Why God rejects virtue signaling. Virtue signaling appears in Acts 5:1-10 as the early Christian church was formed. But God immediately rejected it. Here’s why.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Because it masks the reality of sin
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (ESV, 1 John 1:8)
The book of Acts records the formation of the Christian church. The growth especially accelerated after the day of Pentecost, when all the followers were gathered together and filled by the Holy Spirit. Along with boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ, wealthy members shared generously from their resources with less fortunate members.
One wealthy couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold a piece of real estate and took money from the sale to the Apostle Peter. Although it was a portion of the total sale, they pretended it was the full amount in order to appear completely self-sacrificing. They were more concerned with their moral status as super religious people than the actual needs of others. In other words, they were virtue signaling.
Why is this a problem?
Virtue signaling points to yourself. It says, “See? I’m not so bad. Look at me.” But true humility seeks to glorify God and not yourself. Furthermore, virtue signaling promotes the idea that if we do enough good works, we can earn our way to heaven. And it masks the real problem, which is sin. It is sin that separates us from God. And salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Focusing on your virtue diverts attention from your sin. And sin is the critical moral reality that every person must address.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. It’s the motivation that matters
And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (ESV, Matthew 6:5-6)
Peter clarified why God rejected the gift of Ananias and Sapphira. It was not the gift itself but the motivation behind it. They didn’t have to sell their property in the first place. And after selling it, they were free to donate whatever amount they wanted.
What God rejected was the deceptive show. The pretend generosity. The hypocritical photo op of caring for others in order to magnify their personal piety. To look holy and righteous when in reality, their hearts were full of pride and self-righteousness.
But wait, you say.
Doesn’t God want us to pursue righteousness? Isn’t that what Ananias and Sapphira were doing? And the answer is, yes and no.
They were doing a good thing, but for their own glory. Christ-followers are called to pursue righteousness in order to please and glorify God. Not to earn divine brownie points There is nothing we can give God that He needs.
What He desires is our fully devoted hearts.
Why God rejects virtue signaling. Holiness is not perfection, but a life set apart.
Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.and the people held them in high esteem. (ESV, Acts 5:12)
But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (ESV, 1 Peter 1:15-16)
The Greek word for “holy” is hagiŏs, which means to be consecrated or set apart. It doesn’t mean Christ-followers are morally superior to anyone because we are still guilty of sin. The difference is that we acknowledge our sin, confess it, and seek God’s forgiveness.
However, a holy life does strive to demonstrate conduct in accordance to God’s word. To imitate the life of Jesus Christ. And avoid behavior that scripture forbids. It’s not a matter of “have to” but “want to.”
Therefore, Christian joy is a genuine expression of a recipient of grace. A life set free from the bonds of sin. One that celebrates, not our own goodness, but the goodness of God.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
The power of God’s precepts is found in Psalms 119:129-136. These teachings guide the moral behavior of God’s people based on the truth of His word. Here are three ways they empower believers.
The Power of God’s precepts. They guide us on a lighted path.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (ESV, Psalm 119:30)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (ESV, Psalm 119:105)
Our culture today celebrates individual, moral freedom. Behavior once considered wrong is now celebrated. And the laws that restrained it repealed. Supporters promised more individual autonomy. Higher enlightenment. Increased personal rights. And ultimately, greater individual happiness. But is this the case?
Because the opposite appears to be true. There’s greater moral confusion than ever before. Increased loneliness. Unhappiness. Darkness. And anger. So much anger everywhere you look.
In contrast, God’s word is a light. It illuminates the path of those who follow it. Increases your understanding of moral right and wrong. And guides your steps of faith in a world of increasing darkness. On the way, you discover that God’s precepts guide you towards a life of righteousness that honors God.
The Power of God’s precepts. They guard us from oppression
Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. (ESV, Psalm 119:133)
Critics often claim that God’s law is burdensome with its legalistic following of rules. But the writer here claims the opposite. God’s precepts act as guard rails to protect him from the lure and addictive power of immoral behavior.
The Hebrew word for “Iniquity” is a-wen and means evil behavior. The Hebrew word for “dominion” is shalat and means to have power or to rule over. And this is the reality when human passions and lust are unleashed with no inhibitions or restrictions. The behavior often becomes addictive. And the immoral freedoms you celebrate and indulge in with reckless abandon become your master.
Meanwhile, God’s precepts take you on a journey of purpose, meaning, and joy. They guide you in a life that’s meant for you. And grow you into the person He intends you to be.
The Power of God’s precepts. God’s word sets you free
Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts. (ESV, Psalm 119:134)
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV, John 8:31-32)
The Hebrew word for “oppression” is osheq and means deceitfully gotten or unjust gain. In other words, God’s precepts guide you in walking with personal integrity. Another challenge when navigating a world full of scams and unscrupulous behavior.
Despite that, we’re called to demonstrate honest and ethical behavior. Even when it’s a disadvantage next to unethical competition. Because God’s word is truth that sets you free. Freedom of conscience. And the stress in covering one lie with another. Furthermore, the honest reputation you earn over time becomes a rich and satisfying reward.
Studying and following God’s precepts consistently is like a slow drip. A steady jog. Because as you absorb God’s truth and practice it, subtle, but profound changes occur in your life. In how you think, act, and react. Sure, life still throws curveballs that you swing at and miss. But you’ll feel more settled. And with a confidence that God’s precepts are an important key to a meaningful life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
When you tell God you quit. After the death of Jesus, Peter quit. He abandoned three years of ministry with the Son of God and returned to fishing. But Jesus wasn’t finished with him yet. Here’s what we learn from the encounter.
When you tell God you quit. He meets you where you are.
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, everything went crazy. Jesus, the one that held everything together was gone and no one knew what to do. Fear gripped them. Would the leaders who crucified Jesus come after them too? So, all the disciples of Jesus scattered.
In John 21:3-19, Peter quits and returns to the familiar. Fishing. Because…well, isn’t that what we do when we lose our bearings? Our safety feels threatened? Go back to what makes us feel safe and secure like comfort food?
Fishing was an honest trade and a sensible fallback plan. Except when you follow Jesus, what we consider sensible is not always how he leads. But rather, pushing into the uncomfortable and unfamiliar. Because he wants us to trust him and exercise faith.
And even when we mess it up, he comes after us to restore our relationship with him.
That’s what he did with Peter.
When you tell God you quit. He challenges your thinking
There’s something familiar about the scene in John 21:3-19. Because it’s a repeat of Jesus’ first encounter with Peter recorded in Luke 5:1-11. Peter was cleaning his fishing nets nearby as Jesus preached to a crowd on the beach. And Jesus asked Peter if he could use his boat as a preaching platform. They pushed the boat into the water and Jesus sat and taught the beach crowd. And when Jesus finished, he told Peter to put out to deep water and let down his nets.
A bit audacious for an itinerant preacher to tell an experienced fisherman how to fish. I can imagine Peter smiling at Jesus a bit condescendingly. “Dude, you’re a preacher and I’m an experienced fisherman. I won’t tell you how to preach. Don’t tell me how to fish.”
But he didn’t. Why not? Perhaps there was something about Jesus that compelled Peter to do what he said. A sense that Jesus was beyond ordinary. And his thoughts were higher than Peter’s thoughts. So Peter complied and the huge catch of fish nearly broke the nets.
And you wonder. How could an itinerant preacher know better than a seasoned fisherman where the fish were and how to find them?
He didn’t have to. Jesus simply commanded the fish where to swim. It made Peter a believer and he immediately left everything and followed Jesus.
When you tell God you quit. He revisits your calling and demands your commitment.
There were times as a pastor in church ministry when I wanted to quit. Because I was discouraged by failure. Treated unfairly. And questioned my calling. Ever been there?
But I remember the wise counsel of a mentoring pastor: Whenever you doubt your call and think of quitting, go back to the moment you first sensed God’s call. And that’s exactly what Jesus does with Peter. He revisits the scene of Peter’s original call to ministry. And once again, the nets almost tore apart with a huge catch of fish.
But Jesus goes further by demanding Peter’s commitment. “Peter, do you love me? Then feed my sheep.” And after repeating the question and demand for commitment two more times, the point was clear.
Jesus doesn’t suggest we try him out like sampling ice cream flavors before a purchase. He doesn’t offer unlimited “you are blessed” passes for a pain free Christian experience. In fact, he tells Peter that his commitment will include a cost. And the same may be true for us.
What Jesus wants to know is this: Are you all in?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It’s a popular Bible story although the whale gets too much attention. And is it really a whale? Because scripture just calls it a great fish. But here are some lessons from the story.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. The real story is about God’s love, grace, and forgiveness
The great fish plays a support role in the book of Jonah. Essentially, a motivational tool God uses for Jonah’s compliance. Yet, somehow, it grabs all the attention. At least, the paper whale my Sunday School teacher used when telling the story took up most of the flannel board.
However, the real story is about God’s love, grace and forgiveness. It reminds us of His desire that we all enter His eternal kingdom. And the measures He takes to show us the way.
But wait. Last week’s blog looked at Numbers 31. And in that story, God used Israel to execute vengeance against the Midianites. But now, He gives the Ninevites a chance to repent? How do you explain that?
I can’t. Although my best guess is God knew the Ninevites would repent when given the opportunity but the Midianites would not.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. Running from God is a bad idea.
But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. (ESV, Jonah 1:3)
Jonah was a prophet. An Old Testament preacher. So when God acknowledged the evil in Nineveh, He told Jonah to go and preach repentance to them. Should have been a no brainer. First bullet point on his prophet’s job description. But Jonah took off running instead. And you’re thinking…most preachers can’t wait to get behind a pulpit. What’s up with Jonah?
However, running from God is a bad idea. Adam and Eve tried it in the Garden of Eden when they realized they were naked and hid. When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses doubted his leadership ability and ran to the wilderness. And Jonah caught a ship sailing to Tarshish. But none of these escape plans worked.
God fashioned clothes for Adam and Eve. He caught up to to Moses in the wilderness and appeared to him in a burning bush. And He gave Jonah a three day ride inside a living, oceanic submersible along with a complimentary stomach wash.
Why did Jonah run? He confesses it later. He didn’t want to preach to the Ninevites because he considered them awful people who should be destroyed rather than saved. But he admitted God was merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love. Therefore, if the Ninevites repented of their sin, God would forgive them.
And that’s what happened. Jonah preached, the people of Nineveh repented, and God forgave them. A happy ending for the people of Nineveh and the Kingdom of God, but not for Jonah. He went off and pouted. But that’s a different lesson for another day.
For today, the lesson is to think twice about running if God calls you to something you don’t want to do. Obedience and trusting God for the results is a better choice.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. Repentance leads to restoration.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV, Romans 10:13)
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (ESV, Luke 15:20)
God desires for all of us to be saved. Jesus Christ was His provision and God eagerly embraces us when we turn to Him. But that is a choice we all must individually make. Repent and become a child of God. Reject Him and be lost forever.
It is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testament. When sinners repent, God forgives and restores. And the story of Jonah clearly demonstrates it. Along with God’s love and grace.
But there’s another lesson too. Followers of Jesus Christ are called as co-laborers in kingdom work. To also proclaim repentance. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And serve where opportunities present themselves. It’s not a have to, but a get to. Where God gets the glory and we get the blessing.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Enjoy Humorous Christian Books?
The whale image used for this blog is a cartoon illustration out of my book Family Stew. Each chapter begins with a professionally drawn, cartoon illustration. It’s a collection of stories from the days of our young family along with summary thoughts from a Christian perspective.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme is demonstrated in Numbers 31. On my way reading through the entire Bible I recently encountered this story. And I confess it is a little unsettling. My loving God. Gracious and merciful is also an avenging God? Here are some thoughts on a Bible story that is difficult to explain.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. It’s not a secret. God claims and executes vengeance.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord. (ESV, Romans 12:19)
God stands in for the weak, the vulnerable, and the innocent. And those who perpetrate evil against them will one day pay for it. Most people agree that is appropriate justice. And perhaps, take comfort in knowing that evil perpetrators like Hitler, Stalin, and others who have unleashed death and suffering on so many won’t get away with it.
But the story in Numbers 31 is different. Because God used the nation of Israel to execute vengeance against the Midianites. God pronounced judgement on the Midianites because they were trying to lead Israel away from its Hebrew God and into idol worship. So, God told Moses to send Israel’s army to attack them.
Wow! Didn’t see that coming. At first, Israel’s army killed all the men and left the women and children. But in the end, they only spared the young, virgin girls. But to be fair, God used other surrounding nations to attack and punish Israel too.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. God directs His vengeance toward sin
God loves us but cannot tolerate sin. It is the source of evil on earth. And within our hearts. We are wholly infected by it, doomed by it, and unable to fix it. And none of this sounds very promising or hopeful for us.
Furthermore, scripture warns of a final judgment and punishment for sin. However, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself on a cross and paid the penalty for sin. And those who believe in Jesus by faith, confess their sin, and seek forgiveness will receive God’s grace instead
It’s also reassuring to know that God is Sovereign. He is in firm control of the world and moving it towards an eternal plan. Therefore, He orchestrates both good and evil to serve His purpose. It includes a new heaven and earth. Life without sin. And a renewed relationship between God and His followers.
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. Accept God for who He is and not who you want Him to be.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (ESV, Isaiah 55:8)
Scripture describes God in His fullness. He is a God of love, compassion, and grace. But also, justice, vengeance, and, oh yeah, jealous when we pursue other gods.
He avenges the harm done to the defenseless. Expects justice from us and demands we all give an account.
So, how do we explain this God?
Well, we could create a version of God that is more palatable. Like a one dimensional, jolly old Saint Nick who only hands out presents and goodwill. Or perhaps, claim moral superiority and reject Him. Because of course, we would never consider doing any of the horrific things described in the Bible. Or maybe we just tip toe around those uncomfortable Biblical stories that are hard to explain.
But a clear picture requires viewing God in His entirety. An infinite, almighty God with infinite complexities and nuances. While we are finite and will never fully understand Him. But we can seek to know Him as He is revealed in scripture. Which, by the way, is also brutally honest. Because it sees and describes humanity and the world honestly in all of its violent reality.
And yet, it still offers a powerful message of hope!
When God’s vengeance seems extreme. God’s love, grace, and mercy prevails
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
Sin separates us from God and ultimately, leads to judgment. But because of His love, God made a provision for us. He sent Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to pay the penalty for our sin. Therefore, everyone who believes in and trusts Jesus is redeemed from sin. And at the time of judgment, God will extend grace instead of punishment.
That is the message of the Gospel. And it’s a beacon of hope throughout the Bible. Because of Jesus, we can experience the real power of spiritual transformation.
God will forever remain who He is. We, however, will be forever changed.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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