"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22
I was so disappointed at that moment. I could not understand the mentality of preferring to criticize those who serve instead of offering one's own self for service...and I still don't. It just seems hypocritical to me. If you don't have any skin in the game (so to speak), then you are just not in a position to critique anything.
Yet, such is a trait we see even in the churchworld. You know the type; they always have something negative to say, but don't bring anything of their own to the table. They do nothing to build up a ministry, but are often the first to start prattling on about what they think others are doing wrong. They sit in fellowships week after week becoming engorged on the word of God, yet it never translates into practice where the word becomes life to others around them. They can only [mis]use the letter to bring death (II Corinthians 3:6).
"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise." Proverbs 6:6
I am not saying that works define our faith, but I am saying that true faith will produce works (James 2:18). We are the light of the world, and how will our Father in Heaven be glorified if we do not let our light shine forth?
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
So, I thought it might be a helpful reminder to point out the importance of each of us doing the works of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). Has God given you a ministry or put a calling on your heart? Go do it! If not, has He shown you a ministry He is using to reach others? Get plugged into it! No matter the capacity, every member of the Body of Christ is given by God some talents to share and it is God's purpose for each of us to be vital, living, contributing parts of that Body (Romans 12:4-11; I Corinthians 12:4-27).
Consider it this way. If any part of the natural human body is not alive - is not contributing to the overall health & function of the body, but is instead draining life away from it - that body part would need to be amputated so as not to spread death to the entire body. So it is in God (John 15:4-6). As blood brings oxygen to every part of your body to keep it alive, so does the Spirit of God bring life to the various parts of the Body to quicken it for usefulness (Psalm 119:37; Romans 8:11).
In a time where there is a lot of talking, and everybody has a "word", let's keep in mind that if we are the Body of Christ, then we will be actively engaged in His work as He works through us. Don't be as the mockers and the hypocrites who prefer to sit on the sidelines.
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17
"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." Matthew 7:21
"For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matthew 12:50
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock." Luke 6;46-48
"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:17
"Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." Matthew 24:26
AMEN, I'm gonna just do it, thanks for sharing again, God bless, 1 Love
ReplyDeleteThis is true...I've been meditating on this all week...I love confirmations...
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Rashid
Me too brother! Love it when God sends a confirmation on things I have been meditating on.
DeleteWhat is also amazing to me is how Scripture speaks to virtually everything we experience as Christians.
"Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel." Phil. 1:15-17
It is a shame to see but some profess Christ, yet have no real interest in living for Him. Rather, they prefer to use Christ as a means of propping themselves up before others or as a way to afflict those who seek to serve Him in sincerity. And many times, such even want to claim to be your brother or sister "in the Lord". LOL
Yet brother, I have found that the more I focus on what God is calling me to do, the less time I have to focus on such things...and the less I am moved by that type of spirit.
The priority of those who truly want the Lord to be glorified will be to be about the Father's business. May we all put our hands to the plough and not look back.
Love yal too! :-)
Great article.. personally, God is dealing with me on waiting on Him and sanctifying myself for what He has called me to do.. on the flip side of this topic, there are some who are zealous and want to go out there and do great things for God but jump out ahead of God's timing. That can be disastrous. As a young man seeking God, there are plenty of 'good' things that I can devise in my own mind to do for God, but am I willing to wait on God to develop my character, disciple me, and place me in the position that HE wants me to be in? I believe that's when we will really bear fruit that will remain for the kingdom. But when God calls us to do something, let us not hesitate for a second! Just some thoughts I wanted to share.. Be blessed sister and keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Anonymous! The key is certainly doing what God is leading us to do. How can we know what God has put upon our hearts if we have not sanctified ourselves unto Him so as to hear His voice. Surely the 2 go hand in hand. As long as we are moving when He says move, our timing will be perfect, for His timing always is.
DeleteGod Bless!