Carnal Piety

Serving Two Masters:

Carnality has long been an issue in our Church body.  The question of where we should draw the lines that separate worldliness from our Godly appearance, has often plagued us and has split churches and even created new denominations.  Women wearing makeup, hair styles, earrings, clothing, and more have often established visual lines of separation of the world  and of our Christly Piety.  For the sake of this article we will not try to set new standards of piety but take a look at today’s infiltration of the carnal world into our Church body and how our tolerance of such has expanded.

By most standards piety would be defined as having personal reverence for God, parents, or those in authority; living in a frame of personal obedience both in public and in private, while not putting on an overtly outward display of those things for the sole purpose of being seen.  Humility is often thought to come with piety.  Today, people look at our lives and evaluate where we stand in Christ according to the fruit that we bare and the Christ like walk they see in us.   Read Matthew 6:1-8 for a good illustration of true piety as instructed by Christ himself.

Why is this article important?  It seems today that the lines between our Christian Piety and the carnal world are being increasingly blurred.  More and more churches must take action among members who blatantly flaunt worldly activity.  Even greater, churches who should take action are choosing to look the other way under the guiles of, “We are not to judge.”  This second attitude leaves a congregation in turmoil, members with justification of their own sin, and open doors to the approval of a sinful nature.

Let’s take a look at this by comparing the types of carnality (love of or resemblance of the flesh & the world) that are infiltrating our midst today through the very fabric of the body of Christ.  Carnality is carnality on any level, but we will place a greater focus on Double Minded Carnality the third type of carnality described here.

The first is Righteous Carnality.  This is when a Church becomes much like the Pharisees and Sadducees of old.  This Church body or individual becomes so focused upon what they believe is right and wrong in the world and the lives of individuals that they fail to point the way to Christ.  An example of this would be an individual who spends their time fighting for various “Christian” causes but has most likely never shared the gospel with anyone.  Righteous carnality is much different from piety as it is focused more on the outward appearance than the inward change of man.

The second is Hierarchal Carnality.  This is when the focus of the individual or Church is elevating oneself through and not in Christ.  Advancement of the kingdom is simply a by-product of their actions, though they would not have you believe that.  They use Christ as the mechanism of their self promotion.  This individual does all the right things, says all the right things, seems to be in all the right places, and is very visual in doing so.  This is the carnality that Christ warns us about in Matt. 6: 1-18.  These individuals are seeking more the approval and recognition of man than heavenly reward.  Per Christ instruction those of this nature, receive their reward here on earth and miss out on their heavenly reward.

The third is Double Minded Carnality.  This individual is stuck in two worlds.  They appear to want to follow Christ and His teaching yet perpetually surrender to the world in their lives.  This individual seeks personal justification for sin in their lives relying on God’s “infinite” grace to overcome all.  While it is true that God’s grace (Christ Sacrifice) was sufficient for all sin, it is also evident that if an individual has accepted Christ as Lord, their tendency should be to edify Him by living a life He has instructed us to live.  We are called to strive to perfection in Jesus; His grace is our protection when we fall short.  The dividing factor of grace is when we define grace not simply as unmerited favor but, as the outward reflection of Christ to the world around us.  A good indicator is when our faithfulness to the word, prayer, devotion, and obedience to Christ outweighs and regularly overcomes our temptation of the world.  This is not to say that we never fail or make mistakes but that when we do, we take proper action in true repentance and if possible repairing any damage we may have done.

What does the bible say about Double Minded Carnality?

·         Matt. 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

·         Rev. 3:16 “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

·         1 Peter 1:13-16 “¹³ Wherefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope with perfect stedfastness in the grace which will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ¹⁴ as children of obedience, not conformed to your former lusts in your ignorance; ¹⁵ but as he who has called you is holy, be ye also holy in all your conversation; ¹⁶ because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy.”

·         Gal. 5:17,18 “¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these things are opposed one to the other, that ye should not do those things which ye desire; ¹⁸ but if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under law.”

·         Romans 6:1-14 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? ^2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?...........”

It is obvious through Biblical teaching that we are to be in the world but separate from it.  We can give numerous Bible quotes to this defense.  Why is it, we appear so much like the world and/or lack the desire to hold one another to a level of spiritual integrity?  I’ve had the opportunity to hear the hearts of pastors all across this nation.  The great sin is that often times we lack the loving desire to hold one another accountable for personal action.  To see evidence of this double minded carnality we need look no further than the social media sites we often use.  Individual postings, comments made, photographs, pages, and groups joined or followed display much of one’s personal awareness in Christ.  Much of what many professing Christians are posting is disturbing.  If you've seen it then you know what I’m talking about.  If not, then count yourself fortunate and should you decide to begin using social media sites consider yourself warned. 

Many refuse to call friends out and use the excuse saying we are not to judge.  Let’s be clear, I do not have to judge what the Bible has already declared to be sin.  Second, understand that judgment is not in the determination of right and wrong but takes place when the penalty for action is determined.  I can say and determine what is right and wrong according to the word, but it is not in my ability to pass judgment or sentencing.  That action is solely reserved for Christ our Lord.   Some may remark, “What about your compassion?”  I would submit that it is less compassionate and less loving to allow someone you care about to continue in their carnal pursuits without addressing it, but simply praying they will change.  We are the agents of change.  We are to encourage growth.  This cannot happen if we cannot offer honest friendship, companionship, and leadership.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”  Let us move forward in faith, kindness, and love to lift one another up in prayer and Godliness.  It’s never too late for God to turn things around.  To do this we must allow him to work through us to build one another up.  His desire and call is that we walk upright before Him, relying on His sufficient grace for our salvation and not that we seek to abuse His grace and take salvation for granted.  As according to Ephesians 4:3, may we endeavor to keep unity in the bonds of peace. 

Serving Christ By Serving You,

Bryan Taunton

Blinded By Rainbows

Blinded By Rainbows written by Mick Jagger and released on the album Voodoo Lounge is the 20th studio album by The Rolling Stones, released in July 1994.   In my opinion this song “Blinded By Rainbows” is one of the most profound songs of the 20^th century.  I am impressed by the lyrics and impressed that such beautiful words could come from someone who has led the life of Mick Jaggers.  I pray, if not already, that he comes to the understanding of all the words he has written into this song.  He wrote it in response to the conflict that was taking place in Northern Ireland. 

This song symbolizes much of the pain, suffering, death, and destruction that is taking place in the world today that is missed because we are blinded by the rainbows in our life.  The rainbows represent wealth, a good job, our security, lack of personal strife, and the “things” we place so much pride into in today’s society.  The writer even makes note that we not only miss the suffering of this world but ask the question in his opening verse, “Did you ever feel the pain that He felt upon the cross?”  Well, do we?

We’ve become so preoccupied in the precious little things in our own lives, our “Rainbows”, that we’ve forgotten everything that truly matters.  Whatever it takes as long as we look good, smell good, and have good we will do it.  In our misplaced focus and passions we’ve lost or at best are losing our sight of the cross and the redemption that took place on it.  Oh, we see it, but we see it through tainted lenses.

James Ch.4:17 & Ch. 5:1-11 ESV

4:17 “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

5:1 “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you.”

Here, James warns us of misplaced focus and the passions of self indulgence.  He is warning us of our earthly rainbows and how in our self indulgence we persecute, condemn, and even murder the righteous, who does not resist.  He ends the previous chapter with a tough word instructing us that knowing the truth and not doing it is sinful in itself.  Here James epitomizes the term “Tough Love.”

But alas, he encourages us saying,

“7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,  until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

Now, there are several things we could take away from this passage but for the sake of this devotion, let’s focus on being steadfast and on verse 12  that our “yes” be yes and your “no” be no.  We must reach a point at which we are no longer fixated on the glitter and glam.  We can’t be fixated on rainbows if we are to be steadfast in the Lord.  Not only this, but we must be clear in our objectives and unafraid to draw clear lines.  So often today, people assume to say I’m a Christian or I believe is enough.  They feel no need to draw lines of distinction between themselves and the world.  They often become so caught up in the blindness found in their rainbows that they miss clarity, patience, and the righteous sufferings found in Christ. 

Christ return is inevitable!  Are you ready or have you become so blinded by the “Rainbows” in your life that you’ve lost focus on the suffering of this world?  Ask yourself this, are you ready right now to give account for your life to Christ?  Do you hurt when others hurt?  Are you compelled to share the gospel?  I hope so, but if not I pray that you feel compelled to see past your rainbows and begin to focus on the call of Christ in your life.  Lock onto the hope that is found in Jesus Christ and let Him radically change your life.  I promise things will change and your view of this world will never be the same.  He is our guiding light and our salvation, in Him is our righteousness found!


Listen To Song "Blinded By Rainbows"

Serving Christ by Serving You,

Bryan Taunton

Exec. Dir. FootWash Ministries

btaunton@FootWashMinistries.org

http://FootWashMinistries.org

Never Judge A Book By It’s Cover

Just because someone says and appears to do all the right things, that doesn’t mean they are doing a righteous work.  Christ gave us a very potent scale or measuring stick to determine the reality of what we are looking at.  It also serves as a great indicator in our own personal lives as to how we are performing in our daily walk, service to our Lord, and eternal security.

Mathew 7:15-23

¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. ¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? ¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. ²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

²¹ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Christ first gives us a warning that there will be false prophet’s who come to you appearing harmless, but their true intent is to devour and destroy you.  He gives us a great barometer as to how we can determine who is on the level and who is not.  He said, “we shall know them by their fruits.”  The key word here is “fruits.”  According to the Enhanced Strongs Lexicon this translates as:

2590 καρπός [karpos /kar·pos/] Probably from the base of 726;; 66 occurrences; AV translates as “fruit” 66 times. 1 fruit. 1a the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields. 1b the fruit of one’s loins, i.e. his progeny, his posterity. 2 that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result. 2a work, act, deed. 2b advantage, profit, utility. 2c praises, which are presented to God as a thank offering. 2d to gather fruit (i.e. a reaped harvest) into life eternal (as into a granary), is used in fig. discourse of those who by their labours have fitted souls to obtain eternal life.¹

Why is this important?  It is of dire importance that we understand that this is a direct interpretation to reflect offspring.  We know the truth of an individual’s intent when we look at the offspring which comes as a result of a ministry or individual.  Of good preaching, good works, good testimonies, great wonders, etc none are evidence of truthfulness and the intent of one’s heart.  In verses 16 – 19 of this passage Christ provides us with example of this very fact.

He goes on to explain, beginning, in verse 20 how many will stand before him in judgment speaking in their own defense of their lives through their works.  There is one defining factor in all of this passage, “FRUIT.”  We can work and toil in many things and according to Christ, if it does not result in the production of fruit then our lives are doomed.  The fruit that Christ is talking about here is not your spiritual gift or the fruit of the spirit.  The fruit He is pointing to is your spiritual offspring.  This is a scary fact when contemplated.

My question to you today is, are you producing fruit?  Take a moment and reflect upon your life.  Have your works resulted in the production of offspring for the kingdom of God?  Have you ever personally led someone to the knowledge of Christ?  Is the greater purpose in your life to have nice things or promote the gospel?

Be encouraged today, to direct your life in such a way, that you become a fruit bearing tree.

^[1]Strong, James: The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order. electronic ed. Ontario : Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996, S. G2590

Serving Christ by Serving You,

Bryan K. Taunton

Exec. Dir. FootWash Ministries

btaunton@footwashministries.org

http://FootWashMinistries.org