Once again, Kim has inspired us to dig deeper into God's Word to shine His Light into our souls to reveal what is truly in us.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
~ Colossians 3:23-24
(emphasis added)
Today at Cafe Chat, Kim applies a very poignant question to us in accordance with Colossians 3:23-24 which commands us to "work heartily" in all things remembering it is Christ Jesus we are serving, not men. Below is the question she asked us to meditate on and consider:
How would your life look differently if you embraced and believed fully what the verse in Colossians states? If the truth above is something you already believe and actively live out, how does this truth make a difference in your life?
For me personally, I truly believe this passage of Scripture, but I don't always succeed in remembering it. I find that when I am not careful to fill myself with my spiritual food - the Word of God, I am weak and make myself susceptible to all the "viruses" (personal affinities and worldly cares) that cause my mind and heart to become defiled by the wiles of my flesh. I was reminded of this yesterday over at our dear sister Sheila @ Meditations and Confessions of a Homemaker blog when she quoted Amy Carmichael:
"If monotony tries me, and I cannot stand drudgery; if stupid people fret me and
the little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life, then I
know nothing of Calvary love."
~Amy Carmichael
the little ruffles set me on edge; if I make much of the trifles of life, then I
know nothing of Calvary love."
~Amy Carmichael
What this resonates in my heart are the words of my Lord:
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
~ John 13:34-35
"As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love."
~ John 15:9
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
~ John 15:12
When Christ sent out His disciples to be His light to a dark world, He commanded them:
"And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay."
~ Matthew 10:7-8
(emphasis added)
In conclusion, Colossians 3:23-24 brings me to the position of my greatest strength, - on my knees, before the Throne of Grace; on my face, overwhelmed with humility and gratitude for Christ who willingly suffered, took my blame and saved my wretched soul from every bondage of sin: the wicked, dark and selfish desires of the flesh; Satan's hold on me; the susceptibility to deception (because I now am indwelt by God's Holy Spirit); and eternal damnation in Hell as due and just punishment for my crimes against my Holy, Righteous and Good God.
And what is my answer to my Lord's commandment to me to love others (especially those in the Family of God) as He has loved me, and to freely and generously share all the talents, gifts and abilities He's given me for the edification of the Body and the salvation of the Lost?
As children of the Most High God, we are all commanded to die to self, live as Christ (Galatians 1:10 & 2:20), with no regard to self-satisfaction, self-glorification or even a simple "Thank You". For we must always consider, that if whatever we do, we do it for the Lord Jesus, then why would we ever expect repayment for our work or a "Thank You."? Does God owe us payment for anything? And should He thank us for doing just what we were told?
About 3 years ago, I was in sales and was so flustered with doing well. I had a sign of the company I was representing up on the door frame of my "office" area. Without my knowledge, my darling husband took my business sign turned it over and with a black sharpie wrote: JESUS. My wonderful husband said, "I put this up here for you, to help you remember who you are always working for, no matter what you're doing."
And what is my answer to my Lord's commandment to me to love others (especially those in the Family of God) as He has loved me, and to freely and generously share all the talents, gifts and abilities He's given me for the edification of the Body and the salvation of the Lost?
This is my answer:
Your grace and mercy You have poured out to me, through the generosity of Your Son's atoning sacrifice, by the shedding of His holy blood, for the salvation and sanctification of my soul. Therefore my heart cries out to You:
"What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,
I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people."
~ Psalm 116:12-13
For LORD, who am I that I should expect payment, gratitude or anything for a bondservant's work? (Luke 17:7-10)
Teach me Lord, to work diligently to build up Your Body and seek earnestly to save the Lost, of whom I once was.
As children of the Most High God, we are all commanded to die to self, live as Christ (Galatians 1:10 & 2:20), with no regard to self-satisfaction, self-glorification or even a simple "Thank You". For we must always consider, that if whatever we do, we do it for the Lord Jesus, then why would we ever expect repayment for our work or a "Thank You."? Does God owe us payment for anything? And should He thank us for doing just what we were told?
About 3 years ago, I was in sales and was so flustered with doing well. I had a sign of the company I was representing up on the door frame of my "office" area. Without my knowledge, my darling husband took my business sign turned it over and with a black sharpie wrote: JESUS. My wonderful husband said, "I put this up here for you, to help you remember who you are always working for, no matter what you're doing."
"To be a disciple means that we deliberately identify ourselves with God's interests in other people. "That ye love one another; as I have loved you..."
If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit Divine characteristics in your live, not good human characteristics."
owing God everything, and expecting nothing,
6 comments