Even our family members or our own fleshly desires may pose a threat to our spirituality in some cases. These people and issues create a spiritual hazard for us; but also a possible danger to our physical well-being, if we use illegal drugs, alcohol, sexual promiscuity or if we gamble and get into debt.
God told Israel to drive out
the unrighteous nations from the land (Deuteronomy 7:1-2), and He wants no less from us. He is worthy of all of
our love and devotion. God wants our love for Him to take precedence over our
love for people and the world, because He wants His best for us on this earth
and for all eternity. He sent His Son to take away our sinful nature and to
give us His righteousness in exchange. God calls us to a holy walk, not
entirely for His benefit, but for ours as well (Luke 14:26). We come to God though faith in Christ (Romans
3:22). Then, He provides us with a
fulfilling life of freedom, peace and rest.
When God sent the Holy
Spirit to the disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem, after Jesus’ ascension
into heaven, He gave the church power to walk in His will (Acts
1:8). He gave us this power as well, so
that we can live as His ambassadors and share the knowledge of His saving grace
in the world in which we live (2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:20). This fight is not a fight against flesh-and-blood enemies, but
against evil rulers and authorities of the heavenly realm, against mighty
powers in this evil world, and against demonic spirits (Ephesians 6:12). The battle is not ours, however, but God’s (2
Chronicles 20:15). He has legions of
angels doing battle in our favor (Matthew 26:53). We only need to submit to God, put on His armor,
resist the devil, follow the leading of God’s Spirit and stand firm (James
4:7; Ephesians 6:13).
Depending on our focus, ministry
can be either rewarding or frustrating. If we look for results in our timetable
and standards, we will grow discouraged. If we minister as unto the Lord, with
Him as our focus, we will stand at the post where He calls us, and do our job
for His glory (Habakkuk 2:1). God is the One who provides
seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, He will provide and
increase our resources, as well as produce a great harvest from our efforts (2 Corinthians 9:10). God approves us and He entrusted us with the Gospel. We are not trying
to please anyone but Him. We are not looking for people to praise us, but only
praise from God (1 Thessalonians 2:4,6).
God calls us to be
difference makers in our mission field. Our family, neighborhood and workplace
give us plenty of opportunities to share the Good News with others (John
4:35). We can also thank God for, and
pray for the missionaries abroad, many who risk their lives on a daily basis to
share the Gospel with their neighbors. As we put God first in our life, our
light so shines that men will see our good works and give glory to our Heavenly
Father (Matthew 5:16). Then
when we stand in His presence at the judgment seat, we can look forward to His
words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” It is at that time that we
will fully realize the far reaching effects of our faithful obedience.
Prayer:
Father
God, although our efforts are futile at times, or slow going or bungled at
best, we are approved by You because we
speak as Your messengers. You entrusted us with the Good News of the Gospel of
Christ. Help us to take every opportunity to share Your saving grace with
everyone You bring our way. Remind us that our purpose is to please You, not
other people. You alone examine the motives of our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4). Thought for the Day:
Offering to pray and sharing our testimony of God's faithfulness to us in times of trial can renew hope and prepare the soil in the heart of a friend or relative to receive the seed of the saving gospel of Christ.
