Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ --Luke 19:13 The great evangelist and preacher John Wesley once said, “Do all the good you can, to as many people as you can, for as long as you can.” Now more than ever, we as Christians need to heed Wesley’s words and do good to others as well as each other. Believers in this generation should be in the business of encouraging and equipping one another for ministry to those in need. In light of that truth, I have a question for you today; what is God calling you to do? I believe that Christ calls every believer to something great and something specific, which makes our assignment to discover what He has called and gifted us to do. If you aren’t sure what your gifts and calling are, start by serving Christ right where you are and ask Him to make it clear what it is that you can do most effectively for His kingdom. He will make it clear to you! But getting started means you need to listen for God’s call—which often comes as a quiet voice amid all of the loud distractions that the world throws your way. God has given you talents and abilities to serve Him. Like the servants to whom the master entrusted his wealth, let’s get on with the Lord’s business until He returns! God calls every believer to do something unique and wonderful for Him.
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?”
Luke 17:7–8
Our modern view of Christianity has been affected by society so that we often find ourselves thinking of our service to God as a buffet where we pick and choose what we do. That is not the biblical model of servanthood. In Jesus’ day a servant was expected to do what he was told without exception. There was no choice in the matter or consideration for the preferences of the servant. The tasks were assigned, and they were expected to be carried out in full.
God is not just our friend, but also our Lord and Master, and He has the right to full and complete obedience from us. Someone illustrated this truth by drawing a contrast between two ship captains. If you have ever been on a cruise ship, you know that the captain and crew are dedicated to providing whatever is necessary for the passengers to have a pleasant experience. They are there to serve the passengers. Anyone who has been in the Navy, however, knows the captain in a very different role. The captain of a battleship expects every order to be carried out to the letter by those under his command.
The great missionary David Livingstone wrote, “God, send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. And sever any tie in my heart except the tie that binds my heart to Yours.” Rather than insisting on getting our way and avoiding anything that might be unpleasant, we must yield ourselves fully to God’s control.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Unless we are willing and ready to do everything that God commands, we cannot truly call ourselves His servants.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment