(James 1:22)
So many Christians are content to sit on the
sidelines, listening, watching, and experiencing the fullness of the Christian
life vicariously through others. What I am about to say is going to get me
in trouble, but it won't be the first time. One of the popular Christian
magazines each month, has become little more than an advertising vehicle for
this Holy Ghost Conference, that Camp meeting of the Millennium, the annual
Partners Only Crusade, Women's meetings, Men's meetings, and on..and on..and
on. Listen, I am in no way trying to minimize, judge, or criticize what
other ministries are doing. My Bible says that we need to be united,
support one another, and God is working through many different types of
instruments. The point I want to make is that the people of God have gotten
very fat and lazy with all of the Christian celebrities, the Christian
entertainment that our culture has produced. Again, there is nothing wrong
with producing the finest quality radio, television, movie, and stage
productions to help share the message of Christ. The point I am trying to
get across is that it has made too many of God's people lazy and more
comfortable sitting on the sidelines watching, which was never God's plan.
I am a big believer in education. in listening to God's anointed teachers of
the Word to learn all we can. But while we are hearing the Word, we also
must be doing the Word. All of the commands in the Gospels, the Book of
Acts, Paul's letters, and the other New Testament writings were to be active
participants in our faith. helping others, witnessing, teaching new
believers. Spiritual gifts have become such a controversial topic and I will
deal with that issue soon, but God gave gifts to His people to be active
DOERS of the Word, not idle bystanders. He has given each one of His
children gifts, abilities to help advance the Kingdom of God. Jesus taught
in many parables that it is a sin to not utilize the gifts God has given
you. In a past Devotional I spoke of the sin of omission. I want to make
sure you clearly understand today, that it is a sin to not use the gifts and
talents God has blessed you with to serve Him.
That does not mean you have to quit your job and become a missionary to a
third-world country, or sell everything to start a ministry. God may call
you to do that. However, for most of His children, He has called you to
serve Him exactly where you are today. It is no accident you live where you
live, go to school where you do, work where you do, recreate and shop where
you do. God has placed you there strategically to be a light to others.
The most effective way we can serve God is in our normal day-to-day life.
Letting our Godly-lifestyle be a living testimony to those we come in
contact with. Helping those around us in a time of need. Getting involved
in projects and ministries through our local church.
I will be praying for you today, that these words will cause you to stop and
reflect on your life. Ask yourself if you are on the sidelines, or are
actively living the Christian life God has called you to live. Are you
using your gifts and talents for Him? Take inventory today of whether you
are not only hearing the Word, but DOING the Word. I care about you, love
you as a brother and sister in Christ. I want to see you be all you can
be and all God has called you to be for Him. Remember, our greatest and
most effective service is rarely those big things we may be involved in for
the Kingdom, but the quiet, one-on-one ministry to someone who is hurting
and looking for hope. Everyone who knows Christ can tell someone that Jesus
loves them. Everyone that knows Christ can testify to what Jesus has meant
in their life. Everyone who knows Christ can share the love and hope we
have in Him with someone. Doing that makes you a DOER of the Word.
