By Bob Beanblossom
18 October 2016
It seems to me that as Christians we need to be extra careful to give credit where credit is due. And, to make sure that we are followers of Christ instead of trying to lead Him. If we call ourselves Christians because we have a personal relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ, we know we can walk and witness in the power of the Holy Spirit as we are called to do.
With true American spirit, though, we sometimes get caught up in doing–check list Christianity. After all, we know what has to be done and how to do it. Really? On a scale of now to eternity do you really think we have even a clue?
Here’s a benchmark for our lives. Paul wrote these words to Timothy some two thousand years ago, yet their application for us is as current as the second hand on a fine watch:
Be not thou ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, but be thou partakers of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ before the world began. (2 Timothy: 8-9)
Then comes the plan of action: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
First: Get close to God. Seek Him first. Establish a relationship with Him and discover His unique will for your life. We do that through prayer and personal Bible study. As you do so, and conform to His plan for you, you will be seeking–and finding–His righteousness.
Next: With a direction for your life that clearly conforms to Scripture, you can get to work doing what He wants as He wants when He wants. Sound a bit oppressive? Paul called himself a prisoner of the Lord and found great freedom and joy in that relationship. This relationship and obedience is the source of personal peace and joy, for you are becoming the person you were born to be.
Last: Keep up the process. It will never end on this side of eternity. The relationship grows in maturity and depth, you are given knowledge, understanding and discernment to deal with the life He has given you. As you grow, you will want to share this good news that you are discovering with others. Go ahead. That is what the witnessing that He called us to do is all about. You give witness–testimony–of what your God is doing for you. You will find that when you put God in the driver’s seat, the world just seems to fall into place.
Pain, suffering, illness, heartache–all the human baggage remains because we are still human. We shouldn’t expect our car not to break down or our bank account to suddenly overflow.
But our perspective on life and our ability to meet and overcome challenges has changed. We couldn’t have a stronger ally and mentor than the very Creator Himself.
Give it a try. Not because I say so, for I am but a pilgrim like you. But, because He says so.