Went camping and fishing with Joe....

 Hello again!  Aren’t you all glad that I’m posting almost every day?  You’re probably getting tired of it eh?  Anyway, I’ve still been busy enough, if I’m not working; I’m working somewhere else… And if I do get a spare minute, I’m either in my garden, up on a mountain hiking, getting ready for deer season, playing a banjo, or typing things like this (below). 

 Don’t let the title fool you, it’s not some profound literary masterpiece that can only be understood by a few professors… Once you get to reading, I think you'll find it down-to-earth and easy-to-understand. 

 Anyway, lots of things in my life lately have influenced this, be it just observations, some preaching I’ve heard, things I have read or just plain “thought of” (there’s Someone who brings those thoughts to mind), or most of all, looking at my own life through the years.  I have by no means mastered what I wrote…so you may read along as I exhort myself!

So, I hope that you will receive some encouragement and a challenge for your life!  It’s about the first time I’ve written something like this, so if it’s a little scrambled or something, please understand….

Tell me what you think; I hope to continue writing (typing) things like this in the future!  Enough talk, if you have a good 15 minutes or so, start reading….

Drifting: The Dangers of Complacency in the Christian Life

Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! Amos 6:1 Read (Amos 6:1-7)

This was a warning to the Israelites who were living recklessly and complacently.

What is complacency? Webster’s Dictionary says: quiet satisfaction, contentment, especially self-satisfaction: narrow contentedness with ones accomplishments or beliefs.

I’d like to compare a Christian’s life to a river. This analogy isn’t perfect, but there are enough parallels to learn a lesson or two. A river takes its course; around bends, through the woods, through narrow gorges, or near open fields. The current can change from a slow, calm flow to unpredictable rapids and waterfalls. But even though a river’s conditions and surroundings are so diverse, there’s one thing remains the same: it always flows downhill.

Let’s think of a Christian in this river of life as a person in a boat. The goal is to steadily progress upstream. God is at the mouth (start) of the river and we want to draw closer to Him every day. On the other hand, drifting downstream takes you away from God, eventually ending in sin and distress.

As navigator of this boat, you have three options:

1. Paddle downstream

2. Do nothing (go with the flow)

3. Paddle upstream

Paddling downstream takes a little effort, and takes you downhill very quickly. Doing absolutely nothing will also take you downstream to places you never wanted to go, yet so slowly that you will hardly notice. Paddling upstream requires the most effort, but it will slowly and surely bring you nearer to God. It’s rare that a Christian will actually paddle downstream, so let’s focus on option #2: doing nothing, or, going with the flow.

We are all placed in the river of life at different points, depending on our background. For example, a person born into a Christian home may be placed in the river at a higher point. However, we all eventually reach the age where we are cut loose and must fend for ourselves.

There’s just one problem, we aren't given a paddle. We are automatically headed downstream. We were not born with any means of changing directions and progressing upstream. Neither did we inherit a paddle from our parents or teachers. We are hopelessly lost; literally up the creek without a paddle!

But, at many points in our downstream journey, there is a Man outside the river, on shore, offering us a paddle. The Man’s name is Jesus, and the paddle is called Grace. Grace is what saves us AND what enables us to stop sinning and serve God! First, we need to realize that we are headed downstream, then believe the Man that tells us we need a paddle, and finally accept and receive the paddle. This is the gospel of grace. "For by Grace are ye saved through faith" Eph 2:8. But what I would like to discuss now is what we do with this paddle. We can use it to propel ourselves upstream or we can lay it aside and continue floating downstream.

What are some evidences that we are headed downstream? We will notice that the river is getting wider, deeper, and calmer. Our spiritual laziness will make us weaker and weaker, decreasing the chances that we will ever turn back. Many others will surround us in drifting downriver. We won’t have any rapids to deal with and we won’t meet any resistance from fellow drifters. We will fit right in and be comfortable there. The river also becomes cloudy and muddy.

How about some evidences that we are making progress upstream? The river will become narrow and faster. But the more we paddle, the stronger we become, and we can overcome more challenging currents than ever. We will meet with resistance from the rest of the world, even other Christians, because most everyone is going the opposite direction. Rapids will make the journey difficult at times. But the water will become increasingly cleaner, clearer, and more refreshing.

Matthew 7:13,14 says: Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

In all of this, I don’t want to make it look like our works save us. The strength to paddle upriver comes from God and we need to ask Him to help us.

But over the past few years I’ve seen many Christians drifting downriver. They seem to be content to go along with the crowd; wearing what the world wears, listening to music the world enjoys, watching things the world likes to watch. Every now and then they may paddle once or twice to make them feel like they are O.K. But their main concern is not to make any waves, to go along with the flow, and even somewhat enjoy the shallow pleasures of this world. They try to see how much they can get away with; how close to the line of sin they can get without actually sinning. They seem to live in this "gray area", not really bad (black) but not totally clean either (white). They may subconsciously ask questions like: How long can I look at a woman without actually lusting after her? How tight can my clothes be before they're wrong to wear? How loud does the beat need to be until the music is considered wrong? How many violent scenes need to be in a movie before it’s wrong to watch? How long can I neglect God before I need to repent?

God forbid this kind of thinking! The Word of God says to abstain from the very appearance of evil! (I Thessalonians 5:22) We should stay so far away from the point of sin that it’s not even a question if we are in the wrong or not. Remember, one day God will bring every work into judgment, every secret thing, whether it be good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

But it’s not easy. It takes effort. It takes Grace. It’s very difficult to go the opposite direction of everyone else, and get upstream at the same time. People will look at you funny and think you’re too radical. They may even give you resistance. But the Bible says blessed are you when you are persecuted for My name’s sake. I’m not talking about Nero or Hitler or Stalin. I’m talking about loose Christians in your very church. The ones who use God and the Bible just enough to get by, but are certainly not steering clear of evil neither are serious about serving God. We need to please God rather than men. Gaining God’s approval is infinitely more important than getting our friends’ approval. Too many Christians act like they are ashamed of God. For example, do you turn the volume down on harmonious Christian music when others may hear? Or are you ashamed to bow your head to thank God for the food in a restaurant, when others may be watching? I have been. Jesus said that if we are ashamed of Him, He will also be ashamed of us before God. (Mark 8:38) When we stand before God at the end of time, the only thing that will count is how we acted before God, not our friends. Is not the Judgment of God harsher than the judgment of Friends? Besides, if our friends see us paddling upstream, a few may decide to join us! We also need to consider not spending too much time with people who don’t share our convictions. Yes, we need to be a living example and a witness, but we shouldn’t spend much idle time with them. 2^{nd Corinthians 6:14 says in part: "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?"}

This is an earnest plea to get serious about the things of God and stop living lightly. Yes, there is a time to have fun and enjoy the things of life. God created us for His pleasure and he wants us to enjoy His creation and the company of other people. But what He wants most is a personal relationship with each one of us. This includes spending time talking to God and reading His Word in a private place, free of distractions. I’ve learned that outside in the cool of the morning is ideal, but a quiet basement will also work. You should feel comfortable talking to God all the time. This will keep you from sin. It may seem to you that God is far from you when you pray. The best thing to do is to be honest and tell God that you feel far from Him. Let Him know that you want Him to speak to you and be near you. The Bible says: Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. -James 4:8 (4:7, 8) God can speak to you through His Word, through others, or even through your own thoughts. But if you harbor sin in your heart, the Holy Spirit will not be able to communicate with your spirit. You need to come to God with a clear conscience, and often the first thing to do is ask forgiveness for sins.

Seek the Lord while He is to be found! Call upon Him while He is near! (Isaiah 55:6) If you put it off there may come a time when He will not be found. We must realize that every minute we live, every breath we take is held in God’s hand. Will it take a tragic accident before we wake up, stop living carelessly and start living with some purpose? Matthew 5:6 says: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." This "filling" is rich and deep, unlike the shallow fulfillment that this world offers.

Choose this day who you will serve! (Joshua 24:15, read Joshua 23&24) You cannot serve God and the world at the same time! No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62) Set your eyes on the goal, and don’t look to the right or the left. Keep your eyes on Jesus! Set your priorities, the children’s song says it well: Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between (J-O-Y) Jesus said: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21) We need to ask for God’s strength to do His will. We need to conclude like Joshua: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Overcome evil with good! Every time you are tempted to do evil, do something good instead. If you are tempted to think wrong thoughts, don’t just try to stop them. Replace them with good thoughts!

In these times what Christians need is a little boldness sometimes. In countries where Christians are persecuted this is not as much a problem. Either you are a real Christian or not. But in America it is so easy to lack some holy grit in matters where we should be bold for God. It is easy to become lazy and complacent toward the things that matter most. We need to be strong in faith, know what we believe and why, ("Be ready always to give an answer…" 1st Peter 3:15) be firm and not blown about with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14) and have some Godly integrity! We should be honest in business, not slothful in it, (Romans 12:11) true to our word, diligent, and trustworthy. We should do what is right no matter who is looking! Even if no one is looking! (God always is) One day things we have spoken in secret will be proclaimed from the housetops! (Luke 12:3) Better make it worth shouting! We need to be what real Christians are supposed to be, just and upright, righteous, reflecting the character of God!

Woe unto them that are at ease in Zion! We need to fight spiritual laziness! Idleness can destroy us. It has been said that an idle mind is the devil's workshop. Proverbs 19:15 says that an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Matthew 12:36 tells us that we will give an account for every idle word that we speak! James 4:17 says: Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. I think that is spiritual laziness in a sense.

Let’s outline the concept of complacency in the Christian's life:

1. Overall laziness, seeking self-gratification

A complacent Christian, if a Christian at all, becomes lazy in almost all areas of life. He begins to slack in his relationship with God, and his relationships with his family. Instead of having a servant’s heart, this person seeks to please himself.

2. Being ashamed of God, or, failure to stand up for the right.

This is a sure sign that the disease of complacency has set in.

3. Caring more about what others say or think than what God says or thinks.

Laziness in a person’s spiritual life results in a lack of the fear of God.

1. Realize that you are drifting, and ask for Grace!

The first step, receive the gospel! (John 3:16)

2. Set your eyes on the goal, not your surroundings!

Remember the plough; don’t look to the right or left. Things surrounding us look bigger because they are closer, but those who reach the goal realize how small they really are.

3. Avoid bad company/influences and find others who are paddling upstream!

For what fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness?

Let’s see an example of a man who, in his later years, became complacent toward the things of God.

King Saul came to a point in his life where he became complacent and lost his fear of God. He feared men more than God. I’m thinking of the time where God commanded him to utterly destroy the Amalekites; men, women, sheep and oxen. He feared the people more than God. Read 1st Samuel 15 for the whole story. Verse 15: "And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed."

The people spared them? Saul was content to blame his failure on others, even though he had the power to order that everything be destroyed. Verse 24: And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

Saul feared what his people would think. Some of his captains might have said: "What?? Destroy all these good sheep and oxen?! You got to be kidding! We could at least use them for sacrificing! And all these camels, we could use them! And why should we kill the king when we can just capture him for a trophy? You’re out of your mind!!"

And so Saul feared the people more than God. His pride and complacency toward the things of God eventually resulted in him losing the kingdom.

Now, how about a man of integrity who served God even if it meant death?

During the reign of King Darius in the Old Testament, some evil men devised a plan against Daniel, a man of God. They got the king to sign a contract which stated that anyone who asked a certain thing of any God or man for more than 30 days, besides the king, would be thrown into the pit where the lions were kept. This was probably a method of capital punishment in those days. Daniel knew that the king had signed this, but he kept doing what he knew was right, he prayed to his God three times a day, every day. Daniel 6:10 relates: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Read all of Daniel 6 for the full story. Daniel had enough fear of God and Holy boldness to continue doing what he knew was right regardless of the consequences. For a man in a position as high as Daniel’s, being thrown to the lions would have been very humiliating, not to mention the painful death. But God, for His Holy Name’s sake, delivered Daniel from the lions den and Daniel was used of God many more times in his life.

We may not always see the good that comes when we do what is right immediately, but we will receive a crown of glory in heaven for it, which is far better than having the approval of men here on earth.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

You see, as long as we fear God and keep His commandments, we won’t have nearly as many struggles with trying to please the world. Simply admit your faults and agree to follow the Lord with a whole heart. Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus! (Philippians 5:14) That high calling is no small thing. It is very serious! And yet so satisfying when completed. There is no alternative. Nothing else will do. All other ways lead downstream. If you could see yourself 50 years from now, you could see how terribly important this is! But for now, trust God and do what’s right. Always. No matter who’s watching. Period. Be strong and courageous! And always talk to God.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

Alright ya'll, or "yous" as they would say in PA.  Ya know, I post so often that I probably should slow down a little....  Well, my good friend Keagan (or bad friend sometimes, especially when he... um watch the video...) finally convinced me to post on here, and I have a video of him and me acting out a skit we thought up while hiking in the woods...  Don't worry about download time, IT'LL BE WORTH IT!!  Oh, and I also changed / updated my profile.  Here's the video...

http://video.xanga.com/Crazy_Coyote/c263c373871/video.html 

Edit, hey don't just watch the preview thing, its no good.  Just click the link.