THIS WEEK is one of the most exciting weeks of the year for me. It's the week of Good Friday and Easter (today being Easter)! My family celebrated not only Easter but also my grandpa's birthday and retirement and my grandparents' housewarming! I had a lot of fun cleverly hiding plastic eggs with Rina and Kenny around my grandparents' new house.
But Charlie Brown wants to know, Doesn't anybody know what Easter (and Good Friday) are all about?! Is it really about the luscious chocolate bunnies and jellybeans in a basket, or colorful plastic eggs filled with candy and money? Is it about the Paas Easter equipment or cute pictures of baby animals? Is is about pushing the other little kids down during the Easter Egg Hunt, or dressing up in brightly colored clothes to go to church and visit family? Marshmallow chicks? Hard-boiled eggs? Ribbons and crayons and plastic grass? I hope not.
Let me help you out, Charlie Brown. It sure would be awful if those things were what this weekend were really about. It would mean that Easter is simply a day set aside to celebrate American consumerism and Springtime sterotypes. I mean, is the increase in the bunny and chick populations really as noticeable this time of year as all the pastel-colored advertisements suggest? I haven't seen a single real bunny outside the television screen all month.
No, Charlie Brown, Easter is about something much more important, something I fear many of us forget.
Do you remember the first Easter morning? I don't mean the first time you jumped out of bed in the and ran to the front of your house in search of your Easter basket, which the Easter Bunny left you so you could have candy for breakfast for one day in the year. No, I mean the very first Easter morning. The Sunday that started as a really awful day.
It started as a mournful morning. Nobody was eating chocolate or wearing fluffy dresses. Instead there were girls coming to tend the grave of a very good friend, who had died for no crime of His own that Friday. It was Sunday now. They shuffled their feet down to where they knew the stone had been secured tightly in front of His tomb, where there were guards standing by. We don't know whether any one of them wondered how they would even get to Him to annoint His body. They just went; they would figure it out when they got there.
But when they arrived, they didn't find it how they thought they might. Here was an angel, who terrified the guards, telling them that Jesus wasn't here anymore. Where had He gone? He had risen, just like He said He would. Not long afterward, they saw Jesus Himself, who appeared to many people so that we could be sure He was alive.
The Easter Bunny, or Peter Cottontail, was not present at Jesus' Crucifixion, which is remember on Good Friday. When they looked inside the empty tomb, they weren't looking for Easter Eggs. Those things are fine and plenty of fun, but when I wake up on Easter morning, I try to remember what the day represents before I bite the ears off my chocolate bunny.
At around 3:00 pm, on one Friday about 2000 years ago, Jesus the Son of God died to save the world. He had done nothing wrong. Fulfilled prophecies, made hundred and thousands of year prior, surrounded His death just as they surrounded His birth and His whole life.
In Hebrew counting, Sunday was the third day after His death: they counted Friday, Saturday, Sunday. On the third day, He wasn't in His tomb anymore. He just wasn't there. This is remarkable because He told those who believed in Him in advance that He would die and that He would rise on the third day afterward.
Conspiracy theories arise: Was Jesus really dead then? Yes - not only was it impossible for a human to survive whipping, nailing, blood loss and cardiac arrest under extreme emotional stress, but they also made sure He was dead by stabbing His side afterward. The veil in the center of the temple ripped at that moment as well, representing the end of the division between us and God, since He had paid for the sins of believers.
Could the disciples have stolen His body? Not with the guards there, and not with the tomb locked up so tightly. Besides, those disciples who died for their faith would not have become martyrs if they knew He hadn't really risen.
Could it be a myth or a legend? Could it be some kind of mistake? Only if hundreds of people all imagined the same thing. The simple historical fact of it is that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His followers. Then He rose up into heaven not long after that.
That's what we celebrate on Easter. We rejoice over the fact that God loves each one of us enough to come into this world in the form of a Man, and then lay down His life for our sakes. We celebrate the fact that He proved our faith to be well-founded by fulfilling His promise to rise again. And anyone, of any color, with any history, in any situation is welcome to come and be saved by His grace if we just believe this. He is alive today. He loves saving people, not scaring us.
I hope nobody is turned away because of the scary, cold Christians who talk of hellfire and don't explain why Jesus is the answer. That leaves the love out. Think for a moment about how much God has to love us, to love you, to die that way voluntarily. After all, He is God. He could have just walked away. Think about how much He has to care to give us the Holy Spirit, performing spiritual and physical miracles even today, just to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is alive!
But I wasn't there. I didn't see the stone rolled away, nor the angel sitting on it, nor Jesus Himself appearing to His followers. How can I know that I know that I know that it's true?
Do you know the song called "He Lives"? My favorite lines of that song explain a lot. It goes, "You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!"
I couldn't celebrate Easter today if I knew it wasn't true. But there is no reasonable way for me to even consider that anymore. Any true Christian could tell you that Jesus provides such complete, unfailing fulfilment in our lives, such an asnwering of our needs, that we know He is alive no matter what we are told. Today we celebrate His life, His death for our sins, and His resurrection to justify us. We celebrate salvation, because now we know deep in our souls that death itself is allergic to us and can't touch us. Thsi is a gift for anybody and everybody who believes, and that is all it takes.
That is what makes Good Friday so Great. It's what makes Happy Easter so Happy. So Happy Easter to you, because if you're a human being, Jesus is giving you a reason to celebrate today.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Effective, Fervent Prayer
THIS WEEK I've been learning a lot about prayer. Pastor Ryan spoke about it this Wednesday, and since then it has been on my mind.
I have a rather odd problem. Do you remember the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus is pouring His heart out in prayer, sweating blood and groaning as He anticipates His arrest, and His weary disciples are sleeping! Well, that's what has been happening to me. Lately I have been falling asleep at night before I've really sought God in prayer. I understand that prayer is powerful and necessary, but I've gotten so tired at night that I've been shutting my eyes for just a few minutes, and slept without having really prayed. Never before have I seen how Jesus' words in that scene apply so well to me: v.46 "Then He said to them, 'Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.'"
So this week Ive noticed God bringing to my attention several passages related to prayer, to encourage me to get better at this. We should be praying all through the day and with power and effectiveness, not just to get it out of the way.
Just this week God spoke to me twice through T-shirts that I saw. The first one referenced Psalm 130, which is a prayer asking for God's mercy. If you read it you will notice amazing humility and respect in the speaker's voice. That is how we are supposed to pray.
v.2-4 "[2] Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. [3] If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? [4] But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."
When we pray, we should remember who it is we are talking to. We come into the presence of God Himself, who designed and created everything, whose power is not limited in any way. He is holy and worthy to be revered. When I remember that, it makes me more willing to fight my sleepiness and give Him my attention. Pastor Ryan pointed out that prayer is not just conversation. It is not just us talking to God. It is communion with Him, an opportunity to draw close to Him. We are supposed to praise Him, to ask for His will to be done, and to seek His guidance and help in all situations. We are to do these things humbly and with faith - solid and well-founded trust that He can and will come through.
The other T-shirt referenced 2 Chronicles 6:20. I do not spend a lot of time in 1 and 2 Chronicles. I am very glad I remembered this reference and found it. In 2 Chronicles 6, King Solomon is dedicating a temple to God. He prays in public on his knees and with his arms outsretched in reverence.
v.18-20 "[18] But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! [19] Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and prayer which Your servant is praying before You: [20] that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward this place where You said You would put Your name, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place."
Solomon recognized that it was no use trying to accomplish anything truly great and worthwhile without the blessing of God. He wanted to honor God, not himself, with the temple, so he dedicated it to Him. That is what we should do with our lives. Life is about God, so we should pray that our will matches His and that He will send us to accomplish it, for His glory, not our own.
It's easy for a lot of us to wonder, "Why pray?" If God already knows what He's doing, what is the use of us asking Him to do anything? If He knows the future, what difference will prayer make? Actually, prayer does a lot.
James 5:16 says "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
Prayer has a few difference purposes that make it an effective tool in battle. First, it draws us closer to God and trains us to hear His voice. We cannot have a real relationship with Him if we never communicate with Him.
Second, it is an opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness and for everything He is doing. It is a chance to thank Him as He deserves to be thanked.
Third, it builds up our love for the people and causes we pray for, and makes brothers out of enemies. It also offers us a chance to affirm our faith to Him. God answers our requests when we pray in His will, believing in His power to keep His promises. He answers so that we will see that He is able to do what He says He will do, that our faith is not in vain when we trust in Him. So we should ask outrageous things with boldness, things that don't seem possible, things that He has promised to do, like breaking down high walls in hard hearts with His truth.
Prayer is worth staying awake for. It is a chance to communicate with God and to humble ourselves before Him. He loves to hear from us and answer. Sometimes all it takes is the faith to go ahead and ask.
In John 14:13-14, Jesus says "[13] And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the son. [14] If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
Do you believe that God can and God will? Go ahead. Ask away.
I have a rather odd problem. Do you remember the Garden of Gethsemane? Jesus is pouring His heart out in prayer, sweating blood and groaning as He anticipates His arrest, and His weary disciples are sleeping! Well, that's what has been happening to me. Lately I have been falling asleep at night before I've really sought God in prayer. I understand that prayer is powerful and necessary, but I've gotten so tired at night that I've been shutting my eyes for just a few minutes, and slept without having really prayed. Never before have I seen how Jesus' words in that scene apply so well to me: v.46 "Then He said to them, 'Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.'"
So this week Ive noticed God bringing to my attention several passages related to prayer, to encourage me to get better at this. We should be praying all through the day and with power and effectiveness, not just to get it out of the way.
Just this week God spoke to me twice through T-shirts that I saw. The first one referenced Psalm 130, which is a prayer asking for God's mercy. If you read it you will notice amazing humility and respect in the speaker's voice. That is how we are supposed to pray.
v.2-4 "[2] Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. [3] If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? [4] But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared."
When we pray, we should remember who it is we are talking to. We come into the presence of God Himself, who designed and created everything, whose power is not limited in any way. He is holy and worthy to be revered. When I remember that, it makes me more willing to fight my sleepiness and give Him my attention. Pastor Ryan pointed out that prayer is not just conversation. It is not just us talking to God. It is communion with Him, an opportunity to draw close to Him. We are supposed to praise Him, to ask for His will to be done, and to seek His guidance and help in all situations. We are to do these things humbly and with faith - solid and well-founded trust that He can and will come through.
The other T-shirt referenced 2 Chronicles 6:20. I do not spend a lot of time in 1 and 2 Chronicles. I am very glad I remembered this reference and found it. In 2 Chronicles 6, King Solomon is dedicating a temple to God. He prays in public on his knees and with his arms outsretched in reverence.
v.18-20 "[18] But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple which I have built! [19] Yet regard the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and prayer which Your servant is praying before You: [20] that Your eyes may be open toward this temple day and night, toward this place where You said You would put Your name, that You may hear the prayer which Your servant makes toward this place."
Solomon recognized that it was no use trying to accomplish anything truly great and worthwhile without the blessing of God. He wanted to honor God, not himself, with the temple, so he dedicated it to Him. That is what we should do with our lives. Life is about God, so we should pray that our will matches His and that He will send us to accomplish it, for His glory, not our own.
It's easy for a lot of us to wonder, "Why pray?" If God already knows what He's doing, what is the use of us asking Him to do anything? If He knows the future, what difference will prayer make? Actually, prayer does a lot.
James 5:16 says "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
Prayer has a few difference purposes that make it an effective tool in battle. First, it draws us closer to God and trains us to hear His voice. We cannot have a real relationship with Him if we never communicate with Him.
Second, it is an opportunity to praise Him for His faithfulness and for everything He is doing. It is a chance to thank Him as He deserves to be thanked.
Third, it builds up our love for the people and causes we pray for, and makes brothers out of enemies. It also offers us a chance to affirm our faith to Him. God answers our requests when we pray in His will, believing in His power to keep His promises. He answers so that we will see that He is able to do what He says He will do, that our faith is not in vain when we trust in Him. So we should ask outrageous things with boldness, things that don't seem possible, things that He has promised to do, like breaking down high walls in hard hearts with His truth.
Prayer is worth staying awake for. It is a chance to communicate with God and to humble ourselves before Him. He loves to hear from us and answer. Sometimes all it takes is the faith to go ahead and ask.
In John 14:13-14, Jesus says "[13] And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the son. [14] If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."
Do you believe that God can and God will? Go ahead. Ask away.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
My Testimony
THIS WEEK was really special. I went down to Orlando for my last Latin Forum, the annual convention where Latin-loving students compete in academic and creative contests. That adventure lasted three days. Then I came back to Jacksonville and went to my Senior Prom, which was very memorable and tons of fun.
This morning was particularly special. Earlier this week I was asked to speak at the Parent Brunch before the second church service this Sunday (today). I and a few other seniors would be talking about our high school experiences living for God, responding to two questions:
1. What experiences are you thankful for that have impacted your life during high school?
2. What do you hope to see happening in the Youth Group, and what suggestions do you have?
I am very grateful for the chance to speak for a few minutes this morning. I prayed about it in advance, and I sincerely believe that God led me to what I was supposed to say. I want to share with you my responses to these questions.
First, I am thankful for the Bible Study Club at my school. Early in the school year, I hoped and prayed for the opportunity to read the word in the morning before I start my day, but I didn't have time. God responded by opening a door. I started going to Bible Club, where I'm with people who also want to read God's word before starting the day, where who knows what could happen? Now I go there almost every school day, and it's been a great blessing in my life.
Second, I am thankful that God has made it possible for me to make it through high school. My classes are very hard, and I know I would not have had the emotional capacity to overcome them if it weren't for my Jesus. I couldn't do it alone. He has also given me a strong work ethic that allows me to do these things well. He has helped me to work as unto Him. Now I know that if I do things victoriously in His name, my achievements will be a testimony to the fact that He helps His people and makes things possible for us.
Third, I am thankful for the one experience that was more painful than anything else that has yet happened to me. It was when my former boyfriend decided that it wasn't going to work out. Going through this, I didn't understand why it was happening, and I still don't fully understand. But I kept trusting God that He still held me and had a reason for the pain. It has been hard, and it often still is hard. But it has been a great blessing and a source of many valuable lessons.
It has allowed me to focus on God better. I have more free time and more free space in my mind that I can and do devote to God. My devotion to Him has only grown. I find that is what pain can do in a believer's life. It could wreck our faith if we don't trust Him though it, but if we do our faith will increase.
It has also shown me God's power and willingness to heal us. There was one day months and months ago when I went to Engage the Spirit, a monthly mid-week service devoted to awesome worship and seeking God. I went there needing to scream. When I left, I wasn't okay, but I knew I would be. And now, by God's grace, I am.
Finally, it gave me a better appreciation for a relationship with God that doesn't end or change. I cannot express how grateful I am that we never have to do anything to make sure He still loves us. I am amazed and thankful that His love for us is unchanging and eternal. There is no relationship we can ever have that matters more than our relationship with God, because it is the only relationship that literally lasts longer than our lives. With Him, forever is truly forever.
Having learned all this, if there is one thing I suggest from the young people in my youth group, and at my high school, and truly everywhere. Don't wait until you're older. When I was about ten, I had a number in my head: 17. That was the age when I could start thinking about my spiritual state. Until then, I thought, I don't need to worry about it. Fortunately, that didn't work out. I felt that violent pull on my heart saying that I wasn't where I needed to be. I'm seventeen now, and I've been saved for 5 years. I'm glad I didn't wait. I couldn't imagine now what life would be like without Him. He is my everything. He is my breath. So whatever your age, and especially if you are young, chase after Him today before too much time is spent in vain. He wants to do amazing things in our lives today, not just tomorrow.
When I was speaking, I read this passage and told all the students to write the reference down.
1 Timothy 4:12-13. "[12] Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in faith, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony. As the amazing preacher Ron Lewis says, God turns our tests into testimonies. I hope your testimony is an inspiration to you and those around you. God is doing awesome things.
This morning was particularly special. Earlier this week I was asked to speak at the Parent Brunch before the second church service this Sunday (today). I and a few other seniors would be talking about our high school experiences living for God, responding to two questions:
1. What experiences are you thankful for that have impacted your life during high school?
2. What do you hope to see happening in the Youth Group, and what suggestions do you have?
I am very grateful for the chance to speak for a few minutes this morning. I prayed about it in advance, and I sincerely believe that God led me to what I was supposed to say. I want to share with you my responses to these questions.
First, I am thankful for the Bible Study Club at my school. Early in the school year, I hoped and prayed for the opportunity to read the word in the morning before I start my day, but I didn't have time. God responded by opening a door. I started going to Bible Club, where I'm with people who also want to read God's word before starting the day, where who knows what could happen? Now I go there almost every school day, and it's been a great blessing in my life.
Second, I am thankful that God has made it possible for me to make it through high school. My classes are very hard, and I know I would not have had the emotional capacity to overcome them if it weren't for my Jesus. I couldn't do it alone. He has also given me a strong work ethic that allows me to do these things well. He has helped me to work as unto Him. Now I know that if I do things victoriously in His name, my achievements will be a testimony to the fact that He helps His people and makes things possible for us.
Third, I am thankful for the one experience that was more painful than anything else that has yet happened to me. It was when my former boyfriend decided that it wasn't going to work out. Going through this, I didn't understand why it was happening, and I still don't fully understand. But I kept trusting God that He still held me and had a reason for the pain. It has been hard, and it often still is hard. But it has been a great blessing and a source of many valuable lessons.
It has allowed me to focus on God better. I have more free time and more free space in my mind that I can and do devote to God. My devotion to Him has only grown. I find that is what pain can do in a believer's life. It could wreck our faith if we don't trust Him though it, but if we do our faith will increase.
It has also shown me God's power and willingness to heal us. There was one day months and months ago when I went to Engage the Spirit, a monthly mid-week service devoted to awesome worship and seeking God. I went there needing to scream. When I left, I wasn't okay, but I knew I would be. And now, by God's grace, I am.
Finally, it gave me a better appreciation for a relationship with God that doesn't end or change. I cannot express how grateful I am that we never have to do anything to make sure He still loves us. I am amazed and thankful that His love for us is unchanging and eternal. There is no relationship we can ever have that matters more than our relationship with God, because it is the only relationship that literally lasts longer than our lives. With Him, forever is truly forever.
Having learned all this, if there is one thing I suggest from the young people in my youth group, and at my high school, and truly everywhere. Don't wait until you're older. When I was about ten, I had a number in my head: 17. That was the age when I could start thinking about my spiritual state. Until then, I thought, I don't need to worry about it. Fortunately, that didn't work out. I felt that violent pull on my heart saying that I wasn't where I needed to be. I'm seventeen now, and I've been saved for 5 years. I'm glad I didn't wait. I couldn't imagine now what life would be like without Him. He is my everything. He is my breath. So whatever your age, and especially if you are young, chase after Him today before too much time is spent in vain. He wants to do amazing things in our lives today, not just tomorrow.
When I was speaking, I read this passage and told all the students to write the reference down.
1 Timothy 4:12-13. "[12] Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in faith, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my testimony. As the amazing preacher Ron Lewis says, God turns our tests into testimonies. I hope your testimony is an inspiration to you and those around you. God is doing awesome things.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Serving God
THIS WEEK was Spring Break for me. I went on a cruise to Mexico and back, and God kept me and my family very safe. So now I'm back to finishing up my school work. Very exciting. But did you know there is a way to serve God in school work, and in all other kinds of responsibilities?
On the days when we feel overwhelmed by school work, or when there is just too much to do, it's easy to just give in to frustration. We could either stop caring or get really stressed, neither of which is a good option. So what do we do? There is a word from the Bible that follows me on days like that.
Colossians 3:23-24, "[23] And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."
I admit it's hard to remember when you'd rather just go take a nap or have a snack, but there's a report to write or something important to finish. But if we handle our responsibilities with patience and diligence, we will be honoring God through our trust that no task can overwhelm us while He is around and that He is the Master of our circumstances. He loves it when we work diligently because it tells Him that we are willing to work on even more important things just as diligently.
While He was telling a parable about servants, Jesus spoke about one who did well with the money he was put in charge of. Matthew 25:23 says, "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."
It turns out that there are actually thousands of ways to serve God. One is in working diligently, and that is actually useful when we serve Him in all kinds of other ways. Yesterday I read chapter 10 of Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris. This is the powerful and relevant book that I am reading with my Life Group (go find it). The Harris twins explain that in order to impact the world in a way that advances God's kingdom, we need to be dynamic in every aspect of society. God has given us a great variety of gifts that He calls us to use for His glory.
The Harris twins write on page 175: "A generation of rebelutionaries will write books, direct films, raise and train children, design buildings, run for office, and make scientific and medical discoveries. We will strive to bring the truth of God's Word and the gospel to bear on every area of life we touch."
This means that it's not only the people in religion-specific positions that serve God. It's not only a special few who do certain things. We serve God by doing His will, and this entails dedicating ourselves and the gifts He has given us to His purposes.
Earlier this week I read about Mary and her alabaster flask of costly oil, annointing Jesus' head and washing His feet. She did this out of love and reverence, because she knew that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Jesus approved of her actions. In Matthew 26:13 He says, "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."
Her gift was the oil and her hunble devotion. Jesus wants us to do the same. But because we don't have His physcial feet here to pour oil on, let's give Him all our hearts and all our efforts. Dance, sing, do math, write, run, lift things, go places, speak, fund-raise, pour cereal for His glory. Whatever He wants us to do is what we should do.
But the most important part of serving God is this: don't try to do it by yourself. We cannot impress God or surprise Him. There is nothing we can give Him that is not already His. We cannot make outselves perfect or bless our own efforts. We need Him to do that. So He gave us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to direct us and keep us in His will. Everyone who is saved by His grace is born of the the Holy Spirit. But what I learned today is that not everyone who is saved is now "filled" with the Holy Spirit.
We need to ask God to fill us with His Spirit, like rain fills a pot left outdoors. When that happens, our problems get smaller and our confidence gets bigger. We start doing things because He wants us to, despite what it does to us, even if we don't understand why. We can give encouragement and speak truly. We live "victoriously," as Pastor Russ says, without fear and shame and weakness. And best of all, we can do all the things we do "as to the Lord and not to men." When this happens, our service will not be in vain, and God will use us to accomplish His purpose because He sees that we're willing to do things His way.
On the days when we feel overwhelmed by school work, or when there is just too much to do, it's easy to just give in to frustration. We could either stop caring or get really stressed, neither of which is a good option. So what do we do? There is a word from the Bible that follows me on days like that.
Colossians 3:23-24, "[23] And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."
I admit it's hard to remember when you'd rather just go take a nap or have a snack, but there's a report to write or something important to finish. But if we handle our responsibilities with patience and diligence, we will be honoring God through our trust that no task can overwhelm us while He is around and that He is the Master of our circumstances. He loves it when we work diligently because it tells Him that we are willing to work on even more important things just as diligently.
While He was telling a parable about servants, Jesus spoke about one who did well with the money he was put in charge of. Matthew 25:23 says, "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."
It turns out that there are actually thousands of ways to serve God. One is in working diligently, and that is actually useful when we serve Him in all kinds of other ways. Yesterday I read chapter 10 of Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris. This is the powerful and relevant book that I am reading with my Life Group (go find it). The Harris twins explain that in order to impact the world in a way that advances God's kingdom, we need to be dynamic in every aspect of society. God has given us a great variety of gifts that He calls us to use for His glory.
The Harris twins write on page 175: "A generation of rebelutionaries will write books, direct films, raise and train children, design buildings, run for office, and make scientific and medical discoveries. We will strive to bring the truth of God's Word and the gospel to bear on every area of life we touch."
This means that it's not only the people in religion-specific positions that serve God. It's not only a special few who do certain things. We serve God by doing His will, and this entails dedicating ourselves and the gifts He has given us to His purposes.
Earlier this week I read about Mary and her alabaster flask of costly oil, annointing Jesus' head and washing His feet. She did this out of love and reverence, because she knew that Jesus is the Savior of the world. Jesus approved of her actions. In Matthew 26:13 He says, "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her."
Her gift was the oil and her hunble devotion. Jesus wants us to do the same. But because we don't have His physcial feet here to pour oil on, let's give Him all our hearts and all our efforts. Dance, sing, do math, write, run, lift things, go places, speak, fund-raise, pour cereal for His glory. Whatever He wants us to do is what we should do.
But the most important part of serving God is this: don't try to do it by yourself. We cannot impress God or surprise Him. There is nothing we can give Him that is not already His. We cannot make outselves perfect or bless our own efforts. We need Him to do that. So He gave us a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to direct us and keep us in His will. Everyone who is saved by His grace is born of the the Holy Spirit. But what I learned today is that not everyone who is saved is now "filled" with the Holy Spirit.
We need to ask God to fill us with His Spirit, like rain fills a pot left outdoors. When that happens, our problems get smaller and our confidence gets bigger. We start doing things because He wants us to, despite what it does to us, even if we don't understand why. We can give encouragement and speak truly. We live "victoriously," as Pastor Russ says, without fear and shame and weakness. And best of all, we can do all the things we do "as to the Lord and not to men." When this happens, our service will not be in vain, and God will use us to accomplish His purpose because He sees that we're willing to do things His way.
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