Tag: attitude

HEIGHTENED SENSITIVITY

Neal Pollard

Yesterday marked the tenth anniversary of the largest act of terrorism against our nation, better known to the world as 9/11. Today’s newspaper in Pittsburgh was filled with news items and articles surrounding this ominous anniversary. Among these were several items regarding security scares at various airports and flights. In New York, a flight from Los Angeles was escorted by two F-16 fighter jets because three passengers would not leave a plane bathroom. In Detroit, a flight from Denver had three passengers who did the same thing. In Dallas, a rental truck was parked too long at DFW airport prompting suspicion and fear. In Kansas City, an ex-NYC police officer was detained for having suspicious items in his carry-on bag that he refused to let TSA screeners examine. Nothing serious has yet come of any of these incidents, but the nation was on edge yesterday. The anniversary probably brought out the neurotic in search of 15 minutes of fame, but the country was taking extra precautions. It was probably the worst day to try these shenanigans (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 9/12/11, A8).

Paranoia is detrimental and abnormal. None of us should be guilty of such. Seeing things that are not there is unhealthy. Yet, there is a sense in which all of us should live with heightened sensitivity. Peter says, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world” (1 Pet. 5:8-9). Sobriety, alertness, and firm resistance are acts of heightened sensitivity. Knowing the strength and influence of our opponent, we must stay keenly aware of his tactics and attempts. One cannot be too guarded with this enemy. Earlier, Peter writes for Christians to “prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit” (1 Pet. 1:13). Paranoia involves perceiving what is not a real threat. Vigilance involves perceiving what is. Such is our daily task!

WHEN YOU ASSEMBLE THIS SUNDAY

Neal Pollard

Not every one who comes to worship comes with proper motives or attitudes.  The mother of James and John, after falling down to worship Jesus, asked Him to give her boys the positions of highest honor in His coming kingdom (Mat. 20:20).  She had come to get something rather than give it.  So, today, one may make their top priority in searching for a “church home” one that has the most or the most diverse programs.  They are looking to get rather than give.  Actual worship is, to such a one, incidental.

The ancestors of the Samaritan woman at the well went as families to worship God in the mountain, but their worship was vain (John 4:20,22).  People routinely go, with good attitudes and intentions, to worship with groups that have no right to exist or who teach for doctrine the commandments of men.  They assemble with those whose worship is a departure from Scripture. Sadly, no matter how often they say “Lord, Lord,” it will do their souls no good (Mat. 7:21-23).

Stephen remembered a time in the family ancestry of his fellow Jews where idol worship was a plaguing problem (Acts 7:43). They had the tabernacle (and later the temple), but they had a difficult time putting away the gods of their daily lives (read Jer. 7:17,18).  Even wise King Solomon foolishly worshipped the “strange gods” with his wives (1 Ki. 11:4). Today, families may assemble to worship God on Sunday, but the gods (of wealth, material things, pleasure, recreation, entertainment, job, etc.) are always within reach before which they can bow.

But, the person faithfully assembled for true worship is blessed. Such a one is properly responding to what God wants. Jesus, in the above mentioned context concerning the Samaritan woman, informs us that “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).  True worship is spiritual, with acts done accurately by divine authority and with anticipation and proper attitude. The true worshipper wants to offer worship as often as he can as enthusiastically as he can.  He also wants what he offers to be what God wants.  When you assemble this Sunday, plan to place yourself in this last category!