James 4:6 (ESV) reads, "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." We as believers in Christ need to be careful not to boast or carry ourselves in a cocky manner. Every gift and talent belongs to God. The earth and the fullness thereof belong to Him. Vessels that are willing to submit to God's voice and assignments are all we should aim to be.
Members of the body of Christ should never be ashamed to represent the Kingdom outside of the four walls of the church. The Lord did not give us our gifts of healing and prophecy for our own benefit but to have impact on those we encounter. Church is the place where teaching and training take place. The minute church is over we must put what we learned into practice at school, work, and with our neighbors. Expanding God's Kingdom on earth is and has to be our only goal in mind. In everything we do we must give our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ all of the thanks, praise, glory, and honor.
People of God must move with humility and meekness. We serve one king and that is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We only obey the voice and the instructions of God the Father. Whenever we carry out an assignment, we must not boast about the gifts we have been given. The world should only witness our spiritual gifts when we are allowing God to use us. Mortal men are not to be worshipped. All of our prayers and request should always be given unto the Lord our God.
Wealth to believers in Christ is not for our own pleasures or our own self-indulgence. Does God want us to be blessed? Yes. However, God wants us to use what he blesses us with to help those who are misfortunate. It is okay to have a nice car. But if God tells you to give that care away and start riding the bus you need to obey His command. It is okay to wear Gucci and Louis Vuitton. But if God tells you to sell every designer brand that you have in your closet you need to obey His command. Before we put our faith in money or material possessions, we must be obedient towards God's calling on our lives.
The God we serve is not a liberal or a conservative. He is omnipresent. He is omnipotent. Political parties and labels cannot contain our God's power, wisdom, and majesty. Those of us who are citizens of democratic republics have a right to vote for whoever we please. Putting our political leanings before God and His word should be forbidden. Politicians are nothing more than human beings with flaws. Has God used men and women in power to bless His people? Absolutely. Throughout the Bible from the book of 1 Samuel to the book of Daniel, God has always showed up and showed out on behalf of His people. Mayors and Governors. Presidents and Prime Ministers. Kings and Queens. If the Lord tells us to be of service to a person who is in authority and influence, we must take heed to the assignment at hand.
In this hour the church is going through an identity crisis. On the left you have a watered down, "progressive," seeker sensitive gospel preached to make people feel good in their sins and does not bring about repentance. On the right you have sound doctrine that is being preached by men and women who are inspired by God's word. Brothers and sisters in Christ it is time for us to make choices. Choices that will either give God the glory or make the world scorn us. Wheats and tares are being separated. Shepherds and wolves are being exposed. If there was an hour to get right with the Lord that hour is now.
No comments:
Post a Comment