Peter Misselbrook's Blog

May 23 2019 - Proverbs 4 – Guard your heart

Proverbs chapter 4 continues with the exhortation to listen and learn. But the learning that is advocated is not academic. It is not a matter of learning and remembering four new facts before breakfast each day – or learning one unusual English word each morning and trying to inject it into your conversations. It is learning the pattern of life that is pleasing to God, the pattern of life designed for human flourishing, and then living that life. It is mastering the art of living a righteous life more fully every day.

Such a life begins in the heart: "Above all else," says Solomon, "guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (v. 23). This theme runs throughout the chapter: "Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live" (v. 4); "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart" (vv. 20-21). Solomon may be writing instruction for his son and successor but we also need to ensure that there is no part of our heart and affections which is not fully surrendered to the Lord. If he does not reign there, he does not reign at all.

Such a life is displayed in the words we speak: "Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips" (v. 24). The tongue is an unruly member which it is more difficult for us to tame than a wild animal (see James 3:1-12). But wisdom given by the Spirit of God, accompanied by the indwelling life and power of the Spirit can bring our tongues into captivity to the service of Christ.

Such a life is characterised by careful walking in the way mapped out for us by Jesus who walked this path before us:

Let your eyes look straight ahead;
   fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
   and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
   keep your foot from evil. (vv. 25-27)

Such a life, proceeding from a heart that is centred upon Christ and lived for the glory of God, becomes second nature; we habitually and increasingly turn away from what displeases God and become more and more conformed to the image of Christ: "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (v. 18).

This is the good life – the life that is pleasing to God, brings pleasure and blessing to the one living it and shows the world something of the beauty and glory of Christ. This is the life that has power to heal and bless a broken world.

O for a heart to praise my God,
a heart from sin set free;
a heart that's sprinkled with the blood
so freely shed for me:

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
my great Redeemer's throne;
where only Christ is heard to speak,
where Jesus reigns alone.

Righteous Father, teach me your way and help me to listen to your call upon my life. Help me by your Spirit to guard my heart, watch my tongue and take care to follow closely in the way of Christ my Saviour, for I know that I cannot live such a life by my own strength. May my life always be pleasing to you and a blessing to those around me. May it point others to Jesus our Saviour.

May 23 2020 - 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 – Giving that defies description

Paul has previously spoken highly of the way in which the Christians in Macedonia had contributed to the collection for the saints in Jerusalem and had encouraged the Corinthians to imitate them in excelling in the grace of giving (see 2 Corinthians 8:1-7). Now he admits that he has also boasted to the Macedonians concerning the readiness of the Christians in Corinth to do just that. And, he says, he may be bringing some from Macedonia with him when he comes to receive what the Corinthians have managed to set aside for him. He urges the Corinthians not to embarrass him by failing to live up to their promise and his boast (9:1-4). Paul, it seems to me, is quite an adept fundraiser – encouraging each to outdo the other in the grace of giving.

Paul is keen to encourage willing, generous and cheerful giving, “God loves a cheerful giver” (9:7). God has been generous to them and has supplied all their needs. Paul assures them that they can give in the confidence that “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work… You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion” (9:8,11). Giving will not lead to their impoverishment; God will continue to bless them so that they will be able to respond with continued giving to others.

Such texts as these have been misused by some to suggest that giving to others will ensure your own material prosperity. The “Prosperity Gospel” makes its appeal to human covetousness and often finds its origin in covetous preachers. It is a disgrace when some preachers and tele-evangelists appeal for money with the promise that the more you give, the richer God will make you. The promise by some, that if you send them large amounts of money, they will pray for you and you will then receive spiritual blessing is a return to the obscene mediaeval practice of pedalling indulgences. Such behaviour makes a mockery of the gospel and brings the name of God into disrepute.

Paul’s requests for money were very different. Firstly, none of the money was for himself; the collection was entirely to relieve the needs of impoverished Christians in Judea. Secondly, such giving was to be a cheerful response to God’s indescribable gift of the Lord Jesus. Our giving is not a means of wringing something out of God, but a glad response to the riches of God’s grace lavished upon us in Christ. Such giving is of the essence of the gospel – it reflects the giving heart of God.

In addition, such giving brings praise to God. The recipients of the gifts recognise the goodness of God in supplying their needs through the generosity of those whose hearts God has touched. They will praise God and pray with thanksgiving for those who have shown such concern for them. And such sacrificial giving, bringing relief to unknown people in another part of the world, will not go unnoticed by a watching world. It will act as a powerful advert for the gospel, making the grace of God visible, tangible and incontrovertible.

Heavenly Father, you have been generous to us beyond description; you have given us your Son, and with him will you not graciously give us all things. May your heart of grace find a reflection in our hearts. May we also be generous and joyful givers. May the generosity of your people be a visible expression of the gospel, bringing much praise to your name. May it provide opportunities for us to tell a watching world of the wonders of your grace. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Peter Misselbrook