Read: Matthew 8:18-22
Over the last 20 years of my Christian life I have learnt that there’s a world of difference between what some believers claim and what they are really willing to do. This was clearly illustrated to me by a couple that sadly told me of the church they were in. As new comers to the church many people promised to invite them to lunch or dinner soon. Six years later, no one had come through and offered to have them over for a fellowship meal. How often we make grand promises and never get to them.
Jesus experienced the very same thing! He taught the crowds and was approached by several people who made great claims, incredible promises. One said, ‘I will follow you where ever you go’. Another wanted to follow but asked, ‘First let me go and bury my father.’ In each instance, Jesus revealed the true cost of discipleship. He made plain to them what it means to follow Jesus. It may not be a walk in the park!
Let us make a pact right here and right now to let our ‘yes’ be yes and our ‘no’ be no. Let us make a firm resolve that we will not make rash or grand promises. But rather, let us consider carefully our words and vows and let us be exceedingly diligent in fulfilling them! God does not appreciate half hearted vows or unkept vows. If we promise it, He expects us to do it!
Tomorrow is our time for gathering and ‘worship’. In being granted faith and repentance, you have entered into several vows and promises. You have promised to be a part of the body of Christ. You have promised to use your gifts (spiritual gifts, that is) and your abilities to serve the body and to edify others. If nothing else, look up 1 Corinthians 12:7 and think about for a while. You have also promised to support the church financially. What will all this look like tomorrow? How will your following of Jesus play itself out tomorrow in the congregation? How will you serve? How will you give?
Service by its very nature is costly and may sometimes hurt or make us uncomfortable. But rejoice! Praise God in your service for the cross was no picnic for Jesus either. He suffered and died. He rose again and filled you with the Holy Spirit so that you can serve and give and even die if necessary as Christ has done for you.
Activate your faith by being actively involved in the life of the congregation. That means you’ll have to spend some time today praying and thinking about what that involvement will look like.
Prayer Points:
> Continue to Pray for Jim & Faye Lyons and their ministry to schools and churches in showing the DVD, “The Price Tag of Sex”.
No comments:
Post a Comment