Tag Archive for 'Example'

Your Spiritual Profile!

by Jonas Harley | July 14, 2010

Social networking is becoming, if not already, a requirement to relate to other people. Having an online profile is commonplace in society today. One neat thing about social networking is that you get to choose who you want to follow (i.e. twitter) and be friends with (i.e. facebook). At the same time, other people are able to follow you and be friends with you! Scary huh?!  Did you know that in Philippians 3:17-21 the Bible gives you guidelines on how to manage your “spiritual profile?”

Follow those who Pursue Christ (v.17) – Paul encouraged his church to imitate him as he followed Christ. Church leadership (Pastors & Deacons) ought to be primary examples on how to pursue Christ and live the Christian life. Paul also recognized that there were other real life examples (patterns) that served as very powerful object lessons on how to live the Christian life. The Bible commands you to take note of, observe, and keep your eye (“…mark them which walk…”) on believers who passionately follow Christ. You must develop a “spiritual profile” of those who passionately pursue Christ because they encourage your spiritual growth. You must (1) identify and then (2) follow them.

For example, my youth pastor, Mike Washer (Director of National Hoops Ministries), is a great example of living by faith. I have personally seen God use him in great and mighty ways through his evangelistic ministry. My faith has grown as a result of “following” him when it comes to living by faith.

Who are you “following” that is an excellent example of living the Christian life? Are you a real life example of passionately pursing Christ? Would someone “mark” you as an example?

Avoid those who Oppose Christ (v.18-19) – On the other hand, there are MANY people in the world today who “profess Christ” or reject Christ and are seeking to distract and deceive you which will result in ruining your Christian testimony. These people are actually enemies of the cross of Jesus Christ and must be avoided. In other words, stop following them. The Bible lays out four descriptions of those who oppose Christ:

  1. Their Destiny - “Whose end is destruction,“ – Their eternal destination is destruction in hell. 
  2. Their Desires - “…whose God is their belly,” – They are occupied with selfish living. Self-esteem is their appetite!
  3. Their Boastings - “…and whose glory is in their shame,” – They boast in the most extreme forms of wickedness. They take pride in perversions (immorality, violence, rebellion).
  4. Their Focus - “…who mind earthly things.)” – They have a temporal focus. They think and live for the here and now.

You must identify and avoid following the enemies of the cross of Jesus Christ because they hinder your spiritual growth. Who are you “following” that is an enemy of Jesus?

Remember your Identity in Christ (v.20-21) – One of the primary reasons people participate in social networking is to create an identity. In these verses Paul reminds you of your identity as a Christian, that your true citizenship is in heaven and that you must be eagerly waiting for the return of Christ!

“Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”Paul encourages you to keep resting in the promise of glorification where you will be free from the presence of sin and receive your transformed (perfect) body. The core motivation for spiritual growth is the hope of the return of Jesus Christ, because that marks the end of your pursuit for the prize of Christlikeness!  

A gardener for a large estate in northern Italy was conducting a visitor through the castle and the beautiful, well-groomed grounds. As the visitor had lunch with the gardener and his wife, he commended them for the beautiful way they were keeping the gardens. He asked, “By the way, when was the last time the owner was here? “About ten years ago.” The gardener replied. The visitor asked, “Then why do you keep the gardens in such an immaculate, lovely manner?” The gardener replied, “Because I’m expecting him to return.”  “Is he coming next week?” The gardener replied, “I don’t know when he is coming, but I am expecting him today.” Are you excited about the day when your redeemed spirit and glorified body will be able to perfectly manifest the glory of God? 

In summary, you must diligently manage your spiritual profile by looking to godly examples, looking out for enemies, and focusing on the glorious return of Jesus Christ!

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Defeating the Media Monster, Pt. 2

by Jonas Harley | June 16, 2010

I’m addressing how we, as families, can defeat the Media monster that is saturating our culture and more importantly our homes. In my last post (see the one below) I presented the wrong reasons why we allow media into our homes and then listed the challenges media brings into our homes. We can have victory in the area of media, but we must be willing to execute the following steps. 

1. Engage as a Parent – We need Christian parents that will engage or re-engage and take an active role in biblically shepherding the next generation. Please read the parenting passages in the Bible those are found in Deut. 6, Eph.6, Col. 3. The reason the media monster is invading many homes is primarily because parents have failed to stay involved. Many parents have become lazy in managing their homes and the consequences are severe. So, how do we engage as parents in a media saturated culture?

  • Accept It – Embrace the fact that your children are living in a “high-tech” world! Go ahead and accept the fact that culture is not going back to cassette tapes, pay phones, land-lines, snail mail, and donkey kong! Many parents are in denial about the media or trying to stop it (good luck with that!). You must gear up and start preparing your children to live in a world that is saturated with media!
  • Get Involved – The best way you can defeat the “media monster” is through active participation! Don’t be afraid to participate in the media. You can’t afford to abandon the next generation and let them defeat the media monster! You must biblically take active roles in parenting in a high tech world! Now, this doesn’t mean you go out and create a profile on every social networking site nor buy every gadget that comes out on the market. Please use discernment. The best way you can get involved is by setting the pace. We have an incredible opportunity to set the example and biblically train the next generation! Your godly example will speak volumes to you’re the members of your family! Let them see you action! Here is good rule of thumb to follow: Whatever you allow your children to do, you should do it first. (For example, before you allow your child to have a Facebook you should take the time to learn the “ins and outs” first).

2. Establish a Biblical Philosophy- We need Christian families who will establish and execute a biblical philosophy regarding media usage! A philosophy is the framework by which you make your decisions regarding various things in life.  In other words, it is your objective, mission, and purpose in which you operate. Allow me to get you started on establishing a biblical philosophy in your home regarding media…  

  • Exalt God – Does this media provide opportunity to glorify God? (1 Cor. 10:31; Phil. 1:20; Col. 3:17). Your primary focus as a parent must be to teach your children how to honor and love God (Deut. 6:5-9), that includes the area of media!
  • Edify Others – Does this media offer avenues to encourage other believers? (Prov. 16:24; Matt 12:36; Eph. 4:29-31). Too often, among Christians, there is gossip, slander, lying, criticism, immoral talk, filthy joking, etc. taking place in your communication. God and His Word have specifically commanded you to exhort, encourage one another.  You must demonstrate and teach your children how to do the same in life as well as through the media!
  • Evangelize the Lost – How will this media help us proclaim the truth to a lost world? (Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15).  According to the U.S. Census every 12 seconds someone dies in the USA. (www.census.gov). It is very easy to get our focus off of seeking to communicate the Truth of the Gospel. You must strive to use your media outlets to proclaim the Truth to every creature, along with face to face witnessing.  You must lead by example!

Once you establish a biblical philosophy YOU MUST execute it! Work God’s plan! You can’t be passive about it. This means taking an active stand on the Word of God in order to train your children in the way they should go! (Pr. 22:6).

3. Employ Practical Points- Here are some practical and helpful ways for you to defeat the Media Monster in your home.

  • Collect all usernames & passwords. This should be a must for all your children. It is not an invasion of privacy! Your child’s willingness for open accountability will reveal a lot about your child’s heart. (They must also know that you are accountable to your spouse).
  • Get on the media learning curve. Just like driving a car—first you learn, then you teach. The principle is the same with media. Simply—if you allow it, you must learn it. You can’t afford to have media outlets or gadgets in your home that you do not understand. This will also give you the edge on what’s entering the culture. It won’t be long before your child will be asking for it and if it is appropriate you will already have a head start. The USA Today has a great technology section that really stays in tune with what’s going on.
  • Provide healthy and productive alternatives to media. Help your children stay in balance by practicing moderation. Lead your children to read, play games, play a sport, learn an instrument, develop a hobby, etc.  
  • Install internet safety programs. It is best to have internet safety in your home, on your mobile phone, and in other areas where you have internet access. Safe Eyes is great internet software, please visit, www.internetsaftey.com.
  • Partner with your Pastor, side by side working together. You and your pastor are a team. He is there to help you biblically parent and help your child biblically submit to your leading. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or need advice, please go to him! He is your teammate!
  • Unplug on purpose. Disconnect from media so you can re-connect as a family. Many families are disconnected because they are so connected to everyone else. Plan times where all media is turn off, unplugged, put away, or even taken away and have good ole’ fashion “family time.”

It is possible to defeat the Media Monster and biblically guide your family in a “high-tech” world!  But it must start with you recognizing your biblical role as a parent and leading by example! I hope you desire to train up the next generation to use media in a way that honors the Lord and advances His purposes!

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You are a Torchbearer!

by Jonas Harley | December 30, 2009

The Vancouver Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony is just around the corner (February 12, 2010)! Before you know it the “big” torch will be lit and the games will begin!

Several months before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games (summer and winter) a torch is ceremonially lit in Olympia, Greece and then is relayed throughout parts of Greece and then handed off to a representative of the hosting Country (in this case Canada). From there, the Olympic Flame will make a trans-Atlantic flight and arrive in Canada, signaling the start of the 106-day 45,000 kilometer (27,961 miles) Olympic Torch Relay leading up to the opening ceremony.

The flame will be carried by 12,000 torchbearers who each have a brief and personal time relaying the flame. All the torchbearers have one goal in mind and that is to successfully run their leg of the relay so the flame is at the intended end.       

The other night I was reading 1 Peter 1:23-25, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

After I read that I immediately thought that it’s my turn to carry the “flame” of the gospel. I’m a “gospelbearer” of the Word of God. Based on this passage the Word of God is going to endure forever but I will not. Think about all the Christians who ran their “leg” in the 1500s, 1700s, 1800s… their “leg” of carrying the gospel is over but the “flame” is still going. Now the “flame” has been passed to you.

So how are you running? Are you keeping the gospel pure? Are you defending the gospel? Are you proud to carry the gospel? Do you take delight in running for Christ?

You only have one “leg” to bear the flame of the gospel of Jesus Christ and then it will be time to pass it off to the next generation.

 Praise God for the eternal Word of God. We need more faithful “gospelbearers” who will run well! How are you running?

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