Why Christians are Hypocrites

No one likes a hypocrite—someone who says one thing and does another. Among all hypocrites, the Christian hypocrite is perhaps most unlikable and most visible. Shouldn't those named as followers of Jesus Christ be, instead, most able to follow through on the beliefs they uphold?

No matter who you are, you have certainly been hurt or offended by a "Christian hypocrite." The blame belongs entirely to us, and not to Jesus. At least three reasons explain the problem.

1. The person claiming to follow Jesus Christ isn't a true Christian

There are two kinds of false Christians: those who are deceptive, and those who are ignorant.

"Beware of false prophets [preachers], who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruit."
~ Jesus, Matthew 7:15-16 (NKJV)

The person is downright dangerous who uses God's name or words as leverage to advance personal agenda. Although cult leaders fall into this category, so do many other appealing religious personalities, whose message never actually exalts Jesus Christ as Lord and God.

Jesus taught that the way to discern between true and false teachers is to examine the fruit of their lives. Whatever their good deeds, however successful or persuasive, false teachers fail to produce the spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) of thankful joy, peace amid affliction or conflict, patience (with trying people and situations), active kindness, goodness in response to evil, faith to confront uncertainty, humble gentleness, self-control (rather than gratification of unhealthy desires), and, above all, selfless love.

Like the devil himself, false preachers are agents of darkness who masquerade as ministers of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Such people, and their message, are to be rejected.

Other false Christians, however, are trying to be right. But they are going about it the wrong way, according to their own definition of right and wrong, in ignorance of God's definitions.

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
~ Romans 10:3 (NKJV)

Regrettably, true Christians can also display ignorance—a second reason for hypocrisy.

2. Christians are ignorant

Please note that doesn't say "some" Christians.

Every single Christian has knowledge of some incredible truths about Jesus Christ, which make possible the faith that creates an entirely new person. Those incredible truths get us Christians pretty excited. In fact, we can sometimes latch onto one truth at the expense of other truths, or even at the expense of the most important truths.

Without balance, any truth can become error.

Example: God is love. Love does good. God's love coexists with His allowance of suffering. Without understanding both truths, Christians either expect not to suffer, or see suffering as occasion to question God's love and goodness. A balanced knowledge of God's love sees that He allows pain for our benefit. (Hebrews 12:6-11; Romans 8:18,28; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

No matter how much truth about God that we gain, we Christians remain ignorant of far more. And if we're also ignorant of our ignorance, we can start to think that the truth we do have makes us wise enough …

For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion …
~ Romans 11:25 (NKJV)

… which is a third and probably most significant reason that Christians display hypocrisy.

3. Christians are incomplete

Human nature does things our own way. A Christian accepts God's ways as best. God puts in our hearts not only this understanding, but the desire and ability to do things His way.

Yes, I know that nothing good lives in me—I mean nothing good lives in the part of me that is earthly and sinful. I want to do the things that are good, but I do not do them. I do not do the good things I want to do, but I do the bad things I do not want to do.
~ Romans 7:18-19 (NCV)

Though Christians want to do things God's way, we continue to battle against the sin that goes to the core of our hearts. The more Christians grow in knowledge and understanding and faith, the more complete we become in a new, spiritual nature—the more we become like Christ Himself.

This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him.
~ Ephesians 4:13 (CEV)

When Christians think we've already become what we're supposed to be, we cannot deny the label of hypocrite. But when we transparently admit our ignorance and imperfection, our failings and sin; when we acknowledge that we simply aspire to be like Jesus Christ; when we put the emphasis on Him rather than ourselves (or—God forbid!—on the sin of others), then we grow less and less like hypocrites.

I rely upon this: that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 1:6

No matter who you are, please have patience with Christians, who are still becoming mature in producing that spiritual fruit mentioned above. And please, beware of listening to the false Christians, who have no such fruit.

Comments are welcome (including respectful disagreement) and will receive a reply.
You may also contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – use @gmail.com *after* buildingHisbody
Copyright 2013, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Informed, Conformed, Transformed – Part II, Watch What You Watch

Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
~ John 3:4 (NKJV)

Humans learn through observation. If the only birth we know involves a baby and his mother's womb, this is all we understand.

A Christian is likely to learn by observing other Christians, being conformed to people he likes, and being conformed to an opposing image of those he doesn't. Whether they're right or wrong isn't necessarily relevant. And being conformed by observing the image of another person risks never being better than another sorry human.

If we are to imitate anyone, let it be Christ, Who is known in the reading of His words.

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
~ 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Comments are welcome and will receive a reply.
You may contact author via Twitter – @anne4JC
or e-mail – buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Divine Beauty Treatment

[Abram] said to Sarai his wife, "Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, 'This is his wife'; and they will kill me, but they will let you live."
~ Genesis 12:11-12 (NKJV)

Though she was about seventy years old, the beauty of Sarah (Sarai) commanded such attention that Abraham feared for his life. Longer age expectancies (Abraham lived to age 175) only partly explains that.

The particular Hebrew noun translated "beautiful countenance" is yâpheh, from the verb yâphâh, meaning to "be bright."

The face of Moses shone when he spent time in the Lord's presence. Perhaps such time is the only beauty treatment we need ever use.

"As an ambassador for the King of kings, whose kingdom is love, joy and peace, your face must be radiant, otherwise your message will not be believed."
~ Basilea Schlink

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Choosing What to See

This post is part of a blog carnival hosted by Peter Pollock. You're invited to visit his site and see what others are saying about today's theme: Reflection.

"The way we choose to see the world
creates the world we see."
~ Barry Kaufman

photo courtesy of Kelly Sauer

When looking at clear water or glass, do you see the surface image or into the depth?

We are created to appreciate beauty. When we look no further than superficial beauty—if distortion or ugliness prevents us from looking deeper—we miss true beauty. We know this simple truth, yet how often are we too busy or distracted to look beyond what we see first?

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But one who fears the LORD shall be praised.
~ Proverbs 31:30 (author)


When facing a mirror, do you focus on yourself, what is behind, or what is ahead?

There is a time to examine the image we present and alter it as needed. There is a time to glance backwards and make ourselves aware of what affects us. But gazing long at the past or at Self provides a limited view that can only hinder us from moving forward with others.

Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV)


When giving a matter serious thought, what single factor most shapes your perspective?

In the movie "City Slickers," Jack Palance's character, Curly, says the secret of life is just one thing—and each person must find that one thing. What is your one thing, that first comes to mind when you are happy, sad, worried? What one thing you look at is shaping who you are?

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
~ 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)

Lord, as we look back on the year behind, as we look to the year ahead, please allow us to see ourselves, our circumstances, and Your Son as You do. In every reflection, may we see You.

Comments, questions, and respectful disagreement are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments, or e-mail me ~ buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Learning to be Unloved

Note: This week’s three posts are an extended response to a comment from Russell Holloway (who consistently makes me think hard) on Foundations Part II, in which Russell asserts that love for God and love for man cannot exist apart from one another.

“Loving means to love that which is unlovable—
or it is no virtue at all.”
~ Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Learning to be Unloved

“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”
~ Matthew 5:46 (NKJV)

It feels good to be loved. I daresay the need to be loved is greater than the need to sleep and eat and breathe.

Learning to love can be difficult, especially when it is love which requires selflessness and sacrifice. But there is the expectation that if we express love, we are loved in return, or at the very least get a good feeling from being selfless and sacrificial. The expectation is understood.

God operates on different principles. He asks us to do things like

• love your enemies
• do good to those who hate you
• bless those who curse you
• pray for those who spitefully use you
• to him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also
• from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic
• give to everyone who asks of you
• from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back
(Luke 6:27-30 NKJV)

This is learning to be unloved.

There is a place within Christian relationships to confront those who sin against you, to honor God and preserve the relationships. Several places in Scripture speak of sin and specifically puts it in the context of “if your brother ...”

Jesus’ words of Luke 6 are not one of those contexts. We seem to therefore draw the conclusion that they’re meant for the way we treat people of the world. We might argue a while before we finally break down and do good to those who hate us when a stranger is involved. We can reason that a non-Christian doesn’t know better.

But when bad behavior come from a brother or sister in Christ, there’s something about the expectation of good from a Christian that makes us bristle when they fail us. When we’ve invested ourselves in another person and sacrificed and there has been love shared, we don’t expect to see the day when love becomes apathy or betrayal or outright malice.

We expect love to feel good. No matter how many times we are hurt, no matter how many people sin against us, do we ever reach the point where we accept love as painful?

We don’t expect that learning to love will graduate to learning to be unloved while continuing to love. By ourselves, it is thoroughly impossible. With God, it is more than possible. It is our mandate. It is what our Lord asks of us and empowers in us, because it is the love He has given us.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
~ Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

Our precious Lord, we are thoroughly unworthy of You. Thank You for the great love You pour out upon us. Thank You for enduring the pain it cost You. Please enable us to love in the face of pain, of hatred, of apathy, of sin. Please teach us to be unloved and yet love, as You do.

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
#love
Image source: sundijo.wordpress.com

Identity

"Salvation is free. Discipleship will cost you your life."
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Identity
#discipleship

The name of Amram's wife was Jochebed the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and to Amram she bore Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam.
~ Numbers 26:59 (NKJV)

And God said to Abraham: "... This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised ... and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised ..."
~ Genesis 17:9-12 (NKJV)

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
~ Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

Movies such as "Ten Commandments" and "Prince of Egypt" dramatize how Moses might learn he was Hebrew. My own theory is that his parents made his identity clear.

Moses was nursed by his own mother. Children of biblical times and culture were typically nursed three years—old enough for his mother to make sure he knew who he was. And his father would have circumcised Moses—the unmistakable, irreversible mark of a Hebrew.

Circumcision was not a practice of Egyptians, nor was sufficient privacy among males for Moses' identity to be hidden. For the Hebrews then and for Jews of every era, circumcision is the single common mark of identity among all males.

Christians are usually identified based on things like they go to church, regularly read and know the Bible, uphold certain standards, and affirm belief in Jesus as Savior. While such practices are common to Christians, all of them may also be practiced as mere religion—an outward mark.

My pastor, Dean Stewart, defines that those who truly belong to Jesus are His disciples, and therefore His followers. Pastor Dean says followers will be characterized by things such as:

• Followers are responsive to Christ's voice.
• Followers are recognized by their appetite and passion to be more like Jesus as they learn His mind and practice His ways.
• Followers are worshipers whose eyes have been opened to see a glimpse of our Lord's greatness, glory and holiness.

The classic poser asks, "If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be sufficient evidence to convict you?"

I ask today, what criteria do you think sufficient to positively identity a person as a follower of Christ?

Lord Jesus, I ask You to speak to our hearts, to show each of us if we have honored You in making clear that we follow You, and to show how we might follow You more closely.

NOTE: Please see my comment of 10:08, below, concerning motive in asking this question.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Photo from movies.tvguide.com

Looking Unto Jesus

"Jesus became like us so we could become like Him."
~ Attributed to early church leaders

Looking Unto Jesus

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame ...
~ Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
~ John 1:14 (ESV)

The heavens declare the glory of God.
~ Psalms 19:1 (NKJV)

We become like that which we gaze upon most.

If we gaze upon discouraging situations, we will be discouraged.
If we gaze upon temptations and failures, we will continue to fail.
If we gaze upon the things of this world, we will be like this world.

If we gaze upon blessings, we will be blessed—and thankful.
If we lovingly gaze upon loved ones, we will be love—and loved.
If we are looking unto Jesus, we will become like Him.

We look upon Him on every page of the Bible, because Jesus is the Word of God. We look upon Him in moments of quiet prayer and in anguished pleas for deliverance.

When we look upon Him, we find grace and truth—and we behold His glory. And like the heavens in which His glory also dwells, we cannot help but declare it.

Lord Jesus, for some thirty-three years You walked in this world. You knew its struggles and temptations and pain. You, the Man of Sorrows, endured much agony, yet endured it until the final cry, "It is finished!" Give us endurance, and fill our mouths with praise of Your glory.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Debt of Love

"The debt of love never diminishes when we pay it."
~ Henry Jacobson

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law... Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
~ Romans 13:8,10 (NIV)

"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."
~ Matthew 5:39-41 (NIV)

But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers! Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?
~ 1 Corinthians 6:6-7 (NKJV)

God's Word is a fascinating study in contrasts.

The Christian life is a balance between Christian liberty which allows us freedom to live free of law, surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ, and a life best blessed when lived as taught by Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, manifest in principles of the Bible.

Submission to authority is one principle. So is the concept of being willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness. Yet we are not to compel suffering of others, because God expects us to defend the weak from their oppressors—oppressors who are often those in authority.

How do we reconcile all the Bible's contrasts without conflict? What trumps rock-paper-scissors in a three-way contest which comes up tied?

The law of love trumps all.

God has poured out upon us such abundant love that we are forever in love's debt. The commandment "love thy neighbor" doesn't have exemption. We are to love the weak and defend them when it's inconvenient and without payoff, even at the cost of personal sacrifice. We are to love the authority, and not only give in to unreasonable demands (if they do not violate morals), but even "go the second mile." We are to prefer being wronged for the sake of love and unity, rather than raise conflict among Christians.

Christ set the ultimate example of suffering for the sake of righteousness to give us liberty. Among His last prayers was for unity among His followers. He said we'd be known as His by our love.

Liberty and unity and love will never be reconciled with living for Self.

Consider yet another contrast: Salvation was purchased at the highest possible cost and is given as a free gift—but carries an eternal debt of love.

Lord Jesus, Your grace commands our love. We cannot love You too much or follow Your example of love too extremely. Please lead us in Your footsteps.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Exhibit F: Counselor

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
~ Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
~ John 14:26-27 (NIV)

Paul's next compelling evidence in the case for Christ is His Spirit. The proof of the Holy Spirit's presence is not supernatural manifestation which may be duplicated by the enemy, nor is it easily manufactured emotion.

The presence of the Holy Spirit is manifest by Jesus Christ in human flesh. It first occurred at Bethlehem, heralded by a star and song of angels. It occurs each time divine light shines into the world's darkness through us, when songs of praise pierce through our pain to display peace.

Jesus' words that He leaves His peace with us were spoken in the context of us receiving the Counselor, and thereby receiving His reminder of Christ's words in the needed hour. This is compelling proof of divinity's existence: when we face what the world gives with untroubled hearts and no fear, grounded in the Word of God.

It may be had for the asking, and is ours when we yield to the Spirit's leading.

Lord Jesus, You know well the tribulation the world gives. You know well the darkness and pain of this world. You know well the joy and love of the Father's presence for which we long. Please draw our hearts to yield to Your Spirit, minute by minute, that we might know Your peace as well as You know us.

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Wash One Another’s Feet

"For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves."
~ Luke 22:27 (NKJV)

"You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."
~ John 13:13-15 (NKJV)

"And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' "
~ Matthew 25:40 (NKJV)

Though Luke’s Gospel doesn’t include Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, it records the disciples disputing yet again who shall be greatest and Jesus’ reply. John’s Gospel omits the dispute, and simply relates that at supper’s end (when the disciples were surely relaxed with wine and full stomachs), Jesus the Master becomes the One who serves in the most menial capacity.

Jesus left behind a profound image as a last act of service before His death. He strips off the elite robe for which his mockers will soon cast lots. He washes from feet the street mire and dung into which His face will soon be pressed. He bows down before the men sitting at the table as if they are greater than Himself—men about to deny, betray and abandon Him.

We’ll be tempted to see some task as beneath us—to see ourselves as better than the man or woman who does it. There are some people we can’t imagine bowing before in menial service. Jesus asks us to put not ourselves in their place, but to put Him there, and recalculate the measurement we use for one who serves.

O Lord, we’re ever inclined to think too much of ourselves. Please give us a bigger view of Yourself. Enable us to exalt You in our lives so highly that after we’ve praised You on Sunday morning, we live throughout the week in Your example of One who serves.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

Like God

However, they were expecting that [Paul] would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
~ Acts 28:6 (NKJV)

Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
~ Genesis 3:4-5 (NKJV)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son ... these He also glorified.
~ Romans 8:29-30 (NKJV)

Satan mixes his lies with enough truth to make them palatable. When the Creator made humans in His image, we were already "like" God. Furthermore, disciples of Jesus are daily conformed to the image of Christ. God goes so far as to allow us to share the glory of His Son.

Yet God alone is God. God is the Sovereign of the heavens and earth and everything in them. He owns us, and allows us to choose whether or not to have Him as ours. He is in control of the circumstances beyond our reasoning or reach.

God is not like us, nor is His love as ours. The love of people can be self-serving. They will disappoint us, fail us, even betray us. God's love is absolute and unconditional, based not on our (un)worthiness, but His capability. God is love, and love—real love—never fails.

The more we trust the love of God, the more we become like God, without ever becoming God. Why would we want to be God, even of our own lives? He's already more than adequate.

Heavenly Father, every effort we've made to be god of our lives has been disastrous. You are perfect and complete. Please make us more like You. Please enable us to trust You more fully.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

We Are His Witnesses

"And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
~ Acts 5:32 (NKJV)

"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:35 (NKJV)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
~ Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Christians increasingly speak of Jesus' return, anxious for Him to right the world. The fact is, He's supposed to be here already. We are His body—His eyes to see, ears to listen, mouth to speak, hands to touch, heart to love, Spirit to empower. His presence is to be evident now.

Do you or I struggle with anger? With pride? Lust, bitterness, scorn? Or even plain annoyance? For those in whom Jesus' Spirit lives, the question is not so much what would Jesus do, but what is He doing? Is He given freedom to love through us, or does our flesh get in His way?

Whatever wrong thoughts and feelings we struggle with toward someone else, victory may be found in a simple prayer: "Lord, let me see this person through Your eyes, and let Your Spirit lead my response to him (her)."

For better or for worse, we are His witnesses.

Lord, thank You for putting Your Spirit within people cleansed by the blood of Jesus. Please help us yield to Your Spirit, and allow Him to guide our every thought, feeling, word and action. Please bring Your church to function as a whole and healthy body, built up in Your love.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy

Friday Freelance: FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

2008's winter solstice occurs at 7:04 a.m. EST this Sunday, December 21, when the North Pole is at its furthest point of tilt away from the sun.

If you prefer poetic over scientific ...

At dawn this Lord's day, light will increase and darkness will retreat as days grow longer and nights become shorter.

Numerous pagan religions celebrate the date when darkness climaxes in the Northern Hemisphere. It is noteworthy that while pagans celebrate darkness, Jewish and Christian holidays both celebrate light.

Sunday evening marks the beginning of the Festival of Lights. Jews celebrate Hanukkah (or Chanukah, also called the Feast of Dedication in John 10:22) on the 25th of Kislev (about four days before a December new moon), which this year occurs in Israel within a scant couple of hours of the solstice—an extremely rare concurrence.

Hanukkah commemorates when the Jews in 165 BC successfully rebelled against the Greek empire for its prohibition to practice Judaism and desecration of the Jerusalem temple. When ancient Jews rededicated the cleansed temple, they had one day's oil for the temple lamp, but the lamp miraculously burned for eight days until they obtained more oil.

On Wednesday evening, across the globe life and business as usual will screech to a halt while Christians and non-Christians alike commemorate the birth of Christ. Jesus' birth date is unknown, but was not likely a winter month, when shepherds didn't sleep in open fields. Many think Jesus was born at the Feast of Sukkoth, or Booths, in early autumn. A December date for the Christmas holiday is the Roman church's alternative to (or consolidation with) pagan celebration of the solstice.

Regardless of any argument against Christmas for inaccurate date or pagan correlation, God's gift of Jesus is certainly cause for celebration of light. Matthew highlights Jesus' appearance as fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy: "The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." (Matthew 4:16 NIV) When the apostle John in his Gospel describes God becoming flesh to dwell with us, he speaks of Jesus as "the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world." (John 1:9 NKJV) And Jesus says of Himself, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12 NKJV)

The time when darkness reigns is well suited to celebrating both Jesus coming as Light, and the temple light which once burned miraculously in Jerusalem. Hanukkah and Christmas will even be celebrated together on December 25th, 2016—a treat (or for some, conflict) happening about three times a century.

These two celebrations also converge every year, every day. Jesus tells us we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Victorious over the oppressive enemy through bloodshed, we are now the temples of His Holy Spirit, the place where God's presence and light dwell, miraculously illuminating a very dark world.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Prayer and Fasting

And when [Jesus] had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast [the demon] out?" So He said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:28-29 NKJV)

"You fast ... this day, To make your voice heard on high.
Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the LORD?
Is this not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the heavy burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?"
(Isaiah 58:4-6 NKJV)

I wept and chastened my soul with fasting.
(Psalms 69:10 NKJV)

The discipline of prayer and fasting is a tragic anomaly in American Christianity. Even when we attempt it, I suspect few of us are able to fully shed our obligations and dedicate ourselves to the kind of fasting the Bible describes—weeping, afflicting ourselves, immersed in prayer. Fasting done well apparently builds fellowship with God and imparts sensitivity to what grieves Him.

I confess that I rarely manage more than what amounts to a 24-hour hunger strike. The flesh may be slightly subdued for a time (a good thing), but the spirit experiences little of the humbling, brokenness, and sorrow that build spiritual muscle and bend the Lord's ear.

The Bible never addresses prayer and fasting as an "if you fast" matter, but always takes it for granted as a "when you fast ..." matter. It is evident that Jesus was quite familiar with fasting. If we are His disciples, we'd do well to imitate Him, despite full schedules and busy lives.

King of the Universe and Eternity, how is it that You call us "friends"? Is it barely possible that You long for the same fellowship, affection and love that we do? Do You indeed seek out hearts with whom You might share Your deepest feelings? Please teach us how to be faithful friends.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Follow Me

When [Jesus] had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it." (Mark 8:34-35 NKJV)

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it ... So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." (Luke 14:27-28,33 NKJV)

My soul follows close behind You.
(Psalms 63:8 NKJV)

Jesus has called fishermen, a tax collector, and every other disciple with the same words: "Follow Me." The imperative voice is not obligatory. Jesus uses no force or threat to compel compliance. He leaves the decision with the hearer, and He moves on with His work.

"Follow Me" and deny your Self—your dreams, your personality, your will. "Follow Me" and forsake all—count nothing your own, everything His, to do with it as He wishes. "Follow Me" and take up your cross—drink of the covenant cup, agonize at Gethsemane, receive affliction, and lay down your life. Daily. Live no longer for Self but for Him who bought you with His blood.

Count the cost. Make no mistake, but know that when Jesus says, "Follow Me," He calls you to walk with Him through the shadow of death, that you too may be resurrected.

The cost is high. The reward is far greater, both now and in eternity.

Lord Jesus, I love You. Some days I let go of Your hand for a bit and stumble. Please don't let me wander before You come after me. Help me to let go of things I once released and picked back up. Your life is worth so much more to me than my own. I don't want to go somewhere if I know that You're not there.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Desire for Beauty

Oh, bless our God, you peoples!
And make the voice of His praise to be heard,
Who keeps our soul among the living,
And does not allow our feet to be moved.
For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined.
You brought us into the net;
You laid affliction on our backs.
You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
(Psalms 66:8-12 NKJV)

Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear;
Forget your own people also, and your father's house;
So the King will greatly desire your beauty;
Because He is your Lord, worship Him.
(Psalms 45:10-11 NKJV)

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves. (1 Peter 3:3-5 NKJV)

In the book Your Captivating Heart, Stasi Eldredge draws her readers to "unveil the beauty, romance, and adventure of a woman's soul." She wonderfully describes that our Creator designed women to be beautiful, men to appreciate beauty, and beauty's many forms.

Women go to ridiculous and even painful lengths to enhance their physical beauty, desiring admiration. Our nature to do so is put there by a God who wants to look upon a beautiful bride, and wants His church to spare no effort to make herself attractive with the beauty of holiness.

Holiness is simply freedom from sin in every form, and being clothed with love in every form. God goes to even painful lengths to cleanse us from the sin and pride which hurts us and mars our beauty, clothing us with His own garment of righteousness. Our desire for beauty compels our cooperation. The goal is to look like Christ.

Oh Lord, there is no greater contentment than to bask in Your love and beauty. Our hearts gladly praise and worship You in return. Give us a longing to be beautiful for You. Make us so beautiful that You can no longer restrain Yourself from returning to us.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

In the Name of the Lord

Save me, O God, by Your name,
And vindicate me by Your strength.
(Psalms 54:1 NKJV)

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
(1 Samuel 17:45 NKJV)

Thus says the Lord [YHWH]: It is not for your sake ... that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name ... And the nations will know that I am [YHWH].
(Ezekiel 36:22-23 ESV)

The name "Christ" means "anointed." To be called "Christian" is both acknowledgment of our anointing with the Holy Spirit, and to walk in the name of the Lord—no small matter when one considers the power of His name and how much He cares about the reputation of His name.

When we are perceived negatively, and especially if the perception is false, we want someone to vindicate us, and redeem our reputation. How much more shouldn't the Lord, who is all goodness, wish His name and reputation to be unsullied by the way we represent Him?

Do not only our actions but our words testify to a good God? Or do we complain about our circumstances (they are ordained by God), express anxiety (showing lack of trust in God), and speak badly of others (scorning people God loves)?

The world is watching, judging us and Him.

Lord, I am not worthy to bear Your name. Thank You for Your grace, for covering my sin with Your blood that You might look upon me with favor. Please make me more like You every day. Make Your light in me so shine before others that they would give glory to You.

"The desire of our soul is for Your name and for the remembrance of You." — Isaiah

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Mirror Effect

He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. (Exodus 38:8 NKJV)

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV)

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. (James 1:22-24 NKJV)

Israelite women forfeited mirrors, once used to view themselves, for creation of a laver to cleanse the priests, for ministry to their holy God. Those instruments of polished bronze offered a reflection to affect their users' actions, but as mirrors they did not effect change.

The Holy Spirit is Jesus Christ's gift to those who are His, and enables us to behold His glory in His Word. We see only a dim reflection of His glory, but the image is powerful enough to effect great change in us. Human nature is to become what one beholds.

The water of the Word can both cleanse us and offer us that reflection. But if we merely glance at the Word without immersing ourselves in it (in whatever manner), its effect may be to briefly affect our mind, not effect lasting change to our hearts and actions.

Lord Jesus, You are truly glorious to behold. Thank You for the precious words You have gifted to us. Amid the many distractions and distortions of this world, please enable us to make time for Your Word and see You clearly. Let us behold the glory to which You are conforming us.

Feedback may be posted to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mailed to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

The Beauty of Holiness

Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NKJV)

Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27 NKJV)

As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 NKJV)

Holiness is often considered either burdensome or prideful. True holiness is a thing of great beauty. It is to take what is common and set it apart as sacred and special—now distinguished and separate from what it once was.

As our holy God is more glorious than the moon and more beautiful than the stars, He wishes His bride to likewise possess the pure beauty of holiness and to be glorious. Once we belong to Jesus Christ, we cannot help but be different, be beautiful, be holy.

Lord Jesus our glorious God, though we do not yet see You, You stir our hearts with Your beauty and holiness. Give us the power to be like You, and to reflect You to everyone around us.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Righteous

Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to disgrace her, decided to divorce her secretly. After he had thought about it, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 1:19-20 ISV)

Abraham believed the Lord and it was credited to him as righteousness. One can only be seen as righteous because of faith. If my faith has transmitted to me the righteousness—the rightness—of my Lord Jesus, how might I behave? I will love others enough to place their status above my own. I will not act in haste. I will accept the direction of God when it flies in the face of reason. Joseph is the only man in the New Testament other than Jesus addressed as "Son of David." It was a fitting reward for faith.

Lord, thank You that I am now righteous because of Your Son's sacrifice. Please make me ever more like Him. Thank You for the inheritance awaiting me.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy