In our world we talk about integrity and ethics, but with a wide range of meaning. An overarching concept that brings clear definition to these matters is the biblical term holiness. Of course, we don’t hear people talk about holiness in day to day conversation because it is not to be found apart from God. Our government is not holy, our schools are not holy, our shifting ethical concepts fall far short of holiness; in fact, God alone is holy. Only He is absolutely morally pure and He provides the definition of moral purity through His word and the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
With that in mind God says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15). We can be holy only through the forgiveness of sins He offers, the impartation of His righteousness, and the resulting identification with Him. Holiness is God’s gift to us, not our gift to God. Then as we walk with Him, holiness begins to take shape in us and we are transformed increasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Holiness is a compelling quality. It certainly was in the life of Jesus. It is a quality that brings wisdom and well-being to life. The “beauty of holiness” working in the life of believers individually and in the church collectively is a compelling witness to a confused, dysfunctional world. It will never be seen in completion in the church on earth because of our continual need for growth and the continual introduction of new believers into the kingdom. However, it will be in evidence in the biblical message of the church and our transformed lives.
The word holiness is not a familiar term to lost people, but the concept is timeless, trans-cultural, always relevant, and desperately needed. The fact that the world doesn’t know the concept, much less the word, makes our work even more important.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Spiritual Pride
Most of February was devoted to the annual sectional tour. After many conversations, united prayer, business meetings, ministry, dinners, and miles I can say it was good to be with God’s people. We are indeed a very diverse family ministering in a great variety of contexts. This is not news to you, but experiencing the heartfelt fellowship of all our ministers and church leaders is enriching.
There are a number of things that can interrupt Christ-ordained unity and fellowship, such as cultural differences, ministry styles, gift projection, personal preferences, etc. But, the glue that binds us together is our shared devotion to Jesus Christ and his mission. Reflecting on the importance of mutual respect and love, I would also say that a key inhibitor to shared fellowship is spiritual pride.
When I lived in California I noted a CA pride. I encountered wonderful, godly people who believed they were more advanced than the people who lived in “fly-over” country. They seemed to have a respect for east coast people, but looked down on mid-America. This is not true of many CA people, but in Silicon Valley I encountered this attitude from time to time. On the other hand, I was ministering in a Colorado church a few weeks ago and one gentleman in the church asked me about my CA experience and before I could respond he proceeded to say he thought our nation would be better off without CA. After my comments he seemed willing to concede there are fine people in CA, too.
Regional pride is one thing, but spiritual pride is more problematic. I am currently enjoying a good book on a particular paradigm of church ministry. I was reading a section just before penning these words and was saddened when I noted the author making his point about developing authentic relationships by stating how inferior other churches are to his in this area. His remarks seemed to move beyond an objective analysis to condescension. His church may indeed excel in this area, but disrespecting others to make his point strikes me as unnecessary and damaging to the body of Christ.
Bottom line, I think spiritual pride is a sign of immaturity and produces nothing of value. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:9). So, let’s keep growing in our ministry proficiency and lift others with us in the process with a humble and helpful spirit.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
There are a number of things that can interrupt Christ-ordained unity and fellowship, such as cultural differences, ministry styles, gift projection, personal preferences, etc. But, the glue that binds us together is our shared devotion to Jesus Christ and his mission. Reflecting on the importance of mutual respect and love, I would also say that a key inhibitor to shared fellowship is spiritual pride.
When I lived in California I noted a CA pride. I encountered wonderful, godly people who believed they were more advanced than the people who lived in “fly-over” country. They seemed to have a respect for east coast people, but looked down on mid-America. This is not true of many CA people, but in Silicon Valley I encountered this attitude from time to time. On the other hand, I was ministering in a Colorado church a few weeks ago and one gentleman in the church asked me about my CA experience and before I could respond he proceeded to say he thought our nation would be better off without CA. After my comments he seemed willing to concede there are fine people in CA, too.
Regional pride is one thing, but spiritual pride is more problematic. I am currently enjoying a good book on a particular paradigm of church ministry. I was reading a section just before penning these words and was saddened when I noted the author making his point about developing authentic relationships by stating how inferior other churches are to his in this area. His remarks seemed to move beyond an objective analysis to condescension. His church may indeed excel in this area, but disrespecting others to make his point strikes me as unnecessary and damaging to the body of Christ.
Bottom line, I think spiritual pride is a sign of immaturity and produces nothing of value. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:9). So, let’s keep growing in our ministry proficiency and lift others with us in the process with a humble and helpful spirit.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
Friday, January 23, 2009
Weeping and Rejoicing
We live in a hurting dysfunctional world. As a minister, you are exposed to a great deal of that pain from week to week. This morning I shed some tears with a close friend in ministry as he shared with me a heartbreaking development in his church family. His love for those who are hurting and his leadership of the church in a compassionate manner reveals the presence of Jesus Christ. Nothing can be more healing than the revealed presence of Jesus Christ in his church.
The presence of Christ in our lives causes us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2a). When I visited Israel years ago I noted that from Golgotha’s hill, Jesus, hanging on the cross, looked down upon the Roman road between him and the wall of Jerusalem where scoffing people passed by observing the execution. As he lifted his eyes he looked upon Jerusalem, the city he wanted to gather into his care like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. And then as he raised his head he looked over Jerusalem and the Kidron valley to the Mount of Olives, the location Zechariah spoke of when he described the second coming of Christ and declared, “Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem … Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him,” (Zechariah 14:3,4a,5b) ALL THE HOLY ONES WITH HIM – they are the redeemed – the ones for whom he suffered on the cross. His sustaining joy was the realization that you, and I, and multitudes of lost souls would be saved by his sacrificial work.
We enter his afflictions when we minister to the hurting in Christ’s name, and we enter his joy when we see the lost redeemed, the sorrowing comforted, and the wounded healed. “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24).
This necessary process of joining the weeping to gain the rejoicing marks the life of the servant of God and achieves God’s grand purpose. I pray you do not grow weary in well doing and that you will experience an abundance of rejoicing that comes from God’s work of grace in people you serve.
The presence of Christ in our lives causes us to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2a). When I visited Israel years ago I noted that from Golgotha’s hill, Jesus, hanging on the cross, looked down upon the Roman road between him and the wall of Jerusalem where scoffing people passed by observing the execution. As he lifted his eyes he looked upon Jerusalem, the city he wanted to gather into his care like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. And then as he raised his head he looked over Jerusalem and the Kidron valley to the Mount of Olives, the location Zechariah spoke of when he described the second coming of Christ and declared, “Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem … Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him,” (Zechariah 14:3,4a,5b) ALL THE HOLY ONES WITH HIM – they are the redeemed – the ones for whom he suffered on the cross. His sustaining joy was the realization that you, and I, and multitudes of lost souls would be saved by his sacrificial work.
We enter his afflictions when we minister to the hurting in Christ’s name, and we enter his joy when we see the lost redeemed, the sorrowing comforted, and the wounded healed. “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Colossians 1:24).
This necessary process of joining the weeping to gain the rejoicing marks the life of the servant of God and achieves God’s grand purpose. I pray you do not grow weary in well doing and that you will experience an abundance of rejoicing that comes from God’s work of grace in people you serve.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Challenges of Growth in Ministry
I hope you are enjoying a blest holiday season with family and friends. Looking ahead to 2009 I covet the advancement of your ministry – sustained and strengthened personal integrity, a deepening walk with our Lord, a healthy and happy family, financial blessing, continued spiritual growth of those under your ministry, and many more souls coming into the Kingdom of God through your ministry and church. I pray your ministry will expand to the glory of God and for the sake of souls.
Ministry presents many challenges, not the least of which is growth. Jesus exemplified effective steps to deal with expanding ministry. There are many measures of success and one is growing crowds. As the crowds increased, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15).
Success can drive you. You find yourself in demand with increased expectations placed upon you. Jesus experienced this and took time to get away from the demands as He went up on a mountainside. Jesus set priorities and boundaries to maintain His effectiveness and sustainability.
Success can deceive you into thinking you have all the answers. In Luke’s account it says, “…Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God…” (Luke 6:12). Jesus prayed before making the important decision of selecting apostles. His success did not relieve Him of the need to seek the Father’s will. Humility remained characteristic of Jesus throughout His life.
Success can isolate you. Jesus called to him those He wanted to be with Him and to do ministry. Ministering as a “lone ranger” is perilous in many ways and Jesus invited people into His life and ministry. In so doing He provided for them and Himself an important level of accountability. I don’t think the Son of God needed accountability, but He conducted His ministry in an exemplary way to show us an effective way forward, given our vulnerability to sin, and error.
Success can also entrap you. On the mountainside Jesus was preparing to delegate ministry to meet immediate ministry needs and provide for future succession. The work was too great for one person. He designated them apostles and began the process of training. I find it interesting that He selected “those He wanted”. Since God shapes the desires of the heart of those who seek Him, I think Jesus chose people He liked, and people He believed the Father had called to be apostles.
We face many challenges in ministry, such as sacrifice, disappointment, spiritual warfare, problematic personalities, etc. – and the unexpected challenge of success. Don’t let it defeat you.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
Ministry presents many challenges, not the least of which is growth. Jesus exemplified effective steps to deal with expanding ministry. There are many measures of success and one is growing crowds. As the crowds increased, “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” (Mark 3:13-15).
Success can drive you. You find yourself in demand with increased expectations placed upon you. Jesus experienced this and took time to get away from the demands as He went up on a mountainside. Jesus set priorities and boundaries to maintain His effectiveness and sustainability.
Success can deceive you into thinking you have all the answers. In Luke’s account it says, “…Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God…” (Luke 6:12). Jesus prayed before making the important decision of selecting apostles. His success did not relieve Him of the need to seek the Father’s will. Humility remained characteristic of Jesus throughout His life.
Success can isolate you. Jesus called to him those He wanted to be with Him and to do ministry. Ministering as a “lone ranger” is perilous in many ways and Jesus invited people into His life and ministry. In so doing He provided for them and Himself an important level of accountability. I don’t think the Son of God needed accountability, but He conducted His ministry in an exemplary way to show us an effective way forward, given our vulnerability to sin, and error.
Success can also entrap you. On the mountainside Jesus was preparing to delegate ministry to meet immediate ministry needs and provide for future succession. The work was too great for one person. He designated them apostles and began the process of training. I find it interesting that He selected “those He wanted”. Since God shapes the desires of the heart of those who seek Him, I think Jesus chose people He liked, and people He believed the Father had called to be apostles.
We face many challenges in ministry, such as sacrifice, disappointment, spiritual warfare, problematic personalities, etc. – and the unexpected challenge of success. Don’t let it defeat you.
Cheering you on,
Don Steiger
Monday, October 27, 2008
Leadership and Listening
Moses is recognized as one of the greatest leaders of all time and he demonstrated the important skill of listening. Early on in his leadership of Israel he assumed responsibility to judge all the people (Exodus 18:13). His father-in-law, Jethro, observed this exhausting and inefficient process, and shared some very wise counsel with Moses.
First he told Moses, “You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him.” (Ex 18:19b). Prayer was the first priority. Second, he told Moses to, “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.” (Ex 18:20). Teaching was the second priority. It would benefit all of Israel, prepare leaders, and eliminate some of the counseling and mediation. Third, he told Moses, “select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times…” (Ex 18:21-22a). Wise delegation was the third priority. Fourth, he told Moses, “have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.” (Ex 18:22c). Moses’ oversight and measured involvement was the fourth priority.
The anticipated result comes next, “That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (Ex 18:22d-23). This was sound advice and, “Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.” (Ex 18:24).
Effective listening requires humility, patience, discernment, and a willingness to change. “Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3). A humble person knows others may have a better idea and are willing to listen.
Patience is also necessary to the skill of effective listening. Sometimes you have more knowledge on the subject than the adviser, or you have already carefully considered the idea they are suggesting. So, you bite your tongue and listen because it is important to the adviser to share their thoughts and he or she might surprise you with a great idea. It’s like mining for gold - you have to sort through a certain amount of information to discover the really helpful ideas.
Discernment is critical. When you are listening you have to sort out what is valuable. Receive advice without making promises so you can take time to determine if it is helpful. The freedom to disregard advice is as important as the willingness to act on advice. Seek out advisers you think can help and don’t just rely on those who come to you of their own accord. Pray over the advice you receive to clarify what God is saying.
A willingness to change is the final ingredient in effective listening. The methods we employ should be fluid. At the beginning Moses’ method of judging the people may have been the only way to get the job done. However, over time he would have burned out, potential leaders would have been deprived of opportunity, and the needs of the people would not have been met. Moses would have missed a vital step forward, if he had not listened to Jethro.
As one of my teachers used to say, “Be a good listener”.
First he told Moses, “You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him.” (Ex 18:19b). Prayer was the first priority. Second, he told Moses to, “Teach them the decrees and laws, and show them the way to live and the duties they are to perform.” (Ex 18:20). Teaching was the second priority. It would benefit all of Israel, prepare leaders, and eliminate some of the counseling and mediation. Third, he told Moses, “select capable men from all the people – men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain – and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times…” (Ex 18:21-22a). Wise delegation was the third priority. Fourth, he told Moses, “have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves.” (Ex 18:22c). Moses’ oversight and measured involvement was the fourth priority.
The anticipated result comes next, “That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” (Ex 18:22d-23). This was sound advice and, “Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.” (Ex 18:24).
Effective listening requires humility, patience, discernment, and a willingness to change. “Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3). A humble person knows others may have a better idea and are willing to listen.
Patience is also necessary to the skill of effective listening. Sometimes you have more knowledge on the subject than the adviser, or you have already carefully considered the idea they are suggesting. So, you bite your tongue and listen because it is important to the adviser to share their thoughts and he or she might surprise you with a great idea. It’s like mining for gold - you have to sort through a certain amount of information to discover the really helpful ideas.
Discernment is critical. When you are listening you have to sort out what is valuable. Receive advice without making promises so you can take time to determine if it is helpful. The freedom to disregard advice is as important as the willingness to act on advice. Seek out advisers you think can help and don’t just rely on those who come to you of their own accord. Pray over the advice you receive to clarify what God is saying.
A willingness to change is the final ingredient in effective listening. The methods we employ should be fluid. At the beginning Moses’ method of judging the people may have been the only way to get the job done. However, over time he would have burned out, potential leaders would have been deprived of opportunity, and the needs of the people would not have been met. Moses would have missed a vital step forward, if he had not listened to Jethro.
As one of my teachers used to say, “Be a good listener”.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Tough Times
We have been watching a significant economic downturn that is affecting all of us. Many in our nation have suffered loss from storms and fires in recent months. At the same time we are navigating through the ongoing political campaign. Decisions made in voting booths will impact future Supreme Court appointees, abortion, the economy, our national security, and more. In it all we have an unchanging, all-powerful God. Challenging times are a motivation to seek God, and seek Him we should. Challenging times also present opportunities for the church to advance the good news of Jesus Christ. When people are hurting they are more receptive to the gospel.
After ministering to the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar, Jesus said to his disciples “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35b). The context of this statement indicates the “ripe harvest” is hurting people. The woman at the well had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband. Her life was a mess and she responded to the life-giving words of Jesus. He told her “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14).
What a great message we carry to the world. I pray God will empower us in these hurting times to share His message effectively.
I also noted that Jesus ministered to this woman at a moment when He was tired (John 4:4-6). The concerns of the world and our labor can leave us tired, but sometimes it is in those moments that God presents new opportunities. When Jesus seized the opportunity to minister to this woman, He was energized by the Holy Spirit. The disciples went to get food while Jesus spoke to her and when they returned they urged him to eat “But he said to them, I have food to eat that you know nothing about … My food … is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:32 and 34). It is important to point out that Jesus came aside to rest at times in His ministry, but there were also times when He pressed through the weariness to achieve the Father’s will. When that was appropriate the Father provided added strength, and I believe He will for us as well.
After ministering to the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar, Jesus said to his disciples “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35b). The context of this statement indicates the “ripe harvest” is hurting people. The woman at the well had been married five times and was living with a man who was not her husband. Her life was a mess and she responded to the life-giving words of Jesus. He told her “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14).
What a great message we carry to the world. I pray God will empower us in these hurting times to share His message effectively.
I also noted that Jesus ministered to this woman at a moment when He was tired (John 4:4-6). The concerns of the world and our labor can leave us tired, but sometimes it is in those moments that God presents new opportunities. When Jesus seized the opportunity to minister to this woman, He was energized by the Holy Spirit. The disciples went to get food while Jesus spoke to her and when they returned they urged him to eat “But he said to them, I have food to eat that you know nothing about … My food … is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:32 and 34). It is important to point out that Jesus came aside to rest at times in His ministry, but there were also times when He pressed through the weariness to achieve the Father’s will. When that was appropriate the Father provided added strength, and I believe He will for us as well.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Rest in Christ
REFLECTIONS ON THE LAST TWO WEEKS: I had the privilege of joining Pastor Scott Bottoms and the leadership team of High Plains Christian Center for a retreat September 25-27. I filled in at Strasburg for a few weeks before moving to California over seven years ago and it was wonderful to see faithful leaders still working in the church and the addition of new leaders now part of the team. God is doing wonderful things in this church.
On October 5 Loretta and I joined Pastor Gene Roncone and the congregation of Aurora First Assembly for a ground breaking celebration at their new building site. The construction of their new facility is the culmination of many years of planning and work. I believe the Lord has great things in store for the future of this fine congregation.
In between those two exciting experiences was some normal work and then some heartache and complexity as I worked on some difficult situations in the Kingdom of God. Reflecting on the contrast between flourishing situations and hurting situations I realized no matter where you are, life can be very challenging. If you are “on a roll”, you can find yourself overwhelmed by the responsibility, and if you are “under a burden” you can find yourself overwhelmed by the pain. But, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.
The law was seen as a yoke by Matthew’s Hebrew audience and the introduction of grace in the person, teaching, and work of Jesus Christ provided relief from the futile dependence upon one’s own righteousness. Being yoked together with Jesus Christ first of all means we are forgiven of our sins and in right standing with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, we find assurance that in Christ we can find rest for our souls in the midst of the challenges of life “For we are God’s fellow workers...” 1 Corinthians 3:8. We are yoked together with Christ in the work He has called us to do. He takes the heavier part of the load and shapes the yoke to fit us. To find His rest; come to Him, take His yoke upon you, and keep learning from Him.
On October 5 Loretta and I joined Pastor Gene Roncone and the congregation of Aurora First Assembly for a ground breaking celebration at their new building site. The construction of their new facility is the culmination of many years of planning and work. I believe the Lord has great things in store for the future of this fine congregation.
In between those two exciting experiences was some normal work and then some heartache and complexity as I worked on some difficult situations in the Kingdom of God. Reflecting on the contrast between flourishing situations and hurting situations I realized no matter where you are, life can be very challenging. If you are “on a roll”, you can find yourself overwhelmed by the responsibility, and if you are “under a burden” you can find yourself overwhelmed by the pain. But, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.
The law was seen as a yoke by Matthew’s Hebrew audience and the introduction of grace in the person, teaching, and work of Jesus Christ provided relief from the futile dependence upon one’s own righteousness. Being yoked together with Jesus Christ first of all means we are forgiven of our sins and in right standing with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Second, we find assurance that in Christ we can find rest for our souls in the midst of the challenges of life “For we are God’s fellow workers...” 1 Corinthians 3:8. We are yoked together with Christ in the work He has called us to do. He takes the heavier part of the load and shapes the yoke to fit us. To find His rest; come to Him, take His yoke upon you, and keep learning from Him.
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