We live in a world where if we are not the best, then generally we stop doing. If we aren't completely sure that we'll be able to do something, then we generally don’t try. We live in a world where if we don’t get everything, then we generally don’t take anything, which in turn leaves us with nothing. We refuse to share our possessions, and we refuse to share our glory. It might not be a conscious decision, but unfortunately this seems to be the reality for our society in general today.
The problem with this perspective on life, is that it all too often hinders us from doing anything, so we end up doing nothing. We forget the simple fact that without trying, there will never even be the possibility of success. We end up sitting and waiting for the day that we think we will be ready even though we might be hearing God loud and clear. We think according to what we can do as humans and according to the ideas we have in our heads. All while God affirms throughout the whole Bible, that we just need to do what we can, then He will complete our efforts perfectly.
Throughout this struggle of trying to do only the bare minimum, too many of us forget our real purpose, and thus focus our lives solely trying to provide for our own selfish securities and desires. We focus our lives on earning enough for that new TV, holiday or retirement package. We struggle to find time for our friends and family, and if by some chance there is still time left unfilled, we might try to reach someone not too far from us.
My actual question for today is: Do we live our lives any differently from the unsaved around us? Do we do anything that even closely resembles our true calling as Christians? Do we do anything that might save someone from an eternity in Hell?
Please know I am in not saying that we should forget about everything earthly to devote our entire lives to God and start saving the people around us...
Jesus said it:
"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Matthew 6:31-34 KJV - (Emphasis mine)
This being said, He also said that we are all part of one body and that not every part has the same purpose. This is why we should always be listening to God in regards to where and how He wants to use us.
Let's stop thinking about what we can maybe do in the future, and actually start trusting God when He says we should give all we have. There will always be those that say it is too extreme, a waste of time or even that it might be too hard, but if God called you to do something, then give all you can.
Whether giving your all means going to church or starting a church, do it. Whether it means writing a book, reading your Bible or simply getting a Bible, do it. Whether it means talking to people about God, or simply just listening to someone who needs to talk to someone. do it. God will perfect your effort if you rely on Him for what we simply cannot do.
We, and this includes myself, are letting miracles and people slip away because we are too self-oriented. We need to realize and remind ourselves constantly that even though it might seem difficult, if God called you to do something, it has a purpose. For each person it will be different, but I thoroughly believe that the moment we actually start living these types of lives, the Kingdom of God will be on Earth as it is in Heaven.
May God bless and lead us all
1/7/2015