Reflection 129: Do Not Be Afraid

“Do not be afraid; just have faith” (Mark 5:36). These four words, “Do not be
afraid,” are spoken countless times throughout the Scripture. We should pay
attention to them. Fear can paralyze us and lead us into many forms of foolish
thinking and acting. The person who acts out of fear truly acts like a
fool. That may seem harsh at first, but it’s not if you understand what it
means. It simply means that a person acting out of fear cannot act
rationally. Fear does great damage to a person’s ability to stay calm, remain
focused and think clearly. That’s why the Scriptures speak so directly
regarding this important spiritual point. Fear must give way to faith and trust
in God (See Diary #626-627).
What is it that causes you the most anxiety, worry and fear? It’s a struggle we
all deal with. There is no shame in admitting it. So what is it? Identify that
which overwhelms you the most and you will identify that which God wants
you to surrender in trust the most. Go to the heart of the struggle. Sincerely
place that worry and fear into the Hands of God and trust. Trust that God is
All-Powerful and capable of handling every situation. He may not change
things the way you think they should be changed, but He will lift your burden
and enable you to move forward without the fear that can easily paralyze and
confuse you. Do not let fear dominate your life. Trust in God and let that trust
transform you.
Jesus, I do want to trust You and to entrust all my many burdens to You. I
especially turn to You with (pause and state that which causes the most fear
and anxiety). Please enter into this burden and lift it by Your gentle hand,
replacing it with peace and great inner calm. Jesus, I trust in You.

God's Word makes it very clear that we are instructed to work hard and put our best effort
forward. The Bible, especially in the wisdom-filled book of Proverbs, speaks often of the cause
and effect relationship of hard work and rewards as well as laziness and ruin. Colossians 3:23
tells us a Christian should "work with all their heart as working for the Lord". Our work is
probably one of the greatest testimonies of our faith!
Laziness has no place in the character of a follower of Jesus. Read what the Bible has to say
about being lazy and the heart breaking consequences of having a lazy lifestyle.


Colossians 3:17

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God the Father through him.
Luke 16:10

10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest
with very little will also be dishonest with much.

Proverbs 10:4

4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.

Proverbs 10:5

5 He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful
son.

Proverbs 12:11

11 Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

Proverbs 12:24

Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

1 Timothy 5:8

8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied
the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Top 7 Bible Verses About

Laziness
JANUARY 31, 2015 BY JACK WELLMAN

0 COMMENTS

Does the Bible have much to say about laziness? Surprisingly yes it
does. Here are my top 7 Bible verses about laziness.
Much Sleep, Much Poverty

Proverbs 6:9-11 “How long will you lie there, O

sluggard? When will you arise from your
sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little
folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come
upon you like a robber, and want like an armed
man.”
Look at the image of someone sleeping in every day (the folding of the
hands) while others are off to work. By slumbering, they are not
arising from sleep, they are resting instead of going out to work. The
result is like an armed robber coming to take what little they have and
bring it to nothing. In other words, it takes him or her by
surprise. They are reaping poverty for having sown no seeds of
work. It is the simple cause and effect.

Laziness can lead to Poverty

Proverbs 10:4 “A slack hand causes poverty, but

the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Certainly not all poverty is caused by a “slack hand” or a lazy person
but many times it is. The diligent who makes riches doesn’t mean that
they are wealthy but their lack of poverty comes as a result of earning
it the old fashion way…by working hard or as this proverb insinuates,
by the hand. A slack hand is one that slacks off at work and may lose
their job due to that or they might slack off in even looking for work
but ultimately, the slack handed one causes their own poverty. They
have no one but themselves to blame. They reap what they have sown,
even if it’s a sowing of slackness.

Consider the Ant

Proverbs 6:6 “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider

her ways, and be wise.”
The sluggard is the same thing as a lazy person. Solomon wants the
sluggard to consider the ant. Look at how diligently the ant works and
works and prepares for the cold season. It is “Without having any
chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers
her food in harvest” so the sluggard shouldn’t have to wait for
someone to tell them to work hard to provide bread in times when
they’ll need it.

Laziness to the Extreme

Proverbs 26:15 “The sluggard buries his hand in

the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his
mouth.”
Can you believe it? The sluggard’s hand is worn out even in feeding
himself (“to bring it back to his mouth”) because even that is too much
like work. The sluggard may not have to worry about that too long
because the longer he lives the life of a sluggard, the less and less he
will have something to put into the dish. In fact, in a similar proverb,
the “sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not even [so much as]
bring it back to his mouth” (Prov 19:24)! How lazy can he get? Not
much, I would say.
Avoiding the Idle

Second Thessalonians 3:6 “Now we command

you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that you keep away from any brother who
is walking in idleness and not in accord with the
tradition that you received from us.”
Here Paul commands believers to avoid anyone “who is walking in
idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from
us.” In other words, those who walk in idleness were apparently
siphoning off of others who do work. This was not “in accord with the
tradition that [they] received from” Paul. Paul later wrote “If anyone
is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thess 3:10). These are the
people we should avoid. There are so many “get rich” schemes out
there that so many get entangled in because they simply don’t want to
work hard like most people do. Paul commanded believers to “do
their work quietly and to earn their own living” and not support the
idle ones (2 Thess 3:12b).
The Slothful Servant

Matthew 25:26 “But his master answered him,

‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I
reap where I have not sown and gather where I
scattered no seed?”
Here Jesus was giving the Parable of the Talents, where some were
given talents and they worked and invested these talents, using them
for the kingdom but one of the slothful or lazy servants hid it in the
ground (buried it) so that he not only didn’t use it, he didn’t want
others to see that he actually had a talent. What does the Master say
to this slothful servant? It is a fearful warning to all who profess faith
in Christ but are not possessing saving faith. Jesus rebukes this
worthless, lazy servant by saying “take the talent from him and give it
to him who has the ten talents” (Matt 25:28) because at least the one
who earned (worked hard) with the ten talents given him shows he can
be trusted but to the worthless servant who was lazy, Jesus says to
“cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there
will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 25:30). That is the
judgment for all who refuse to use what they’ve been given by God and
perhaps a warning to those who are not serving the Master and Lord
(Jesus Christ) at all and are not actually believers (Matt 7:21-23).

The Diligent Rule the Slothful

Proverbs 12:24 “The hand of the diligent will rule,

while the slothful will be put to forced labor.”
Here is clear evidence that hard work pays off and slothful ness does
not. The diligent one who works hard will be the one who can be
trusted to be in charge but the slothful one will be forced to labor for
others, perhaps for the diligent one. Hard work pays off in the
end. Most employers take notice of the one who works hard but also
the one who doesn’t work hard (is slothful or lazy) usually doesn’t slip
past the attention of the one who rules either (or is the boss).

Conclusion
We can see the principle of working hard as a command from God and
it is in the best interests of the one who works diligently. Jesus
believed in hard work. Prior to the beginning of His earthly ministry,
He was a carpenter and carpenters in those days didn’t just mean
woodwork but working with large timbers and stones and all of it was
manual labor and of course without the aid of any power tools so
everything was done by hand. Jesus said “My Father is always
working, and so am I” (John 5:17) and so must we be. We must all
work so that we won’t be in hunger and we can work to help those who
cannot work for themselves for various reasons. The Bible has much
to say about laziness…and none of it is good.

Bible verses about laziness

I would like to start off by saying that some people are struggling with
laziness, but it’s not because they choose to be slothful. Some people are
always tired because of a bad sleeping pattern, sleep deprivation, bad
eating, thyroid problems, lack of exercise, etc. If anyone is having trouble
with fighting laziness. Check out these things first.
Scripture has a lot to say on this topic. Clearly we see that laziness is a sin
and it also leads to poverty.
Some people would rather sleep in their bed all day rather than making a
living and that will be their downfall. Laziness is a curse, but work is a
blessing.
God worked for 6 days and on the 7th day He rested. God put Adam in the
garden to work and take care of it. God provides for us through work. Since
the beginning we were commanded to work.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, we would give you
this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
Being a sloth brings down your confidence and motivation. Slowly you start
growing a bum mentality. It can soon turn into a disastrous lifestyle for
some.
We have to grasp the concept of working hard. There is always something
to do, but sometimes we would rather procrastinate. The gospel always
needs to be preached.
Work hard in everything you do because working always brings profit,
buttoo much sleep brings disappointment and shame. When you’re lazy not
only do you suffer, but other people suffer as a result of it. Work to help
others. Ask the Lord to strengthen your hands and to remove any
slothfulness in your body.
Quotes
 “Hard work pays off in the future but laziness pays off now.”
 “Many say they can’t get God’s guidance, when they really mean they
wish He would show them an easier way.” Winkie Pratney
 “A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no
one could find fault.” John Henry Newman
 “Laziness may appear attractive but work gives satisfaction.” Anne
Frank

The 3 types of laziness.

Physical – Neglecting work and duties.
Mental – Common among kids in school. Taking the easy way out. Trying
to take shortcuts. Get rich quick schemes.
Spiritual – Neglecting to pray, read Scripture, use God-given talents, etc.

What does the Bible say?

1. Proverbs 15:19 The path of lazy people is like a thorny hedge, but the
road of decent people is an [open] highway.
2. Proverbs 26:14-16 Like a door on its hinges, a lazy man turns back and
forth on his bed. Lazy people are too lazy to lift the food from their plate to
their mouth. Lazy people think they are seven times smarter than the
people who really have good sense.
3. Proverbs 18:9 Whoever is lazy regarding his work is also a brother to the
master of destruction.
4. Proverbs 10:26-27 Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to
the teeth or smoke in the eyes. Fear of the LORD lengthens one’s life, but
the years of the wicked are cut short.
5. Ezekiel 16:49 Sodom’s sins were pride, gluttony, and laziness, while the
poor and needy suffered outside her door.

Follow the example of the ant.

6. Proverbs 6:6-9 You lazy people, you should watch what the ants do and
learn from them. Ants have no ruler, no boss, and no leader. But in the
summer, ants gather all of their food and save it. So when winter comes,
there is plenty to eat. You lazy people, how long are you going to lie there?
When will you get up?

We are to put off laziness and we are to be hard workers.

7. Proverbs 10:4-5 Lazy hands bring poverty, but hard-working hands lead
to wealth. Whoever harvests during summer acts wisely, but the son who
sleeps during harvest is disgraceful.
8. Proverbs 13:4 The appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing, but
the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.
9. Proverbs 12:27 The lazy do not roast any game, but the diligent feed on
the riches of the hunt.
10. Proverbs 12:24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a
slave.

Poverty is the result of the continuous sin of laziness.

11. Proverbs 20:13 If you love sleep, you will end in poverty. Keep your
eyes open, and there will be plenty to eat!
12. Proverbs 21:5 Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
13. Proverbs 21:25 Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their
hands refuse to work.
14. Proverbs 20:4 The slacker does not plow during planting season; at
harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.
15. Proverbs 19:15 Laziness throws one into a deep sleep, and an idle
person will go hungry.
16. 1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not take care of his own relatives,
especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than
an unbeliever.

A godly woman is not lazy.

17. Proverbs 31:13 “She seeks out wool and linen [with care] and works
with willing hands.”
18. Proverbs 31:16-17 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit
of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength,
and strengtheneth her arms.
19. Proverbs 31:19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers
twisting fiber.

Reminders
20. Ephesians 5:15-16 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but
like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil
days.

21. Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though

you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.
22. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet
life:You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as
we told you.
23. Ephesians 4:28 The thief must no longer steal. Instead, he must do
honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with
anyone in need.

Slothfulness leads to procrastination and excuses.

24. Proverbs 22:13 The slacker says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in
the public square!”
25. Proverbs 26:13 The lazy person claims, “There is a lion in the road!
There’s a lion in the streets!”

Bonus
Matthew 25:24-30 Then the servant who had been given one bag of gold
came to the master and said, ‘Master, I knew that you were a hard man.
You harvest things you did not plant. You gather crops where you did not
sow any seed. So I was afraid and went and hid your money in the ground.
Here is your bag of gold. The master answered, ‘You are a wicked and lazy
servant! You say you knew that I harvest things I did not plant and that I
gather crops where I did not sow any seed. So you should have put my
gold in the bank. Then, when I came home, I would have received my gold
back with interest. “So the master told his other servants, ‘Take the bag of
gold from that servant and give it to the servant who has ten bags of gold.
Those who have much will get more, and they will have much more than
they need. But those who do not have much will have everything taken
away from them.’ Then the master said, ‘Throw that useless servant
outside, into the darkness where people will cry and grind their teeth with
pain.’

THE MAIN REASON PEOPLE

LEAVE A CHURCH
UPDATE: Listen to the podcast episode about this post.

Numbers of gifted persons and organizations have studied the phenomenon of the church “back
door,” the metaphorical way we describe people leaving the church. And there will always be the
anticipated themes of relocation or personal crises. We should recognize those issues, though we
can respond to the latter more than the former.

But all the research studies of which I am aware, including my own, return to one major theme to
explain the exodus of church members: a sense of some need not being filled. In other words,
these members have ideas of what a local congregation should provide for them, and they leave
because those provisions have not been met.

Certainly we recognize there are many legitimate claims by church members of unfulfilled
expectations. It can undoubtedly be the fault of the local congregation and its leaders.

But many times, probably more than we would like to believe, a church member leaves a local
body because he or she has a sense of entitlement. I would therefore suggest that the main reason
people leave a church is because they have an entitlement mentality rather than a servant
mentality.

Look at some of the direct quotes from exit interviews of people who left local congregations:

 “The worship leader refused to listen to me about the songs and music I wanted.”
 “The pastor did not feed me.”
 “No one from my church visited me.”
 “I was not about to support the building program they wanted.”
 “I was out two weeks and no one called me.”
 “They moved the times of the worship services and it messed up my schedule.”
 “I told my pastor to go visit my cousin and he never did.”

Please hear me clearly. Church members should expect some level of ministry and concern. But,
for a myriad of reasons beyond the scope of this one blogpost, we have turned church
membership into country club membership. You pay your dues and you are entitled to certain
benefits.

The biblical basis of church membership is clear in Scripture. The Apostle Paul even uses the
“member” metaphor to describe what every believer should be like in a local congregation. In 1
Corinthians 12:12-31, Paul describes church members not by what they should receive in a local
church, but by the ministry they should give.

The solution to closing the back door, at least a major part of the solution, is therefore to move
members from an entitlement mentality to a servant mentality. Of course, it is easy for me to
write about it, but it is a greater challenge to effect it.

May I then offer a few steps of a more practical nature to help close the back door by changing
the membership mentality? Here are five:

1. Inform church members. Though I do not have precise numbers, I would conjecture that more
than one-half of church members do not have a biblical understanding about church
membership. Providing that information in a new members’ class can move an entire
congregation toward a servant mentality.
2. Raise the bar of expectations. We have dumbed down church membership in many
congregations to where it has little meaning. Clarify expectations of members. Again, doing so in
the context of a new members’ class is a great way to begin.
3. Mentor members. Take two or three members and begin to mentor them to become biblical
church members. After a season, ask them to mentor two or three as well. Let the process grow
exponentially.
4. Train members. Almost 100 percent of pastors agree that their role is to train and equip
members. But almost three-fourths of these pastors have no plans on how they will train them
(see Ephesians 4:11-13). I will address this issue more fully on my blog next Wednesday.
5. Encourage people to be in small groups. Those in Sunday school classes and small groups are
more likely to be informed and functioning church members. In others words, there is a much
greater likelihood of a member with a servant mentality to be in a small group than not.

What are you doing in your church to close the back door? What are you doing to move
members from an entitlement mentality to a servant mentality?

RELATED

3 Reasons People Are Not Involved in Your Church

VVirtually every church faces the issue of members who are perpetually uninvolved. They are the
spectators in the congregation. Many are faithful enough attendees but never move beyond that to be
actively involved in the ministry of the church and mission of God. They go for the show, but not to
serve.

MORE NEWSLETTERS
Why is that? The immediate assumption by many pastors and leaders is that all of the uninvolved
attendees are simply lazy. They know they should serve, but they just don't see the need or have the
desire. This can be a dangerous attitude to have. Not everyone is inactive for the same reasons.

Virtually every church faces the issue of members who are perpetually uninvolved.

I believe there are three basic reasons people stay comfortably seated in their pews instead of serving.
Once we know why, then we can go about helping them to move into service.

1. Some People Feel Useless

These individuals feel as if they do not have anything significant to offer in ministry. They may believe
that they personally are not qualified to serve in a ministry capacity or they might think that only special
"clergy" can truly be involved in God's work. What really needs to be corrected here is ignorance.

Those who feel useless simply may not know that they have been called and gifted by God for ministry.
They need to learn what Peter wrote in his first epistle: "Based on the gift they received, everyone should
use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God" (4:10 HCSB).

Those commonly referred to as "clergy" and "laity" are both called to ministry—the only question is the
kind of ministry they do. My fear is that we have created a class system in the body of Christ comprised
of the "called" and the "not so much called." Nothing could be further from the truth. All are called to the
ministry—pastors have a different role, but it's a common call.

People are called to ministry at conversion, not at some subsequent event. It is the ordinary who are called
to ministry, not the extraordinary. Those who feel useless have to be patiently taught that God has gifted
them for service within the body. Once they grasp this as fact, they can become some of the best ministers
in the congregation.

People are called to ministry at conversion, not at some subsequent event.

2. Some People Are Hurting

It is a simple fact that our church contains those who have been hurt and are still hurting. Some of them
have even been hurt by church and church leaders. They left a bad situation at a previous church. They
were serving in an unhealthy situation. Because of their past, they are hesitant to get involved again.
Healing and help should be our goal for these members.
For those who have been severely wronged, the first priority must be to love them. Church leadership
should be gracious and provide the help needed to bring that person into a place of healing. The time to
serve will come, but they need to be served first.

For others, they may have experienced some of the frequent pains that come with service. Often times
those who are hurting feel as if they are alone. They don't realize everyone who has served in church for
any period of time has been hurt by someone or something. That's ministry. It's messy.

These people need encouragement to become involved again. We should come alongside them and
motivate them to "love and good works," as Hebrews 10:24 commands us to do.

3. Some People Are Lazy

Let's be honest. Some people simply do not want to serve. They want others to do all the work, while they
enjoy the benefits. People would rather be an object of the church's ministry than a partner in it. Too
many church members maintain this me-first attitude.

Let's be honest. Some people simply do not want to serve.

This is part of human nature. It's easier to be a consumer than a colaborer. But that does not mean it is
biblical. Churches must make it much more difficult for those who want to come and be lazy. They need
to be challenged.

The thing about laziness is that it's contagious. Serving is hard enough. No one wants to work while
dozens of other people sit around and watch. It causes those who are working to reconsider actually
working. If it's not corrected, you go from a church with only a few working to a church with no one
involved in the ministry.

All God's people are called to the ministry, all God's people are sent on mission. The only questions are
"Where?" and "Among whom?"
As Charles Spurgeon said, "Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter."

Moving Everyone Toward Involvement

All God's people are called to the ministry, all God's people are sent on mission.

Every church has those who are not actively involved in the ministry of the local body, but not everyone
is uninvolved for the same reason. It is up to the leadership of the church to determine who feels useless
and needs encouragement, who is hurting and needs help, and who is lazy and needs correcting.

The church has been commissioned by Jesus to make disciples. The only way you can accomplish that
task beyond the walls of your church is by having engaged, involved and active disciples within the walls.

7 Great Leaders From The Bible

AUGUST 26, 2015 BY JACK WELLMAN

3 COMMENTS

Who are 7 of the greatest leaders found in the Bible, including from
the Old Testament and the New Testament?

God Chooses Leaders

After King Saul’s abdicating the throne due to his disobedience, God
told Samuel “I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have
provided for myself a king among his sons” (1st Samuel 16:1b) so when
“Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to
Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these” (1st Sam 16:10). When David
finally passed before Samuel, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and
anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord
rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and
went to Ramah” (1st Sam 16:13). When God called Moses to lead Israel
out of their Egyptian bondage of slavery, God told him, “Come, I will
send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of
Israel, out of Egypt” (Ex 3:10) so the point in this account of Moses
and David, as well as dozens of other leaders in the Bible is that God is
the One Who chooses the leaders. They never appoint themselves or
choose themselves.

The Meek Moses

Moses was said to be the meekest man on earth as it says in Numbers
12:3 “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who
were on the face of the earth.” Meekness or humility is a necessity for
being a leader and Moses certainly was. He was trained in the
Pharaoh’s court and had some of the best education that was available
on earth at the time. Even after he murdered an Egyptian who was
abusing an Israelite slave, God was not going to change his mind about
him. In the burning bush incident, God chose Moses as His vessel to
bring Israel out of Egypt and was one of the greatest biblical leaders of
all (Ex 3).
David a Man after God’s Own Heart
When Samuel anointed David to be the next king, he was replacing
King Saul who was anything but humble and became full of pride and
we know that God resists those who are prideful (James 4:6). God says
“Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because
I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on
the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1st Sam
16:7). God chose the least likely in the eyes of man because He looked
at David’s heart and not his outward appearance. David’s heart toward
God made him a supreme leader and the greatest king that Israel ever
had.

Obedient Daniel
When Daniel was living in captivity in Babylon, he was obedient to the
point of losing his life if necessary. He refused to bow to the king and
ended up in the lion’s den. He refused to eat the king’s diet and ended
up in much better health than those who didn’t. Daniel was first and
foremost concerned about living in obedience to God’s laws and had
no fear of man, even the great King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. To
God, obedience is better than sacrifice (1st Sam 15:22) and that’s a
mark of a great leader.

Suffering Paul
Paul was perhaps the greatest missionary the world has ever known.
He likely suffered more than any other Christian and only Christ
suffered more at the hands of sinful men. Even so, Paul thought that
his suffering was important because he was sharing in the sufferings of
Christ. Paul saw the benefits of suffering as he wrote “For as we share
abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share
abundantly in comfort too” (2nd Cor 1:5). Paul traveled by foot over
10,000 miles and was beaten, tortured, stoned, imprisoned, and more
than once, left to die but great leaders have to suffer as Peter testifies
“rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also
rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1st Pet 4:13).

Bold Nehemiah
Nehemiah was truly a great leader as he faced all sorts of obstacles as
he was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. In the first place, he was the
cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, which was a high position of authority.
Even though he was fearful at appearing sad before the king because
this could mean certain death, he still sought help to rebuild the walls
Jerusalem. By doing so, he risked his life. Great leaders must possess
courage and not be afraid of what others think or what others might
do. He faced opposition from nations around him and from within his
own nation but still managed to rebuild Jerusalem in fifty-two days!

Courageous Deborah
Deborah was the only female Judge that Israel ever had but she may
have been one of the most courageous. During the time of the Judges,
when everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6,
21:27), Deborah stood head and shoulders above everyone else. Israel
was oppressed by Jabin and his armies for 20 years and appeared to
be undefeatable. Israel’s armies were certainly no match since they
didn’t even have any weapons (Judges 5:8). Barak, in leading Israel
into battle, was fearful and he would only go into battle if Deborah
would accompany him and she did and by God’s hand, the superior
forces of the enemy fell. Her willingness to go into battle showed that
she trusted God and had no fear of others but only feared God.
Courage is exactly what great leaders need.
 Restored Peter
Peter denied Jesus three times during His illegal trial. He even swore
profusely to prove that he was not a disciple of Christ. Even so, Peter
bounced back after he repented and was restored by Christ. Peter’s
great sermon on the Day of Pentecost is one of the greatest sermons in
the Bible and he convicted the crowd to repent and turn to Christ and
as a result, “those who received his word were baptized, and there
were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). His early
leadership of the church was vital in the early days as the church grew
rapidly. Pete was a rock; he was a rock of offense to the Jews but he
was a rock in his faith to those who believed.

Conclusion
Every great leader must possess the meekness of Moses, be a man or
woman after God’s own heart, must live a life of obedience to God,
must learn to suffer and suffer well, have boldness to do what they
know needs to be done, have the courage to do it, and know that when
they fall (not if) that they can be forgiven and restored by the grace of
God.

Seven biblical models of leadership

by Brooks Faulkner on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 7:00 AM

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

As a church staff or volunteer ministry leader, you can learn valuable and
unique lessons from several biblical characters. Here are seven whose
leadership played a significant role in leading the early church and furthering
the gospel.

1. Paul: "Believe in something bigger than yourself."

"I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends
of the earth" (Acts 13:47). Paul thought of himself as nothing in the total
scheme of things. He was thoroughly subservient to the will of God, and he was
committed to a specific, meaningful mission. Paul had courage in the face of
opposition because he had limitless horizons in his mission. He believed in
himself, but he believed in something bigger than himself, namely, "Jesus Christ
and Him crucified," (1 Cor. 2:2).

2. Nehemiah: "Build on what God has given you."

His leadership was built not so much on ancestry from the Jewish lineage as by
faithfulness. He would build the walls on faith. He was obscure in comparison
to other great Old Testament heroes, but faithfulness separated him from
mediocrity. God has given each leader specific gifts. Some are not as visible; all
are useful.

3. Joshua: "Bring the best people to the table."

Joshua had been in the presence of God. A theophany had taken place in Joshua
5:15: "The commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Remove the sandals
from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did
so."

Because of his special blessing, he was appointed as one with judicial powers
and responsibilities in Joshua 14:6-15. He had a special place. He was
courageous as indicated by the spy scenario in Numbers 13:31.

He was most likely the envy of other young leaders. But Moses brought him to
the table of leadership because he was the best person for the job. My guess is
that he had skills the like of which Moses himself admired, perhaps even
envied.
4. Barnabas: "Bridge the gaps of differing opinions."
He was nicknamed "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36). He bridged the gaps
between the Greek and Jewish worlds. Born a Cypriot and reared a Levite, he
linked the Hellenistic world and the Jerusalem church. Even when John Mark was
being severely ostracized by Paul, Barnabas stood by John Mark.

He was generous and that in itself bridges the gaps of selfish and greedy
people if God's grace is given the opportunity to be operative. He sold his land
and gave it to the church treasury. He was not an "out front" kind of person, but
rather stayed in the background as a fan and supporter of Paul. The most
memorable aspect of effective leadership of a pastor is when he has survived
the polarities of differing opinions and modeled having each side respect the
other's.

5. Moses: "Blind your eyes to petty criticism."

Moses was seen as the patient leader of a people with little faith (Ex. 16:8, 16-
20). His church was a murmuring people. They complained and whined at every
inconvenience (Ex. 15:24; 16: 2-3). He did get disgusted. Remember, he struck
the rock and disobeyed God, but his patience had worn thin. He had had
enough.

Petty criticism wears on the leader. The wise leader will work hard at blinding
his or her eyes to the pettiness of church members' criticism. If that doesn't
work, he outlasts them. Just about every pastor has "struck the rock" at one
time or another; but then, like Moses, the same pastor usually has the resilience
to see things through. Nobody said it would be easy.

6. Elijah: "Bind the ties of love and courage."

Today's nomenclature calls it tough love. Some call it a tough mind and a
tender heart. Elijah had both. He loved God. He had the courage to speak to the
evils of his day. Where is your God, he asked. "Perhaps he's sleeping and will
wake up!" (1 Kings 18:27).

His sarcasm showed his disdain for those who had forsaken God. In every
effective leader's life, there is a time for love, but also a time for courage. It may
not come quickly. It will, however, come eventually. If the leader becomes a
wimp, he will lose his leadership role. Effective leaders have the courage to
speak even when it is unpopular to speak because they speak the truth with
love.

7. Peter: "Bounce back after you are knocked down."

In Matthew 16, Peter was both a "rock" and a "stumbling block." He was both
blessed and disgraced almost in the same breath. It is enough to discourage
any pastor. You are the foundation. You are the devil's advocate. Discouraged
by the disapproval of Jesus, yet blessed by the warmth and affection of Jesus.
Resilience may be the cornerstone of effective leadership. One church member
compliments your Sunday morning message, the next complains about your
quoting Carl Jung because he is not a Christian.

Uncommitted Christians
James 1:19 ESV / 7 helpful votes
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak,
slow to anger;

Romans 2:6-8 ESV / 7 helpful votes

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-
doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for
those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness,
there will be wrath and fury.

John 20:19-24 ESV / 6 helpful votes

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where
the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said
to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and
his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them
again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the
Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold
forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” ...

James 4:17 ESV / 5 helpful votes

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

James 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who
teach will be judged with greater strictness.

John 6:50-71 ESV / 4 helpful votes

This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not
die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread,
he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his
flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the
flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds
on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last
day. ...

Galatians 6:7-9 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also
reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but
the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not
grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:1 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should
restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be
tempted.

Acts 16:31 ESV / 3 helpful votes

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your
household.”

John 16:33 ESV / 3 helpful votes

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will
have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 8:44 ESV / 3 helpful votes

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a
murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is
no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and
the father of lies.

Jeremiah 5:25 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have kept good from you.

Proverbs 14:34 ESV / 3 helpful votes

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.
2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV / 3 helpful votes
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my
face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive
their sin and heal their land.

Revelation 18:1-24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority,
and the earth was made bright with his glory. And he called out with a mighty voice,
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place for demons, a
haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every
unclean and detestable beast. For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of
her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with
her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious
living.” Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my
people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are
heaped high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. ...

Revelation 11:1-19 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the
temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the
court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they
will trample the holy city for forty-two months. And I will grant authority to my two
witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are
the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.
And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their
foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. ...

1 John 5:18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he
who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.

Hebrews 13:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls,
as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with
groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Hebrews 12:1-29 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay
aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the
race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from
sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or
fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of
shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as
sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when
reproved by him. ...

1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings
be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead
a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is
pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to
come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV / 2 helpful votes

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Ephesians 5:14-18 ESV / 2 helpful votes

For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and
arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk,
not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are
evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do
not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

1 Corinthians 3:1-23 ESV / 2 helpful votes

But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh,
as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.
And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is
jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a
human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are
you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through
whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. ...

Romans 13:1-5 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore
whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist
will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would
you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will
receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be
afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an
avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in
subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience.

Romans 12:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

John 19:11 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been
given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater
sin.”

John 17:14-16 ESV / 2 helpful votes

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of
the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the
world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I
am not of the world.

John 12:47-48 ESV / 2 helpful votes

If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not
come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does
not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the
last day.

John 10:10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and
have it abundantly.

John 6:1-71 ESV / 2 helpful votes

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of
Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he
was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with
his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his
eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to
Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” ...
Matthew 10:37-39 ESV / 2 helpful votes
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever
loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not
take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 6:9-13 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom
come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Ezekiel 28:15 ESV / 2 helpful votes

You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till
unrighteousness was found in you.

Isaiah 2:4 ESV / 2 helpful votes

He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and
they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

Psalm 91:9-10 ESV / 2 helpful votes

Because you have made the LORD your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my
refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.

Psalm 63:1 ESV / 2 helpful votes

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God;
earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and
weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 51:17 ESV / 2 helpful votes

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will
not despise.

2 Kings 6:4-7 ESV / 2 helpful votes

So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. But
as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my
master! It was borrowed.” Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he
 showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron
float. And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

Deuteronomy 30:16-19 ESV / 2 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you today, by
loving the LORD your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his
commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and
the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession
of it. But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to
worship other gods and serve them, I declare to you today, that you shall surely
perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter
and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set
before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and
your offspring may live,

The 10 Commandments of an
Uncommitted Christian
 Posted on September 1, 2015

 Lairs Johnston
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A Christian is committed to God. It is not a half-hearted journey. At least it is not intended to be.
But many “Christians” have done it. They have turned following Jesus from a selfless
sacrifice to a selfish pursuit. Christianity is nothing more than a status. A box to check. I can’t
imagine this is how Jesus intended Christianity to be. Jesus made statements about hating mother
and father…even hating his or her own life (Luke 14:26). Jesus asked people to think seriously
about the costs of following Him (Luke 14:27). It was not intended to be an easy road. It was
never supposed to be characterized by comfort and security.

But a life shrouded in comfort and security tends to have this effect. Culture influences the Bible
more than God himself. For whatever reason many have allowed the culture to shape
the Creator…and his expectations for us.

And here is why this post is so important…a person who claims Christianity but is not
molded into the image of God is no Christian at all. Christianity is not about a name…it is about
a Savior. It is not a declaration…it is a transformation. It not about fixing some bad habits…it is
about becoming a new person. Jesus makes it clear how he feels about “status” or “lukewarm”
Christians…

I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or
hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my
mouth.Revelation 3:16-17
But how do we know where we stand? Well, people claiming Christ but not really serious about
Him adhere to some central truths. Call them commands if you choose. Ideals that shape
decisions. So, here are the 10 commandments of an uncommitted Christian.

The 10 Commandments of Christian That’s Not

Committed To God
#1: LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS…IF THEY LOOK AND TALK LIKE YOU.

It is important to love God. That is what being committed to God is. It is also important to love
your neighbors. Practice both of these. But all that stuff Jesus said about loving enemies (Matt.
5:43-48)…don’t worry about that. Why would anyone love a terrorist? Why would anyone love
a person that wants to come on our soil and kill people?

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If Jesus were with us today…he would understand. Jesus doesn’t love them either. Just love
those people who are easy to love. Love those people who look like you. If you do that, God is
happy. Love God…love your neighbors who look and talk like you.

#2: FOLLOW JESUS…UNTIL IT COST YOU SOMETHING.

I love following Jesus. Being a Christian is very important to me. But Jesus would never ask me
to give up something. He would never call me to go somewhere I don’t want to go. Overseas?
No way. Give up my free time? Don’t think so. I know Jesus. He wouldn’t do that. I thank God
everyday for the freedom and comfort I enjoy in America.

My comfort is a gift from God. Following Jesus should never require someone to lose their job. I
mean, God wants me to stand up for my faith. I get that. But I don’t think he would want me to
stand up for Jesus if my job is on the line. Or my friendships. Relationships. Finances. Following
Jesus shouldn’t hurt. In fact, I don’t believe following Jesus should really cost anything.

#3: NEVER USE WORDS LIKE “RADICAL” AND “SACRIFICE.”

I love reading about the life of Jesus. Wasn’t Jesus amazing? The way he talked to the Pharisees
and religious leaders. The way he spent time with tax collectors and prostitutes. The way he went
to the cross. He was bold. Courageous. Inclusive. Loving. What a great story.
But Jesus would never ask me to live that way. And you know what really bothers me? When I
see people like Dr. Kent Brantly go overseas to help dying Ebola patients. He contracts the
disease. And then he expects to come back to America and be treated? I mean, why would you
do something like that? Seems ridiculous to me.

Just be a doctor in America. Let the African people care for themselves. And all the people who
are being killed by terrorists groups because of their faith in Jesus? Why not just denounce Jesus
and save your life? You can always go back to Jesus later…I think Jesus would understand.

Words like radical and sacrifice always make me cringe. I want to be a Christian. I love Jesus.
But I view Christianity as more of a status than a sacrifice.

#4: HEAVEN IS GOOD…LIFE ON EARTH IS BETTER.

Several years ago, Kenny Chesney came out with a song about going to heaven…but not right
now. I am not a big fan of Kenny Chesney. He seems like a metro-sexual trying to be a
cowboy while singing “poppy” songs on a country station. Can you say identity crisis? Anyway,
I loved this song. I call it my anthem. I want to go to heaven. It will be a great place. But I don’t
want to go right now. My life is awesome. I am in college. I have a wife and a healthy kid.

I don’t want God to rob me of the best years of my life. I want to experience college. I want to
find my spouse. I think we all deserve that. Maybe when I retire Jesus can come back. I will be
honest, though. If He came back today, I would be upset. I love God. I love heaven. But I really
love my life on earth. At least my life at this moment. I want to go heaven…just not right now.

#5: DON’T PURSUE OBEDIENCE…NOBODY SHOULD TELL YOU HOW TO LIVE.

Here is the thing…obedience reveals weakness especially when its because you’re committed to
God. Authority and obedience are kissing cousins…neither are related to me. I love God. But I
do not believe I should be obedient to His commands. They are burdensome. Obedience to God
robs me of fun. I mean God wants me to wait until I marry to have sex? He thinks it is wrong to
be drunk? He wants me to give money back to him? C’mon God…do you not me to have any
fun?

Look, just live for yourself. Nobody should tell you or me how to live. This is your life. The only
life you have. Live it to the fullest. YOLO. Don’t pursue obedience and don’t fall under anyone’s
authority. You are your own authority. Only you know what you want and need.
#6: IF IT FEELS GOOD…DO IT.

Turn on the tv. Turn on the radio. Listen to the lyrics. Here is the overriding theme…do what
feels good. You see all the fun these people are having? Don’t you want to be like them? The
only way to make this happen is to do what they do. The people I see on tv and listen to on the
radio are my role models.

Why would you do something if it hurts? And being committed to God sometimes hurts. Why
would you work hard for something? Why would you stay in a relationship that is not doing
well? Did God not give us feelings and emotions? Just act on the ones that make you feel good.

#7: WORSHIP GOD ON SUNDAY…WORSHIP YOURSELF THE REST OF THE WEEK.

Hey, I believe Sundays are for God. I make it to worship every Sunday. Well, almost every
Sunday. Every now and then I stay up too late and sleep in. There are also weekends when the
kids have ballgames. But God understands that. Nobody is perfect.

Me and God have a deal. I will give Him Sunday. But the other six days I have a lot going on, so
I live for myself. I don’t need to be committed to God every day. I turn God off. Like a light
switch. God doesn’t really impact my social life. He doesn’t really change how I interact with
my co-workers. He doesn’t influence my dealings with other people. My relationship with God
works best that way. Mondays through Saturdays are for me. Sundays are for God.

#8: READ THE BIBLE AND PRAY…IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME.

Life is busy, right (can I get an “Amen!”)? God knows our schedule. He knows we go from the
time we wake up to the time we lie down. Ballgames. Practices. Homework. Social events.
Marriage. My favorite tv show. My favorite sports team. All of these require my time and
energy. I read the Bible when I can. I pretty much know how God wants me to live anyway. I
mean I am still committed to God even when I am busy.

And prayer? Yeah, I want to talk to God. But prayer is hard. I mean God never talks back. I
almost see it as a waste of time. God knows everything. Why does he need me to tell him what I
need?

#9: PURSUE RICHES AND FAME…GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE THE BEST.

God wants all of us to have the best. The nicest car. The biggest house. The largest bank account.
I believe this is God’s intention for our lives. Have you seen the Preachers of L.A.? I think those
guys have it right. God intends for us to be prosperous (Deut. 8:18; John 10:10). All of us should
pursue riches and fame. Doesn’t matter if you sacrifice your family or your integrity. God wants
us to have the best. So…go get it.

#10: DON’T SHARE JESUS WITH OTHERS…THE MISSION IS NOT IMPORTANT.

Sharing Jesus with other people is awkward. I might lose friends over it. I will certainly look
vulnerable. I am not in to looking vulnerable.

And it has never worked for me. Sharing my faith that is. Well, technically I have never shared
Jesus with anyone. But it has never worked for my friends. I know they have. I am just trying to
live a good life myself. Hard enough to do that. Sharing Jesus with the world is asking too much.