BACK TO BASICS

When studying mathematics for the first 3 years of my Engineering degree, we were often taught to go back to ‘first principles’. I won’t bore you with a lengthy definition but suffice it to say for our purpose here, it meant go back to the basics and foundational rules in order to understand more ‘weighty’ concepts.

Gordon McDonald in his book “Ordering Your Private World,” cites an American air force pilot, Howard Rutledge, who was shot down during the early stages of the Vietnam war and as a result found himself in solitary confinement in a POW camp.  Prior to the war, his wife had constantly encouraged him to join the local church but he was always too busy to spend “one or two short hours a week thinking about the really important things.” Rutledge in his book ‘In the Presence of Mine Enemies’ makes this profound statement: - “I had completely neglected the spiritual dimension of my life. It took prison to show me how empty life is without God” (Ordering your Private World p 126 ©1990 Highland Books).

We can’t overstate just how important it is to look after the spiritual dimension of our lives and as such, I want to look at some of the basics of the Christian life as found in the New Testament.

The apostle Paul gave some instructions to his young protégé Timothy, which if embraced, would not only stand him in good stead with those over whom he had pastoral responsibility, but more importantly would ensure his life and ministry was fruitful – making a difference in people’s lives.

1 Tim 4:12. “…but set an example for those believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Then continuing in v15 “be diligent in these matters so that everyone may see your progress… Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

As we look at the concept of getting back to basics, let’s examine these ‘basic first principles’ in a little more detail.

1.     Speech

Proverbs instructs us “life and death is in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21).  James chapter 3 clearly shows the power of our tongue as it is compared to the rudder of a large ship or the spark which ignites an entire forest fire. (Jam 3:3-12).

Paul also instructs the church in Ephesus to not let any unwholesome words come out of our mouth but only that which edifies the hearer.  (Eph 4:29)

So clearly our words frame our world.  Are you speaking words of life or death over your circumstances, health, family and finances?  Words are incredibly powerful.  We must constantly guard our mouths and keep them free from criticism, judgement and negativity.

Are your words being framed by the constant barrage of negativity & doom propagated by the news services and social media or are you choosing to frame your world with God’s Word and His Truth?

2.     Life

Consider this question for a moment or two.  What kind of representation of the kingdom of God does our life ‘paint’ or portray to others?  Does our life ‘re-present’ Jesus authentically and attract others to a relationship with Jesus or have them running a mile from Him?  A simple yet profound matter to consider when we remember Paul’s exhortation to Timothy was that if he did these things well and persevered in them, he would save himself and others. (1 Tim 4:16) 

3.     Love

This is such a huge topic to consider. However, it is interesting to note the word used here for love in the original language is ‘agape’ which encompasses affection, good will, benevolence and so much more.  I heard a definition of agape love a few years ago which went something like this: - ‘desiring God’s bestfor the other person whether we felt they deserved it or not and regardless of the cost to us.’  I believe if we truly desired God’s best for the other person we couldn’t go too far wrong.  His love for us is unconditional, however our love for another person often has many strings attached relating to their performance, behaviour and so on.  The Bible says “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”  I’m sure you’ll agree these are sobering words – not mine but those of the Apostle Paul.  The same word for love mentioned above is used here again. Unconditional love is always a challenge for us humans as we are so often offended by the actions of others and in many cases ‘justifiably’. However, the encouragement from the scriptures here is to persevere in love.

4.     Faith

The writer to the Hebrews reminds us without faith it is impossible to please God  (Heb 11:6). Given we are looking at getting back to basics, it is interesting to me faith is the one ‘basic’ we must have in order to please God.  All of the other spiritual disciplines which are so vital to a healthy relationship with God, including but not limited to prayer, reading the Word, fasting, tithing and so on are not mentioned here. It is faith that is pleasing to God.  Jesus said “when I return will I find faith on the earth” (Luke 18:8). He often commended people for their faith including the centurion with the servant who was sick (Matt 8:10); the Syrophoenician woman with the demonised daughter (Matt 15:28); and Bartimaeus (Mk 10:52) to name just a few. I’m so glad He said we only need faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain and not the other way around!

5.     Purity

This isn’t a word used often these days. However, Jesus promised those who are pure in heart (unmixed, free from corrupt desires, sin and guilt) will see God. (Matt 5:8).  One of the great keys to overcoming anxiety is to have our minds focussed on those things which bring peace and stability. Paul instructs us in this regard to think on those things which are pure, lovely, praiseworthy and the God of peace will be with us. (Phil 4:8-9).  There are great benefits flowing to us when we live a life of purity.  We are transformed, literally taken from one state to another, (similar to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly). The term is metamorphosis) as we renew our minds (Rom 12:2).  In other words, we must choose to replace those thoughts which bring fear, worry and anxiety to our minds with those which will bring the peace of heaven.  The Bible says “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isa 26:3). As I love to say ‘if we want heaven’s results, we have to do it heaven’s way.’

Purity is so counter-cultural in our modern society where we are encouraged to do anything and everything as long as it feels good and ‘doesn’t hurt’ anyone else.  This isn’t purity but a slippery slope to immorality, depravity and also selfish to the nth degree.

My back-to-basics encouragement is therefore simply this. Let us choose to set an example to others in our speech, life, love, faith and purity and in so doing we will save ourselves and others!