I Did It My Way
 |
| In loving memory of my father Robert Louis (Bob) Padgett July 28, 1931-May 22, 2023 |
On December 30, 1968, Frank Sinatra was the first person to sing publicly a song written by Paul Anka called "My Way" (or "I Did It My Way"). In the UK, that record achieved instant popularity, as recorded by Frank Sinatra. That rendition still has an unmatched record, becoming the recording with the most weeks inside the Top 40 (75 weeks, from April 1969 through September 1971). There is no question that Frank Sinatra had an outstanding singing voice. As a very young man, Sinatra was a lead singer for the orchestras of both Tommy Dorsey and Harry James, both of whom were leaders of the "big band" era of the 1940s and 1950s. One billionaire (Simon Cowell, producer of "American Idol" and other singing/talent TV shows) reportedly said recently that Sinatra was his all-time favorite singer/crooner. Unfortunately, it appears that Sinatra's singing gift may not have been used for the glory of God.
It is easy to find multiple renditions of that song by Frank Sinatra on the internet. The lyrics are about a man, approaching the end of his life on earth, who looks back with pride and says that "one thing is certain, I did it my way." What a tragedy! The song certainly has a lovely melody which appeals to the emotions. In one such rendition, Sinatra sang that song before thousands and thousands of people. Just before he started to sing, Sinatra said, "Now it is time to sing the national anthem, but you don't have to stand up." Then he sang, "I Did It My Way." Only the Lord knows if Sinatra was just trying to be funny or if he was serious. Jesus once said, "The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light" (Luke 16:8). I have experienced several times hearing a true prophecy come out of the mouth of someone who was not at all a Christian believer. That just emphasizes that the Lord can and does use anyone and anything to try to speak to us. Apparently, Sinatra's life genuinely exemplified the words of that song, "I Did It My Way." There is little question but what "I Did It My Way" is somewhat of a national anthem for most folks in the world. Unfortunately, it also appears to be the national anthem for some Christians, perhaps unknowingly so.
To what degree does the title of that song reflect the lives of Christian believers today? How many believers are "doing it my way" instead of the Lord's way? Only the Lord knows. One thing is quite certain ... the number of believers who would say they are "doing it my way" are probably very few and far between. It is human nature for any believer to say, "I did it the Lord's way." We all believe we are walking in the Light. However, the visible evidence says something different. Consider the Church at Corinth, as recorded in 1 Corinthians. Consider the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of denominations, non-denominations, inter-denominations, charismatic fellowships, house groups, etc., where it is commonplace to find quite divergent views on "the gospel" and things pertaining thereto. Yet every believer would affirm outwardly that there is only one true gospel. Further, it is not at all unusual for a charismatic gathering to start and end with a rock concert. Is that pleasing to the Lord?
Granted that there is no life in simply pointing out the "negatives," but what is the positive side and the remedy for the lack of being "in one accord?" Scripture is quite clear. The first word of the kingdom of God is "repent." That word, repent, has great intent for us believers after we are born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Two of the best examples of that are in Isaiah 6:5 and Job 42:1-6. Are we "better" than the great prophet Isaiah or Job, about which "the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" (Job 1:8)
Note that of the six principles of the doctrine of Christ, the first (and therefore most important) is repentance from dead works. If we cannot get that one "straight," then we need not even try to go to step two. What constitutes "dead works?" Doing it (whatever "it" may be) my way. It may be a good "work" to feed the poor or heal the blind or any of a myriad of other "good" works. But unless that work is led by the Holy Ghost, it becomes wood, hay, and stubble. The first admonition given to man (the first Adam) was "Do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of GOOD and evil, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die." Anyone can discern evil. Discerning the difference between good and the will of God is not so easy. That requires hearing the voice of the Lord. Let us emphasize Verse 3: "And this we will do if God permit." IF GOD PERMIT! So it is not so much about what I want to do; it is about the grace and mercy of God. Those verses, and the ones that follow, below, should be sufficient to propel us into the proper fear of God.
The "If" in Verse 6 seems to indicate that it is possible to fall away (apostatize) from the faith. Paul clearly speaks the truth about that "If." We cannot "fall away" from something we never received.
The distinction in those verses is NOT between the "saved" and the "unsaved." The distinction is between those believers who are "doing it my way" and those believers who are doing it the Lord's way, as led by the rhema word of God through the Holy Spirit (and not simply by our personal interpretation of the written, logos of God). The better translation of Verse 23 is: "And then will I profess unto them, I never approved you ... (I never approved what you were doing)." What is iniquity? Doing it my way. King Self does not die easily! Anyone who is born from above, including you and me, who "does it my way" cannot enter the kingdom of God. For by definition the kingdom of God is where the will of God is always done.
The obvious, amazing fact from Verses 25-27 is that both the widow woman and the leper were outside the boundary of Israel. Even though there were many widows and lepers in Israel, the Lord sent Elijah and Elisha to none of them! Is that simply a historical fact or could there be significance for us today? Also, please let us consider the reaction of God's chosen people (Verses 28-29) to the word of the Lord in Verses 23-27. ALL they in the synagogue (not a few and not some) were filled with wrath. What does the use of the word "synagogue" mean for us today?
So what is the answer? The answer to every question or situation or problem for us as believers is to cry out to God, Help, Lord! Lord, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear that which you are saying to me and that which You are saying to Your Church in this hour.
I find it interesting that even in Scripture, as translated by men, "Pharisee" is capitalized but "publican" is not capitalized. It appears that in the Lord's sight, the reverse should be true.
David is called a man after God's own heart. May we all have that same heart that longs after God and His ways.
This is not a matter of emotion nor a matter of my will. All of our self-efforts are futile. Lord, I ask for Your grace and mercy for myself, my family, and for every member of the body of Christ ... that You might always have Your way. Lord, make Your will and Your word flesh within us. Lord, may we never again look back and say, I did it my way. Selah.
It is easy to find multiple renditions of that song by Frank Sinatra on the internet. The lyrics are about a man, approaching the end of his life on earth, who looks back with pride and says that "one thing is certain, I did it my way." What a tragedy! The song certainly has a lovely melody which appeals to the emotions. In one such rendition, Sinatra sang that song before thousands and thousands of people. Just before he started to sing, Sinatra said, "Now it is time to sing the national anthem, but you don't have to stand up." Then he sang, "I Did It My Way." Only the Lord knows if Sinatra was just trying to be funny or if he was serious. Jesus once said, "The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light" (Luke 16:8). I have experienced several times hearing a true prophecy come out of the mouth of someone who was not at all a Christian believer. That just emphasizes that the Lord can and does use anyone and anything to try to speak to us. Apparently, Sinatra's life genuinely exemplified the words of that song, "I Did It My Way." There is little question but what "I Did It My Way" is somewhat of a national anthem for most folks in the world. Unfortunately, it also appears to be the national anthem for some Christians, perhaps unknowingly so.
To what degree does the title of that song reflect the lives of Christian believers today? How many believers are "doing it my way" instead of the Lord's way? Only the Lord knows. One thing is quite certain ... the number of believers who would say they are "doing it my way" are probably very few and far between. It is human nature for any believer to say, "I did it the Lord's way." We all believe we are walking in the Light. However, the visible evidence says something different. Consider the Church at Corinth, as recorded in 1 Corinthians. Consider the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of denominations, non-denominations, inter-denominations, charismatic fellowships, house groups, etc., where it is commonplace to find quite divergent views on "the gospel" and things pertaining thereto. Yet every believer would affirm outwardly that there is only one true gospel. Further, it is not at all unusual for a charismatic gathering to start and end with a rock concert. Is that pleasing to the Lord?
Granted that there is no life in simply pointing out the "negatives," but what is the positive side and the remedy for the lack of being "in one accord?" Scripture is quite clear. The first word of the kingdom of God is "repent." That word, repent, has great intent for us believers after we are born again and baptized in the Holy Spirit. Two of the best examples of that are in Isaiah 6:5 and Job 42:1-6. Are we "better" than the great prophet Isaiah or Job, about which "the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered My servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" (Job 1:8)
1 Therefore leaving the principles [beginning] of the doctrine [logos] of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this will we do, if God permit.
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.
7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. Hebrews 6:1-8
Note that of the six principles of the doctrine of Christ, the first (and therefore most important) is repentance from dead works. If we cannot get that one "straight," then we need not even try to go to step two. What constitutes "dead works?" Doing it (whatever "it" may be) my way. It may be a good "work" to feed the poor or heal the blind or any of a myriad of other "good" works. But unless that work is led by the Holy Ghost, it becomes wood, hay, and stubble. The first admonition given to man (the first Adam) was "Do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of GOOD and evil, for in the day you eat of it you shall surely die." Anyone can discern evil. Discerning the difference between good and the will of God is not so easy. That requires hearing the voice of the Lord. Let us emphasize Verse 3: "And this we will do if God permit." IF GOD PERMIT! So it is not so much about what I want to do; it is about the grace and mercy of God. Those verses, and the ones that follow, below, should be sufficient to propel us into the proper fear of God.
The "If" in Verse 6 seems to indicate that it is possible to fall away (apostatize) from the faith. Paul clearly speaks the truth about that "If." We cannot "fall away" from something we never received.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
2 Thessalonians 2:3
For ye know how that afterward, when he [Esau] would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. Hebrews 12:1721 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. Matthew 7:21-23
The distinction in those verses is NOT between the "saved" and the "unsaved." The distinction is between those believers who are "doing it my way" and those believers who are doing it the Lord's way, as led by the rhema word of God through the Holy Spirit (and not simply by our personal interpretation of the written, logos of God). The better translation of Verse 23 is: "And then will I profess unto them, I never approved you ... (I never approved what you were doing)." What is iniquity? Doing it my way. King Self does not die easily! Anyone who is born from above, including you and me, who "does it my way" cannot enter the kingdom of God. For by definition the kingdom of God is where the will of God is always done.
23 And He said unto them, Ye will surely say unto Me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Thy country.24 And He said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.25 But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,29 And rose up, and thrust Him out of the city, and led Him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong.30 But He passing through the midst of them went His way, Luke 4:23-30
The obvious, amazing fact from Verses 25-27 is that both the widow woman and the leper were outside the boundary of Israel. Even though there were many widows and lepers in Israel, the Lord sent Elijah and Elisha to none of them! Is that simply a historical fact or could there be significance for us today? Also, please let us consider the reaction of God's chosen people (Verses 28-29) to the word of the Lord in Verses 23-27. ALL they in the synagogue (not a few and not some) were filled with wrath. What does the use of the word "synagogue" mean for us today?
So what is the answer? The answer to every question or situation or problem for us as believers is to cry out to God, Help, Lord! Lord, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear that which you are saying to me and that which You are saying to Your Church in this hour.
9 And He [Jesus] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Luke 18:9-14
I find it interesting that even in Scripture, as translated by men, "Pharisee" is capitalized but "publican" is not capitalized. It appears that in the Lord's sight, the reverse should be true.
David is called a man after God's own heart. May we all have that same heart that longs after God and His ways.
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. O LORD, Thou hast searched me, and known me.2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether.5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid Thine hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24
This is not a matter of emotion nor a matter of my will. All of our self-efforts are futile. Lord, I ask for Your grace and mercy for myself, my family, and for every member of the body of Christ ... that You might always have Your way. Lord, make Your will and Your word flesh within us. Lord, may we never again look back and say, I did it my way. Selah.
No comments:
Post a Comment