Love Others - Fulfill the Law

Romans 13:8-10 stood out to me today as I was reading.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law.  The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Prior to these verses Paul talks about submission to Authorities, Unbelief, Future Glory, God's Sovereignty, Dead to sin, alive in Christ, Marriage, Sin, Slaves, Faith, Peace, Joy, Faithfulness -God's...and much more.

There's a lot packed into the book of Romans but these verses stood out and what grabbed my attention are the words; "for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law" and; "whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: Love your neighbor as yourself."

It seems to me that we can distort these words to say, it's okay, just love one another.  That my behavior really doesn't matter, or shouldn't matter to you.  If we just say, Love your neighbor as yourself and don't go into more detail we missed the boat! 

How I read the word of God this morning was through the lens of what I do affects those around me.  My actions are not just specifically mine.  When I chose Jesus as Lord of my life, I gave him full deed to my being.  Not just a part here or there, but every part.  I'm in the process of a spiritual renovation so to speak, and one that will continue until I see Jesus face to face.  Jesus bought and paid for a run down, used up home, with a pink with gold speckled back splash, a leaky roof, a leaky foundation, probably some ant infestation, old windows, poor insulation, a broken fence (boundary) and the list goes on!  Slowly in time, He beings to renovate.  One area at a time.  Sure He can probably tear down the whole house, but he chooses to renovate the way He needs to and the way I need him to. He respects me, and in this place I think He commands me to live well.

If I love Him, love myself and love my neighbor, I will realize that to commit adultery, murder, steal, or whatever 'other' commandment there is means that I am not living in love.  When I view my actions as just my own, I am living a life not pleasing to God, nor others or myself.  I am not walking in love.

Culturally speaking, I have the right to be whoever I want to be.  My choice or decision is mine.  No one has the right to speak against this decision.  If you do, its a violation of my human right.  Or is it?

The culture around us has set up some rules, some boundary lines for us in the laws they have set up.  These are good.  But why are people breaking them?  Maybe because it's all about us?  It's my life!

Law is set for our good and the good of others.  If we didn't have it humans would be left with their broken vices and that is a scary thought.  Yet in the midst of set laws we push the boundary lines, blur the edges to see how much I can get away with.  Maybe I won't be caught!

Let's use speeding as an example because this causes a bit of stir whenever I talk about it.  We have laws of speed control for reasons of safety.  Yet, this is usually one of the areas we want to break or give excuses to break;  "Everyone else is doing it," "There aren't any police enforcing this area," "I always do it," "I'm a safe driver."  Until we get caught.  Then we grumble, complain, and spout out our anger at the law set for us for our good and the good of others.  What happens when we speed, cause an accident and maybe kill someone else? 

Using this example, we see that we thought of ourselves.  We weren't acting in love, rather we in our selfishness decided that it was all about us.  We weren't concerned about others or the ramification of our decision and choice on another person.  To really love my neighbor would mean, I see past my own "feeling," "my right" and see that they have more value than me. 

So today, as you live for JUST TODAY...how can you set down your own rights, your own feelings, and think of others.  Think of how you can behave in a way that takes the focus off you...and on to another person.  In doing so the fulfillment of the law happens.  When you begin to love others, you begin to follow the law.  Jesus came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.  As we walk in obedience, denying ourselves and taking up the cross and loving others, we live in accordance to the boundaries set for us. 

...out of business...so the Church can do it's JOB!

More reflections on this in the days to come!  Blessings,  Kenny

 

Copied from the Exodus International website:
JUNE 19, 2013 BY EXODUS INTERNATIONAL
Exodus International to Shut Down

Thirty-seven-year-old ministry for those with same-sex attraction marks its last national conference

Irvine, Calif. (June 19, 2013) — Exodus International, the oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality announced tonight that it’s closing its doors after three-plus decades of ministry. The Board of Directors reached a decision after a year of dialogue and prayer about the organization’s place in a changing culture.

“We’re not negating the ways God used Exodus to positively affect thousands of people, but a new generation of Christians is looking for change – and they want to be heard,” Tony Moore, Board member of Exodus. The message came less than a day after Exodus released a statement apologizing (www.exodusinternational.org/apology) to the gay community for years of undue judgment by the organization and the Christian Church as a whole.

“Exodus is an institution in the conservative Christian world, but we’ve ceased to be a living, breathing organism,” said Alan Chambers, President of Exodus. “For quite some time we’ve been imprisoned in a worldview that’s neither honoring toward our fellow human beings, nor biblical.”

Chambers continued: “From a Judeo-Christian perspective, gay, straight or otherwise, we’re all prodigal sons and daughters. Exodus International is the prodigal’s older brother, trying to impose its will on God’s promises, and make judgments on who’s worthy of His Kingdom. God is calling us to be the Father – to welcome everyone, to love unhindered.”

For these reasons, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to close Exodus International and begin a separate ministry. “This is a new season of ministry, to a new generation,” said Chambers. “Our goals are to reduce fear (reducefear.org), and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming, and mutually transforming communities.”

Local affiliated ministries, which have always been autonomous, will continue, but not under the name or umbrella of Exodus.

TRANSITIONS - Rest - New Beginnings

In spring of 2006, I heard the clear call to join the staff of what was then, New Direction for Life Ministries (now Living Waters Canada Central Region.)

It was an exciting and very new experience for me, entering a full time Missionary Support role.  How does one adequately prepare for a position seeking to minister to people dealing with various life struggles?  For myself, I attended numerous workshops, conferences and training seminars, while applying the principles to my life and using everything that I learned to minister to others.

My experience with Living Waters Canada, as the Resource Program/Intake Coordinator has provided me the opportunity to grow exponentially as a leader; equipping me to serve the body of Christ in ways that I love! 

I have had the honour to talk with countless men and women both locally and internationally who have shared deeply, their life struggles in their relationships and in their sexuality.  It is humbling to often be the first person, to hear them express their concerns.

Coordinating programs and helping put on events such as the Gender and Sexuality Conferences, have been highlights for me.  God is very much interested in gender, sexuality and how we relate to one another in wholeness rather than through our deficits.  Serving in this much needed ministry has been a great blessing and allowed me to grow in ways; that I can hardly see, the man who left a gay identity in 2005.  To God be the GLORY!

In the midst of my 7 years with Living Waters Central Region,  I got married to Paula and God gave us a miracle daughter Phoebe, who is now 3 1/2.  I am amazed at the Lord’s hand in my life and how He does restore what the canker worm has eaten.  Thank you for rejoicing with us!

Two years ago, I began to feel God stirring up the possibility of leaving Living Waters.  Since I love the ministry I wondered why God would be leading me in this direction.  I sought Godly counsel and was encouraged to serve and learn in this place and to seek confirmation, for what I sensed, God was asking me to do. 

In the Fall of 2012 during a time of worship and prayer, I heard the Lord say I had 8 months left with Living Waters.  I continued to pray for confirmation.   In  January of the New Year, both Paula and I sensed, 2013 was a year of new beginnings. 

I knew this was confirmation, that God was directing me to leave full time ministry with Living Waters and to trust Him  in whatever He planned as “next” for me and my family.

Paula and I  continue to call Trinity Baptist Church our home community and are actively serving, as House Group  Leaders and Marriage Prep Counselors;  and  I am on the preaching roster and worship team.  Paula and I love marriage ministry and we also know the continued call to speak prophetically in regards to sexuality and gender.  We believe God is asking us to trust fully in Him and the next step that He has for us.  We know that He loves us , we are His children and we are seeking to obediently follow His lead and direction. 

We value each of you and who you are to us.  Your faithfulness to partner in prayer and financial support has enabled us to minister and speak to hundreds of people within the body of Christ;  (who have often struggled in silence) fearing those in their community would reject them, if they knew their story.  You have supported us in equipping the Church to be safe, and loving, having an ability to walk with others regardless of the issue that is being addressed. 

I have given my formal notice of resignation, for June 28th, 2013.  I would encourage you to continue to support Living Waters Canada Central Region in their desire to provide a safe place where people can be honest about their life  struggles, and ask the hard questions. 

Each of you have blessed and encouraged us and I am deeply grateful.  We know the steps ahead are full of exciting opportunities to serve the Lord in His Kingdom  purposes.  If you would like to talk with me regarding this announcement I would be happy to meet with you. 

Be blessed today, as you have been a great blessing to us.  Some people have asked how they could support us financially in this transition.  If you feel called or led to support us, you can email me at kennyp66@gmail.com. 

Much love,

Kenny, Paula & Phoebe Warkentin