Regard

Have you ever wondered what separates the average or nominal Christian from the mature, godly, and enduring saint?  It's the same thing that separates the average athlete or musician from those who have achieved great success in these areas.  What is it?  Discipline.  So why isn't this blog entry entitled "Discipline".  That's because discipline is a means to the end.  What is your life's primary "end" or goal?  Your answer is based on the source of wisdom and guidance you regard most fully.  

For those who profess to believe in and follow Christ, God's Word (the Bible) is that source.   Therefore, armed with objective help, Christians have found these two verses especially helpful in answering the "goal" question:

“...for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”  (1Corinthians 6:20)

“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  (Psalms 16:11)

The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Confession summarizes the Christian's goal this way:  "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever".

It's one thing to say that we're a follower of Christ...it's another thing to truly regard His instructions to us in His Word.  Years ago there was a popular song entitled, "Give My Regards to Broadway".  If that song were re-written today to reflect the reality of many Christians' lives, it might read, "Give My Regards to Everything and Everyone But God".   The dictionary defines "Regard" as follows:

Main Entry:

²re·gard

transitive verb1: to consider and appraise usually from a particular point of view regarded as a mechanic>2: to pay attention to : take into consideration or account3 a: to show respect or consideration for b: to hold in high esteem4: to look at5archaic : to relate tointransitive verb1: to look attentively : gaze2: to pay attention : heed

So, with an understanding of this definition, I'll put this to you in the form of a question:   To what degree do we (professing Christ disciples) consider, pay attention to, hold in high esteem, or gaze at God (time in the Bible, prayer, and personal/corporate worship)?   In contrast...to what degree do we consider, pay attention to, hold in high esteem, or gaze at everything (and everyone else) other than God?   This "regarding" of self and human perspective could include (but is certainly not limited to):

• Books (secular & Christian literature)
• Education (Kindergarten to advanced degrees)
• Media (talk radio, news, social/political commentary, etc.)
• Recreation (web surfing, music, sports, hobbies, etc.)
• Conversations (in person, phone, e-mail, texting, etc.)
• Feelings (dwelling on your subjective impressions of life)

If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we are spending a lot of time and energy "regarding" just about everything but God...and for what?  What is the driving motivation behind all of this?  What are the well-articulated goals and objectives that have driven us to these ends?  

Are you having a hard time answering these questions?  You're not alone.  Do you find it interesting (and possibly frustrating) that one doesn't need well-defined motivations or objectives in order to pursue selfishness and ungodliness with great efficiency and effectiveness?  

You see, we don't have to learn to be motivated to pursue ourselves and godlessness because that pursuit is a part of our spiritual DNA.  According to Romans 5:12 we are sinners and, even from infancy, we are opposed to anything that stands in the way of self-interest.  Houston, we have a problem.  Enter: Isaiah (a.k.a. prophet of God).

“Stop regarding man...for of what account is he?”  (Isaiah 2:22)

Isaiah's "wake up call" might appear to have been a bit of hyperbole...that is, until we grasp the gravity of man's propensity...the extent of man's sin-tendencies and near-mute awareness of God.

“You are wearied with your many counsels...Behold, they are like stubble; the fire consumes them.”  (Isaiah 47:13-14)

“Because they do not regard the works of the LORD or the work of his hands, He will tear them down and build them up no more.”  (Psalms 28:5)

“I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols...”  (Psalms 31:6)

“But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.  They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the LORD of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets.  Therefore great anger came from the LORD of hosts.”  (Zechariah 7:11-12 ESV)

In contrast, see the fruit of regarding God:

“One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.”  (Psalms 27:4)

[God speaking through Isaiah] “Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea;”  (Isaiah 48:18)

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”  (Hebrews 12:5-6)

So, what keeps us from regarding God more highly?  I can't speak for you, but for me the problem is a simple case of spiritual laziness.  That is, avoiding the spiritual disciplines that lead to a deeper walk with God, a greater sense of His indwelling presence, and the godliness to which He has called me.  What are these spiritual disciplines?  A partial list might include:

• Scripture reading
• Prayer
• Worship
• Scripture meditation
• Evangelism
• Serving
• Stewardship of time and money
• Scripture application
• Fasting
• Silence and solitude
• Journaling
• Learning
  

Have you come to a place in your life where you have seen the futility of regarding everything else but God?  Are you there right now?  If so, let me invite you to put down the remote and start fully regarding (or pursuing) God in a rigorous, passionate manner.  I'll warn you up front.  It's not going to be easy, and it's going to require significant discipline.  But, if you're up to the challenge (and I really hope you are), be encouraged...there is help for the journey.  

First, acquire a copy of the Bible. If you don't own a Bible, you can begin by reading it online here, but you should buy a good literal translation as soon as possible.  I strongly recommend the ESV (English Standard Version).  Next, pick up "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald Whitney.  In the forward you'll be encouraged to read this book three times in the first five months of owning it (with a month off in between each reading to implement the ideas and evaluate your progress).  

Here is a quote from the back cover:  

"It's not uncommon for an accomplished musician to be able to sit down in front of a new piece of music and play it through without a hitch. He makes it seem easy, as if it required no effort. Yet, the "freedom" to play with such skill comes only after years of disciplined practice. In the same way, the freedom to grow in godliness--to express Christ's character through your own personality--is in large part dependent on a deliberate cultivation of the spiritual disciplines found in God's Word. Far from being legalistic, restrictive, or binding, as they are often perceived, the spiritual disciplines are actually the means to unparalleled spiritual liberty." 

May it be said of me when I die that I "gave my regard to God".  May it be said of you as well.

Treasuring Jesus,

Roger