by David Brenneman
We can easily think that we're not all that important in the scheme of things in the body of Christ. That our particular body part that we are isn't as crucial as others we know in Christ.
My Dear Reader, if we accept that we were known before we were even born, if we accept that our lives even today are under His watchful eye and care, then we do have an important roll in this exact day and age in the present Church of Jesus Christ.
We do have the opportunity to be a meaningful contributor to God's plan for His Church until He returns.
In reading what Paul was saying in his letter to the Corinthian church...we need to take much of it to heart with regards to our own part in His plans.
Quite often people in the professing Church don't do what they're called to be doing for whatever reason. Beit they don't think much of what the calling is or they don't want to do it or some other excuse. Then it falls upon others to fill the gap to keep order in the body of Christ.
There's those as well who are intentionally doing what they want to be doing in the Lord only they weren't call for that purpose.
While what we do might not be wholly visible to others, only known unto Jesus...that's ok.
The call to all in Christ Jesus is to be obedient in our calling. Just do what you're called to be doing to the best of your ability. Scripture says that he who knows the right thing to do and does not do it sins.
Therein we have the caution of thinking too highly of ourselves. We shouldn't look at what we're called to be doing for the recognition that might follow. The only place where recognition should be sought is when we stand before Jesus to give an account of our lives.
We are to trust and obey. Even if others don't get it or understand it.
Think of the plight of Ananias. Had he decided to stop and be concerned about what other's thought of this calling placed upon him to go to this Saul of Tarsus he probably wouldn't have gone.
We're to only consider what it is that God's wanting for us to be doing and leave the consequences to Him. Regardless of what anyone thinks of whatever it is. Beit something huge or something seemingly insignificant. We're to do all things that we're called to do as though it were Jesus Himself we were doing it personally for.
The more I read of that study book of John MacArthur on Job the more I see that friends and family can have all kinds of good intentions and can offer what they think is the right advice however these cannot replace obeying in faith. MacArthur's comments so far on the 4th guy making comments...at least in my opinion...are a bit off base. Elihu wasn't reprimanded by the Lord Jesus for anything he had to say to Job. Further, the Lord’s anger was kindled against the other 3 specifically.
We too can look to be in the minority when we look to obey God.
We might even lose out on things in life.
We might even have people mad at us because we obeyed.
We don't answer to anyone in this world more than we answer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We may not see what we've been called to be as all that important but in God's eyes we are where we are doing what we're to be doing with our everything for His honor and glory not our own.
We are to grow in Christ at every opportunity. We are to keep pace with Jesus and join Him in what He is doing.
Think about your activities in your walk with Jesus. Are you pursuing what He's wanting of you or are you after what you want in hopes that it might look like what He wants. It's never about is praying for Him to join us but rather our joining Him.
We, all who are in Christ, have a Godly ordained plan and purpose to fulfill while we have the breath of life in us.
We are to expect rough waters because of our living out that plan and purpose.
We are to give of our best in whatever we're called to do. Whether it's cleaning or preaching or anything else. There's no bench warmers in God's economy of the body of Christ. There's nobody who's come to Christ for salvation who then have nothing important in Christ to accomplish for Christ.
Dead cells and cancer cells and anything the like are the same as those who are actively trying not to be or do what they're called to be doing. We're here to glorify God in Christ Jesus. To make His Name known. That people would see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. Anything else should be considered a waste.
Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness means whatever He wants, desires, needs done or said, comes first.
Quite often my mind is cluttered with all sorts of things that aren't necessarily sinful but they are a waste of time and resources if I pursue them because they will do none of what I am here to be doing in Christ.
Obey God and leave the consequences to Him.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Don't expect to either understand in part or in the whole, just obey.
You, my Dear Reader, if you're truly saved, were gifted by the Spirit, placed by the Spirit, for the glory of God in Christ Jesus.
Keep that in mind, pray over that, obey in whatever it is.
We may look to all the world as ordinary but in Christ we are anything but ordinary.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment