Author Archives: Ministry Tools Resource Center

A lot of different religions exist in this world. What makes biblical Christianity so different is the Person of Jesus Christ at the center of it. Even the Old Testament of the Bible, not just the New Testament, points to Jesus throughout its pages (Lk. 24:27, 44; Jn. 5:39; 1 Pet. 1:10-13). He makes Christianity so much more than a mere religion. What He offers goes way beyond a religious experience.

Jesus is So Much More Than Mere Religion

If everything revolves around Jesus, then He must be someone great enough to truly make a difference in people’s lives.

1. Jesus is more than a religious figure like a prophet. He is God come in the flesh (Matt. 1:23; Jn. 1:1-5; Phil. 2:6-7; Heb. 1:3), — a divine Person.

2. He did more than come and live on this earth once upon a time. He died and rose again and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenly realms (Eph. 1:19-21; Col. 3:1), — a living Person.

3. Following Jesus is more than adhering to a creed, certain moral principles or ideals. We follow a Person, Jesus Christ, whom we can get to know and love (Jn. 1:10-13; 17:3; 1 Jn. 4:13-19;  Rev. 3:20), — a Person with whom we can relate.

4. Jesus is more than a good example to pattern our lives after. He is a Savior, the One who died on the cross to take our sin upon Himself so we can be made right with God (Isa. 53:5; Jn. 14:6). He is the Sovereign Lord who ascended back to heaven after His resurrection from the dead, the One to whom every knee will one day bow (Phil. 2:10), — making Him a Supreme Being to whom we owe not only our eternal destiny but also our love, service, obedience, and worship now.

Jesus Offers So Much More Than a Religious Experience

While Jesus does give eternal life to those who believe in Him (Jn. 3:16; 1 Jn. 5:13), He offers so much more. Jesus IS eternal life (Jn. 14:6), not just something He promises we will one day possess. He extends Himself to us, not just a promise or possession so we can be in a relationship with Him.

He wants us to live in the fullness of who He is (Eph. 4:13), abiding in Him and bearing fruit (Jn. 15:1-8). He offers us Himself so we can walk with Him in a love relationship. We obey His commands because we love Him (Jn. 14:15, 21; 1 Jn. 5:3; 2 Jn. 1:6), not to earn His favor (Eph. 2:8-9).

Jesus offers more than a future hope to us. He gives us purpose and meaning to live right now, considering us His co-workers (1 Cor. 3:9). He came to give us an abundant life, one to the full (Jn. 10:10).

All of this is so much more than a mere religious experience. It’s a relationship with a real Person who is ours now and through eternity.

Do you have a tendency to compare yourself to others? Playing the comparison game could take you in unhealthy and ungodly directions. We’re calling it a game because it isn’t always based on reality. Our next step usually depends on the actions, or reactions, of another person. It usually ends with winners and losers.

Results of Playing the Comparison Game

We may find ourselves to be inferior, superior, or equal enough that we feel we can be compatible.

• Comparing and Finding Ourselves Inferior

Not measuring up to others can lead to insecurity and discontent. This can result in self-striving to make ourselves better.

• Comparing and Finding Ourselves Superior

Assessing ourselves to be above others can lead to pride and arrogance. This can result in self-exaltation so others see us as better.

• Comparing and Finding Ourselves Comparable

Finding people of the same measure as us can lead to a sense of security. This can result in self-protection from those deemed better or worse.

Getting caught up in comparing ourselves to others, no matter what we find, can result in self-centered living. That isn’t what God wants for us.

What God Says About Comparing Ourselves

God tells us to fix” our eyes on Jesus” (Heb. 12:2) but it’s not about comparing ourselves to Him. We’ll lose that game every time because we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We keep our eyes on the One who died so we could be made right. He offers transformation, not a mere self-improvement plan (2 Cor. 5:17). — Grace

God’s economy is so much different than the way of the world. Rather than finding ourselves superior to those who may seem weaker than us, we raise them up. — “Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” (1 Cor. 12:22-25) — Mercy

In Christ, as new creations, we are all equal. In Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). Outward appearance, accomplishments, intelligence, strengths, and weaknesses are all peripherals. Equality isn’t based on whether we match up to each other. Community in the Body of Christ isn’t a matter of finding those with whom we’re comparable. It’s about bringing all of our differences together and becoming better because of each other. It’s about caring for one another no matter how different we may be. — Love

Rather than play the comparison game, let’s extend grace, mercy, and love to one another … maybe even to ourselves. That’s the healthy and godly way

In a previous post we determined that God’s character forms the basis for why we can be secure in the Lord. Out of who He is comes how He relates with us. Understanding that should further cement our sense of security.

Find Security in How God Relates with His People

How God relates with us grows out of His view of us. Created in the image and likeness of God, we have an inherent worth as the highest of God’s created beings. God’s loving thoughts toward us are too numerous to count. He values us so much He sent His Son Jesus to die for us so we can be in a close relationship with Him. The sin that mars us is covered over by the precious blood of Jesus so that when God looks at us, He sees His Son’s righteousness and not all that is wrong with us. Our security rests in His grace, not our personal merits.

Reflect on these verses:

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Ps. 139:14)

How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand – when I awake, I am still with you. (Ps. 139:17-18)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9)

Along with God’s view of us, He promises us His constant presence. With an awareness of His presence comes a sense of security. Reflect on what God told Joshua after Moses died and Joshua was left in charge of a group of people with a track record for being rebellious. Confidence was possible because of God’s continued presence. It wasn’t because Joshua was a great leader or because he was well-liked by others. It was because he could rely on the Lord’s power and wisdom that came with His presence.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Josh. 1:9)

What It Takes to Be Secure in the Lord Based on These Realities

We need perspective. When fears and insecurities set in, we need to remind ourselves of these truths:

1. Our identity is based on how God views us. What He thinks about us and who He says we are matters more than what we think of ourselves or how others may view us.

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 Jn. 3:19-20)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:1-2)

2. The Almighty God is always with us. With His presence comes the help and protection we need to be secure in Him, along with resultant peace, contentment, joy, and blessing.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Ps. 46:1)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)

.. be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb. 13:5)

The God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Rom. 15:33)

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Ps. 16:11)

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.(Ps. 89:15)

Resources to help you gain the right perspective:

• 40 Day Challenge for Maintaining a Healthy Perspective by Ministry Tools Resource Center (This link will take you to a page where you can get a free copy of the challenge, or you can order a discussion guide with it.)

• Search for Significance by Robert McGee. (This link will take you to one of our affiliate stores where you can learn more about this book.)