Way back in 1785, William Cowper wrote a poem entitled “The Task.” In that poem, he coined a phrase that has transcended time. He said, “Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.”
Variety is defined as, “the quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of uniformity, sameness, or monotony.”
While most of us would agree with the overall tenor of Cowper’s assessment, there are always exceptions to the rule. If we learned anything from the unexpected events of this past year, it is that not all variety is sweet and flavorful. Sometimes, spices are bitter.
The reality is, life can sometimes be tough. We all know that. Not everything happens according to our plan and in our timing. But as life-long learners we can and should grow from each and every circumstance, whether it be bitter or sweet. In that vein, let’s continue to explore what we learned in 2020…
Lesson #6
Charles Spurgeon once said, “If we cannot believe God when circumstances seem to be against us, we do not believe Him at all.”
As believers in Christ, there is comfort in knowing that we can always depend upon our God. Of course, it is easy to say that we trust in the Lord when things are going well. It is when life throws us a curveball, that our faith is truly tested.
And, unfortunately, it seems, there were many who failed the test. Rather than trust in their God, they succumbed to fear. Rather than running to the church, they abandoned her, and they paid the price spiritually.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
therefore my heart triumphs, and with my song I shall thank Him.” (Psalm 28:7)
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Lesson #7
Nowhere in scripture is “Lone Ranger Christianity” endorsed. Instead, God has designed for His people to live in community with one another. God has wired us to not only depend upon Him but to depend on our fellow believers in Christ. It is always such a blessing to be able to seek the godly wisdom and counsel of others. If we learned anything from the events of this past year it is that we need all that the body of Christ has to offer.
“Iron sharpens iron.” As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
“Without consultation, plans are frustrated, but with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
“Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 11:4)
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
Lesson #8
God is the sole cause of man’s spiritual growth. Pragmatic methods, choreographed “experience”, and contrived subjectivism are powerless. God’s exclusive means to change the hearts of people derives from the objective truth of His word. There are no shortcuts. God honors the faithful preaching and teaching of His Word. The power to save lives lies in the proclamation of the gospel message.
Need proof? Almost across the board, the churches that prospered during the pandemic were those who consistently and faithfully gathered in worship to proclaim the truth of God’s Word. Those who folded up their tents, crumbled like a cookie.
“So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.” (I Corinthians 3:7)
“For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
Lesson #9
Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
Truth is, we didn’t lose a year. We gained a year. We learned. We grew. We endured. Despite the unusual circumstances of this past year, we can rightfully celebrate that we are that much closer to the return of the Lord. Jesus, the Great Shepherd, is coming soon for His sheep. The Apostle Paul’s description of “the last days” sounds eerily familiar, doesn’t it?
“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Lesson #10
Unfortunately, trials and stress often bring out the worst in people. Sadly, rather than agreeing with God that they are weak and need constant refinement, there are those who seem to respond to adversity by acting out at others. During times of uncertainty, many folks tend to burn bridges rather than build them. They tend to deflect rather than depend. But God’s Word is clear. God brings trials into our lives to help teach us and conform us into the image of His Son.
“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Ten down, ten to go.