Restored Vision, Renewed Focus

Chesapeake Community Church has been in a series on Ephesians for the past few months, and the last two sermons were on the “Armor of God” section in chapter 6:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. — Ephesians 6:10-20 (ESV)

Along those lines, I feel like I’ve been sitting down in the midst of a battle. I’ve recently been confronted (graciously) about an area of recurring sin in my life that I really don’t know how to fight well: the fear of man. In fact, if you look at the posts I wrote before my furlough, you’ll find a number of rather trivial things in there. That’s because I had succumbed to the pressure to post “lots and lots” — and for what purpose? To get more traffic. To solicit comments. To lead to a higher Google PageRank.

In other words, I was craving others’ attention and approval.

It’s sick. Just over lunch this past Wednesday, I told my daughter Katie that we were going to begin to memorize Philippians 2:3 together—we both need it!

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. — Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

“Rivalry and conceit.” How often does that describe my motives for blogging? I want to rank higher (than others) on the TTLB list. I want to be linked by Tim Challies. I want “the big guys” to think my posts are worth commenting on. But I’ve got different plans for my blog now. They’re not fully fleshed-out, but I know that they don’t include obsessing about PageRank and Trackbacks. They also don’t include an attempt to post every day—I don’t work well with arbitrary rules like that. No, my intent is to speak openly and honestly (but humbly) regarding the Gospel, the Scriptures, my soul and the world around me. Regardless of specifics, I want to keep Philippians 2:3 (and the larger context, verses 1-13) in the forefront of my mind as I go forward:

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a bondservant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. — Philippians 2:1-13 (ESV)

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