Author: Dave Dishman (Page 258 of 458)

Back when I led a ministry on a college campus we held a weekly gathering with music and skits and talks. Students led the meetings and enjoyed friends. At times our leaders enjoyed each other so much they forgot to meet new people who came in the door. I discovered a vital step in discipleship—helping young believers notice and turn toward others.

I challenged our leaders to not just meet someone new the next week, but to learn their name. Over the next few weeks our meetings grew by leaps and bounds as new students felt seen and known.

At times it’s tempting to hold the mercy of the Lord to myself. I understand with Paul that when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy.

Then the Lord poured out the Holy Spirit upon us, justified us by his grace, and made us heirs of eternal life.

These truths are meant to be understood and enjoyed and rested in. But Paul didn’t stop there. He followed with this injunction:

I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.

The Lord aimed his kindness and goodness at me and you for more for than just me and you. From this wellspring flows a life of doing good for others.

Careful to devote rings a lot more involved than merely helping when it’s convenient. Devotion requires thoughtfulness and time. It costs me something. I turn from self-reflection to considering the needs of others.

The goodness of the Lord moves us from getting to giving—the most profound step in our faith journey. Try it. Learn the name of someone new today, and watch how they respond.

Titus 3 in reading the Bible from cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Tavi White

One of the most misunderstood aspects of the grace of God involves the power it brings into the life of the believer. More than simply fire insurance (although the fires burn hot), God’s grace brings strength and perseverance in this life.

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

This world teaches me to never say no to anything at all. In fact, many believe people are incapable of saying no, and that it’s really, really bad for people to say no to their passions, even the ungodly ones (or especially the ungodly ones). Educated people believe this, and push their agenda through schools and media and entertainment.

The scriptures reveal a more hopeful way. I needn’t stay enslaved to my passions. I can say no. It’s not easy and I possess little power on my own to do so, but the grace of God teaches me to say no.

The ability to say “No” is a vital part of mental health. It creates good boundaries in my life. It allows for a better life. This gift leads to health and abundance.

Where is this other-worldly ability found? In the gift of salvation given from the graceful hand of our Lord.

Titus 2 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Andy T 

I hate to deny myself things I crave, yet denial forms a foundation to Christian discipleship. Jesus clearly told those who will follow him, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).

One of Paul’s fellow missionaries soured on denial. Demas traveled and served with Paul on many of his trips (see Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24). But eventually Demas deserted the missionary band. Paul says he left because he loved this world. The suffering and hard living and denial rose to the point of exhaustion. Demas tapped out.

I know several people who tapped out in my years of missionary work. To say they loved the world describes them well. Most leave for fewer financial or moral strictures on their life, or they find it easier to acquiesce to the whims of society. They tire of taking up their cross.

I have no doubt Demas ministered faithfully shoulder to shoulder with Paul, but something pulled him away. No one stands above temptation. Even Judas, who spent three years walking alongside Jesus, deserted the King of kings in the end. I don’t look down on Demas, or my Demas-like former colleagues. Except for the grace of God there go I.

Eventually I hope to say like Paul, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Which reads a lot better when carved into a tombstone than he deserted me.

2 Timothy 4 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by James Ting