goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

A Voice of One

By Linda Tancs

John the Baptist identified himself as the voice of one crying aloud in the wilderness (John 1:23). Do you sometimes feel like a voice of one? Are you a non-conformist? John certainly was; he lived alone in the desert, adorned in camel’s hair, eating locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:3-4).

John had the privilege—and grace—of not being seduced by majority rule or peer pressure. In our modern day it may sometimes seem easier to conform. We’re afraid to stand alone, worried about being set aside. Paul’s first-century dictate not to be conformed to this world may seem impossible, even dangerous, in today’s society (Romans 12:2). But the more we conform, the less able we are to discern and follow the righteous path, to be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1-2). We run the risk of following the masses in doing evil (Exodus 23:2).

As a teenage motto reminded me years ago, stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Keeping Up With the Joneses

By Linda Tancs

The temptation toward self-sufficient materialism expresses itself in our culture today (particularly in a capitalist, consumer-driven society) with the old “keeping up with the Joneses” mentality. How often do you envy what someone else has or has done? How does it influence your own behavior? Do you buy the same brand of car as your colleagues, particularly if your occupation dictates the kind of car you should be driving? Do you enroll your children in the same activities or school as those you admire? Even the disciples started an argument among them as to who would be the greatest (Luke 9:46-48).

Healthy competition is one thing, but rivalry amounts to chasing the wind (Ecclesiastes 4:4-6). In fact, Philippians 2:3-4 warns against doing anything out of rivalry and conceit. Why? Because it’s so dangerous. It manifests in an upset of the love people/use things equilibrium. When one desires to be on a par with everyone else, the result is often using people to get more of the things one loves, failing to recognize that other people or circumstances do not dictate our riches. Only God gives, and God can take away (Job 1:21).

Measure yourself by God’s standards, not those of others (Galatians 6:4). You’re a marvelous work of God (Ephesians 2:10) with your own gifts and talents. Use your gifts in service to others and you’ll be less likely to fall prey to the kind of envy that rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30).

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Are You Afraid to be Happy?

By Linda Tancs

Does happiness seem elusive to you? Do you go about daily life “waiting for the other shoe to drop”? Like Job, do you fear that something will come upon you (Job 3:25)? You’re not alone. According to a study published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, people across 14 different cultures identified with statements like “having lots of joy and fun causes bad things to happen.” Clearly, there’s a universal need to control bad thoughts. Such thoughts lead to bad words and bad, unhealthy actions. Jesus came so that we might have and enjoy life, not fear it (John 10:10).

So what are some steps you can take to control your thoughts? Second Corinthians lends imagery of taking thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Imagine taking bad thoughts and banishing them to a prison cell. Envision locking the cell door. Now replace each bad or negative thought with a biblical thought. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans, or thoughts, are for our welfare. That doesn’t mean we never have a reason to be unhappy; rather, we should look to God to turn our trials into triumphs in due season. What can you focus on that’s pure, lovely, praiseworthy, commendable, honorable or excellent (Philippians 4:8)? Accentuate the positive, as the old song goes. Maintaining a positive focus will renew your mind (Romans 12:2) and bring God’s peace (Romans 8:6). You can’t be both peaceful and unhappy.

goforwardinfaith Faith-Based Business, Religion, Theology

Back to the Future

By Linda Tancs

Are you surrounded by other people who specialize in prophesying your future (Ecclesiastes 8:7)? That idea will never take off. It’s all been done before. That book will never sell. You can’t go back to school now. You’re too old to adopt. The list goes on and on, and it’s often less than life affirming. Do you let the opinions of others control your goals and dreams?

It’s easy to get discouraged over someone else’s opinion of you, however uninformed if might be. And it’s especially difficult to deal with in this season because a new year often brings new reflections on the future. The power of life and death is in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Don’t let someone else’s tongue bring death to your dreams. Keep calm and carry on is a popular expression these days. The Bible expresses the same sentiment (Ecclesiastes 9:10; 10:4). Give yourself to what you’re dreaming to accomplish, staying calm and composed in the face of opposition. Let God be the one to guide you toward what is appropriate and to discern what needs letting go.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Baby Steps

By Linda Tancs

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase—Martin Luther King Jr.

Have you ever marveled at the look of joy on a baby’s face as he or she takes those first steps? Does that baby know what a momentous occasion is being created for the parents? Probably not, but what any baby seems to know innately is that the joy is in the journey, not the destination.

As we get older, we tend to lose the simple joy that arises from accomplishing small tasks or taking small steps toward an ultimate goal. Part of the problem is our “now” culture—who has time for baby steps? We have to have it “now”—the new home, the promotion, the car, the successful business. It all boils down to a lack of patience. But if you’re not patient, how do you expect to hear from Him (Psalm 46:10)? If you can’t be still, then you won’t know or recognize the people and events that God has chosen to play a role in your journey nor will you be ready for them.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says there’s a time for every purpose. God chooses the appointed time (Psalm 75). Until then, be faithful in small things (Luke 16:10). Maybe you’ll need to write 500 queries before an editor likes your pitch. Or make 500 sales calls before you get the order. I once heard a story about a salesman who got excited each time a potential client declined his offer because he knew then that he was that much closer to the one who would accept it. Whatever your case may be, have a childlike trust in the journey. Then, as Luke teaches, you’ll be entrusted with bigger things along the way.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Cast Your Anchor

By Linda Tancs

“Can there be a more fitting pursuit in youth or a more valuable possession in old age than a knowledge of Holy Scripture? In the midst of storms it will preserve you from the dangers of shipwreck and guide you to the shore of an enchanting paradise and the ever-lasting bliss of the angels.”— St. Boniface

A vessel is secured in place by casting anchor. How anchored are you? Are you like a tree firmly planted (Psalm 1:3) notwithstanding conditions around you or do you define yourself as “a victim of circumstance”?

The Bible uses an anchor metaphor to describe the confident assurance we gain as Christians. As Hebrews 6:19 puts it, hope anchors the soul. Many people claim to be hopeful, but only an unfailing hope will guard and protect your soul during turbulent times.

What’s the best way to acquire this kind of hope? According to Zechariah 9:12, it’s by becoming a prisoner of hope, a hope so compelling that you can’t escape it. That kind of hope is filled with a confident expectation that God is always working in your best interest and that you’ll see the result in due time.

Don’t run aground over worldly concerns and the storms of life. Be grounded in hope and you’ll rise above your circumstances rather than be dictated by them.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

New Year, New You

By Linda Tancs

The advent of a new year brings a deluge of resolutions—to lose weight, exercise more, go back to school, get a new job, find a mate and so on. But the problem with new resolutions is that unless they’re accompanied by new thinking, they’re not likely to bear fruit. In other words, old thoughts trigger old behaviors.

Are you bringing old thinking into a new year? What kinds of thoughts are triggering the need to make a resolution in the first place? Those thoughts usually involve words like can’t, should, could, would, but, if only, always or never.

We all use those words. How do you use them? Do they relate to your resolutions? Keep a journal and track how often you think or speak those words.

You just might need a thought makeover—a renewal of your mind, as the Bible calls it. We’re called to a new thing, a new way, a new life, a new self (Isaiah 43:18-19; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:10). We’re encouraged to learn to think as He thinks (2 Corinthians 5:17). As new creatures in Christ, we’re called to resolve to do what He would do. And that’s the best resolution of all.

Happy New Year!

 

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Brightness of God

By Linda Tancs

Christmas is the glorious season of light, a celebration of Christ’s birth, the Light of the World (John 8:12). As the vigil of Christmas nears, many of you will gather around a Christmas tree, long a symbol of salvation and eternal life. Candle decorations, in particular, represent the light of Christ. In some cultures, candles placed in the windows or along driveways (luminarias) served historically as a guide for priests on their way to evening visits during the season.

St. John Chrysostom reminded congregants in the fourth century that Christ’s mission in humanity was to replace the night and darkness with the light of salvation. ‘Tis the season, then, to remember that God is light; in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5-7). Let His Word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105). As you walk in the Light of hope, peace, joy and love, you’ll serve as an example for others to experience God’s goodness, faithfulness and mercy (Matthew 5:16).

Merry Christmas!

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Who Do You Think You Are?

By Linda Tancs

Do you build bridges—or walls? Can you appreciate those who differ from you? Maybe you’re put off by others you encounter in everyday life who may have attributes differing from yours, like body art, piercings or multi-colored hair! Is your office culture homogenous or do you experience diversity? Don’t expect everyone to look, act and think the same way you do. James 2:1 reminds us not to show an attitude of partiality, prejudice or snobbery.

Jesus certainly showed what it means to broaden your circle of inclusion. To the shock of his Jewish compatriots, He associated with Samaritans, Romans and pagans, after all. Think of all the interpersonal conflict and war that has ensued over differences in ethnicity, cultural practices and gender, among other things. You need only read the daily paper for examples.

The best way to build bridges is to have a right heart attitude. 1 Samuel 16:7 exhorts us to see and think about other people the way God does—by looking at what’s on the inside. Then you’ll begin to view those you encounter as assets rather than potential liabilities.

 

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

A Primer on Prayer

By Linda Tancs

What does it mean to pray?

Matthew 6:5-14 teaches the value of secret prayer from a humble and fervent heart. The passage makes clear that prayer is intended to give God all the glory. When we pray for the hearing and approval of others (Matthew 6:5), we deny ourselves Trinitarian communion. As Paul wrote in Galatians 1:10 (AMPC), “Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ.” Secret prayer, therefore, means keeping our personal prayer experiences private rather than displaying them to impress people. Private prayer should also be short and simple (Matthew 6:7) so that the energy of prayer is spent in releasing faith rather than in reciting lengthy passages. Short and simple prayers are clearer and more powerful.

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6: 9-13) illustrates the essential character of prayer as adoration, contrition, thanksgiving and supplication. In adoration, the prayer teaches us to recognize God’s holy nature (hallowed be Your name). As a matter of contrition, we are taught that prayer is a confession of sin and repentance (forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors). To forgive does not mean to agree with the offender but rather to leave vindication to God so that our own sins may be forgiven by Him. We are to be thankful for God’s intercession (lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil) and boldly ask for our daily needs to be met (give us this day our daily bread). In this manner, we pray in a way that glorifies the kingdom rather than our individual wants or needs (for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever).

Think about your petitions (work, home, health, relationships) and how to frame them in accordance with prayer’s essential character.