Houston, We Have a Problem    

     Do you remember the famous line from one of America's space launches: "Houston, we have a problem?"  How accurate those astronauts were; they did have a problem.     

Let's think about this line today:  "Memphis, we have a problem."  I'm not talking now about crime, taxes, or education.  I'm talking about the age-old problem called worldliness.    

 What is worldliness?  It's not hair length, the clothes people wear, or the amount of jewelry somebody owns.  Here's my definition of worldliness:    

 "WORLDLINESS IS HAVING THE SAME PURPOSE, PERSPECTIVE, AND PRIORITY AS PEOPLE WHO DO NOT SERVE GOD."     

What should you do whan a friend or church member stumbles, slips up, and gets caught in the mad cycle of worldliness?   Some choose to close their eyes and sweep the problem under the rug.  Let me guarantee you that's not God's way.  You and I are called to restore those people (check out Galatians 6:1-4).     

Let these 5 principles help you help people             

01.  Restore, not rejoice.  Some people rejoice at the troubles of others  because they think it makes them look good.  How sad.             

02.  Restore, not reveal.  "I just had to call and tell you about...." The  Bible says love covers a multitude of sins.            

03.  Restore, not reject.  Does God reject you when you blow it?  Neither should you reject people when they blow it.             

04.  Restore, not rehearse.  "Well I remember six years ago when he...."  Is that God's way?             

05.  Restore, not repeat.  Jesus restored the woman caught in adultery (read John 8).  He also taught her, "Go and sin no more"  (i.e. don't repeat your mistake).     

Let the Lord use you during the next 40 days to be a restorer.  I can promise you three things:  it's God's will for you, the results can have eternal impact, and you'll feel great about being used by God.  May the Lord bless you big-time this week.  

Pastor Lindberg