearts through life experiences.

Question: What have you learned through challenging circumstances that you can share with others in their time of need?

Compass Point #21

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. Luke 8:40–42 (ESV)

Jesus was no stranger to suffering. He experienced it daily in the lives of people He came into contact with. What is so interesting is how Jesus responded. When you or I encounter a need, we usually go through some type of triage process to determine how intensive someone’s need is and what it would cost us to help. If the cost is too high, we walk away. If the cost is low enough, we might get involved.

Jesus didn’t go through this ranking of needs. Instead, when He saw a need, He met it. Even when he is engaged and busy, Jesus took time to stop and help those who were hurting and He is calling us to do the same. What would it look like to step into the lives of others and be a stronghold of hope during a very dark time? You likely come into contact with people in need on a regular basis who may not have anyone else to help. It’s more than giving a handout or a shoulder to cry on. Intervening in the needs of others is the very ministry of Jesus. Will you choose to see the needs of people that will cross your path, today?

Truth: Jesus demonstrated care and concern for those who were struggling.

Question: How sensitive are you to seeing those who are in need?

Compass Point #20

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17:3 (ESV)

One of the most important messages of the gospel is not the “formula” to get to heaven, it is an invitation for a relationship with God…the kind of relationship that is interactive, engaging, and real. Jesus described our response to the gospel as “knowing” the one true God.

When can know a lot about a lot of stuff, but truly knowing God is like knowing your best friend, your spouse, or your kids. You know them at a level that is intimate and full of life. A lot of people know “about” God but do you really “know” Him? Spending time in His word, reflecting His character, and following His teachings will lead you to truly know God and you will, as a result, share His love to those around you.

As you think about your own close relationships and your relationship with God, they all take an investment of your time and your heart. Decide, today, that you will make a significant investment in knowing God and following his teachings.

Truth: Knowing God is different from knowing about God.

Question: How are you deepening your relationship with God?

Compass Point #19

Have you ever noticed that Jesus never got into a lengthy debate about doctrine or theology? That’s not to say that He didn’t answer his critics from time to time to shut down their argument. Still, he changed lives. When you decide that you are going to positively influence others with the gospel, you are likely to encounter someone that wants to debate and as Christians, it’s sometimes hard to resist. The problem is, debates don’t win people to Christ, loving them and demonstrating what it means to be a disciple does.

Paul described his approach to the church in Corinth this way…

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1–2 (ESV)

He didn’t try to out debate them. He just talked about Jesus and what He had done for him. Somewhere the church got lost in the last few hundred years and we began to prize belief systems over hearts changed by Jesus. I don’t think it’s any consequence that at the same time, the influence of the church not only decreased, but at times it no longer even looked like Jesus, anymore. Even today, many churches are known by their arguments, disagreements, and their beliefs are worn like a chip on their shoulder.

But Jesus didn’t influence people that way. He told them who He was, gave great grace, showed incredible love, and taught them how to follow Him. Arguments and debates don’t win people to Jesus…grace, truth, and love does. As you allow your life to intermingle with others, consider the kinds of conversations you are having about Jesus. Do they follow the same pattern as our Savior?

Truth: Jesus is the focus, not belief systems.

Question: When you have conversations with people about God, what is the focus of your discussion?