Thoughts for Life: #70 Reasons for Outward Standards

C. Peter Wagner: What good are outward
standards? Outward standards help us in our quest for holiness in three ways:

First, we can define the absence of holiness
by using outward standards. At the same time, we cannot define the presence of holiness by compliance with such, as we have just seen. (Previous post of Wagners message: #68 Who Is Holy? )

If we habitually use the Lord's name in vain, engage in extramarital sex, and falsify financial reports—to give three examples of outward standards—we can be sure that we are not holy.

Second, outward standards are indicators of maturity. God is a good father—He understands His spiritual children. But He also expects his children to grow up, just as we do our natural children.

What parent hasn't said to a child in first grade, "Stop acting like a two- year-old!" Sometimes God has to say that to us.

Paul displayed his frustration at the Corinthians when he said with disgust,..

"I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people
but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ" (1 Cor. 3:1)

Keep in mind that this spiritual maturity will be most evident through mature character traits rather than checking off someone's list of rules.

How Much Is Enough?

If Christians are never holy enough, but if they can advance in holiness, how far do they need to advance before moving out in ministry?

How much refinement do the troops need before they are sent into battle? In answering these questions, four dangers need to be avoided:

1. Waiting until you are perfect before moving out. This
results in ministry paralysis since no one makes it to
perfection in this life.

2. Regarding holiness as an end in itself. This results in
the bless me syndrome, which so many are trying to
avoid these days. (Check out Wagner's message about
#66 The "Bless Me" Trap)

3. Expecting ministry to self-generate from a holy life.
This results in the inward journey turning out to be
a dead-end street. Ministry requires motivation and
initiative regardless of the level of holiness.

4. Relating effectiveness in ministry to compliance with
certain outward indicators of holiness. This results in
pride and self-centeredness.

(If you haven't read Wagner's message, #65 Cleanse Your Hands and Purify Your Hearts, perhaps you'd like to now.)

Warfare Prayer

#70 Reasons for Outward Standards

By C. Peter Wagner

(pg. 119 - 121) Regal Books

Father,

Please enable me to be wise in what I choose

to do, say, and think. I understand that my

intentions are important to You,
so may they become pure in Your sight.
Examine my heart to let me know what needs

changing. Show me my faults, and help me

deal with each one.

I desire to be holy in Your sight, but I'm aware

that it will become a process, and will take time

to get me to be like Christ.

I give You my life, and ask for Your help

today, to have Your thoughts.

In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Prayer for your pastor: "Pray that God will bring godly friends and encouragers to your pastor and his family to strengthen them for the ministry and provide meaningful fellowship and times of rest. (Phil.2:19-25) (Scripture-Based Prayers to Pray for your Pastor by Terry Teykl)

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 1:5 "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."

Today’s quote: John C. Maxwell - "Learning is defined as a change in behavior. You haven't learned a thing until you can take action and use it." (Taken from his book, Failing Forward, pg 146).

Some thoughts today: Christians are the personal possessions of the Lord Jesus. We need to see that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

- When we're washed in His Blood, through belief in His work at Calvary, and repentance, we are made alive to God, made pure with the truth of the Gospel. (see Romans 6). As we commit to a local body of believers, we join a company of believers who are sinners, becoming sanctified, who are preparing for residence in heaven. (It's a process, and takes a life time...)

- Hopefully, there will be those who are good examples of God's grace working in their lives in the church we go to. We need to be seeking to change more into Christ's likeness, and being in a local body of believers should impact that.

13th- Saturday’s post: Wisdom Seekers
Joe Stowell
14th- Sunday evening's post: Joy
Ann Wallace
16th- Tuesday's post: #71 Principles for Warfare
C. Peter Wagner
18th- Thursday's post: #72 The Whole Armor of God
C. Peter Wagner