Pictured above is Pastor Leonard Navarre and his lovely wife Diana, they are a powerful and loving team for JESUS!
ARE WE CONFUSED?
It seems as though the world has gone off the deep end having overdosed on blind and confused medicine. The Bible speaks about being salt and light and touching the world for Jesus. Yet, as we study statistics we can’t tell the difference between the world and the church. I believe we who profess to be Christians are a bit confused.
I believe we have confused “going to church” with “BEING the church”. When Jesus called His disciples He told them to “count the cost”. He instructed them that they would have to die to self and pick up their cross daily to follow Him. Jesus’ teachings are hard. They require a completely new mindset and total transformation. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus brought in a revolutionary way of thinking. Expanding upon the old but enlarging the focus of not only their mindset but their LIFESTYLE. We think that “going to church” and having our “holy huddles” is being Christian. But Jesus was not just looking to teach, He was looking for life transformation that takes His church into the world in a completely new way of thinking and believing. AND, BEHAVING.
I believe we have confused believing and knowing with OBEDIENCE. It looks to me, that all our Bible studies, small groups and devotions have resulted in great head knowledge of what Jesus has taught BUT WE ARE LACKING IN OBEDIENCE. We can tell you what Jesus has said and what Jesus would do (WWJD) but it has not presented itself into a life transformation in US! In Romans 12:2 states, “do not be shaped by the world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. So you will be able to decide what God wants for you ; and will know what is good and pleasing to Him and what is perfect”. The Bible also states that when we know what to do and don’t do it, it is sin. God’s word states, it is better to OBEY than to bring sacrifice (worship). Doing what God says is more important than just knowing what He says. Even the devil knows but chooses not to obey.
I believe we have confused nationalism with Christianity. Yes, I believe this nation was founded on Godly principles. Yes, I believe that many of our original statutes and writing were derived from God’s Word. But simply putting those precepts on paper does not necessarily bring about a changed heart in people’s lives. The transformation comes from the inside out. Not by putting words on a page. Political laws, edicts, and rules will never bring about life transformation. It is my thinking that you cannot legislate Christian behavior or a Christian lifestyle. Life transformation only comes from allowing God’s Word and Spirit to transform our behavior.
I believe we have confused legislative direction with Spiritual renewal. I think we have thought that if the government can make enough “right” laws our nation would change and head in the right direction. We have seen from the Bible that even “God’s Law” did not bring about a change of heart. Transformation of lifestyle only comes from a spirit led and spirit controlled life. A born again experience with God’s spirit in us.
I believe we have confused “them” with “me”. We keep saying I wish “they” would do this or that. I believe true transformation begins with ME. Not my country, not my political affiliation, not my “church brand”…BUT ME! It’s all personal. ME AND JESUS! Paraphrasing Dr. Tony Evans: “if you want a changed country you have to have a changed state. If you want a changed state you have to have a changed county (parish). If you want a changed county you must have a changed city. If you want a changed city you have to have a changed family. If you want a changed family you must have a changed church.;” If you want a changed church you must have a changed person in the pew (or chair). That means that true Christianity and Jesus transformation behavior BEGINS WITH ME. It’s not a THEY. IT’S US! IT’S A ME. Do I live as Jesus would want me to live. Do I live out in my everyday life – Jesus principles that I have learned from my devotions, Bible reading and “church” attendance. Do I love like Jesus? Do I act like Jesus? Do I stand up for Godly principles like Jesus? Am I obedience to God’s directions like Jesus?
I believe we are confused about what’s happening. This is not a game of checkers or video games. THIS IS A SPIRITUAL BATTLE. THIS IS WAR!!!! It’s earthly (worldly) verses the spirit. It is a battle of God and Jesus verses Satan. This battle wages itself within EACH OF US. Who will win? Who will take control of your mind and your actions. Who will stand in the gap? Who will stand up for Jesus? Who will live for Jesus? If not us WHO? If not now WHEN? There is no ALMOST here. There is no halfway here. You can’t have Jesus by the installment plan. I’ll take a little today and little tomorrow…etc. Jesus said if I’m not with Him I am against Him.
The old illustration here is appropriate: “two dogs were fighting. A boy asked the old gentleman, ‘who do you think will win?’. The old man said, ‘the one you feed’! THIS THE TRUTH!
IT’S THE WORLDLY VERSES THE SPIRITUAL in EACH ONE OF US. Whichever one we feed will win.
I John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you.” THIS IS PERSONAL. ME! YOU! Who is leading us? Who is going to stand up and be counted? Who will answer the call? If not us WHO? I pray that we will give the Holy Spirit control of our minds and lives. Nehemiah 4:14, “then I looked around and stood up and said to the men, the leaders, and the rest of the people. Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and powerful. Fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes”. THE COUNTRY, THE CHURCH, YOUR FAMILY, YOU, ME. It is all depending on us. It depends on each of us feeding the spirit inside of us, listening and then OBEYING!
I am praying for you and your families,
Leonard Navarre
Lubbock, Texas
