The Christian Walk cont...
This is no small undertaking for, as followers of Christ, we now are held to a higher lever of responsibility and we must account for the resources we have been given. How we use our time will show how much we love our Lord. Do I squander this precious talent by wasting it upon ungodly pursuits? Or, do I carefully watch each moment to see if I can enlist it to encourage and strengthen a brother or sister who is struggling along the way?
Is my influence used in such a manner that others see Jesus in me? Are the words I speak flowing with love and seasoned with grace for others, or have I forgotten “that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment”? (Matthew 12:36) This is vitally important for me to remember, “for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
Can others see by my actions that I live the life I profess to live? Can my works stand in the full light of day, before the Judge and in the judgment, or will I be found like those who “it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret”? (Ephesians 5:12) Do I remember that nothing escapes the notice of Him who sees everything “for there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad”? (Mark 4:22) I may deceive others. But I can’t hide my true intentions from Him. If inwardly my intention is to scoff and harm others, I’m only hurting myself and despising Him.
Lastly, do I really care for my brother? Is it love that motivates me to reach out to those who are hurting, or does pride secretly enjoy watching them endure suffering, heartache and pain? This is the real test, this is where the rubber meets the road for “he that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8) "Love is the underlying principle of God's government in heaven and earth, and it must be the foundation of the Christian's character." (Counsels on Stewardship, page 197) Can I truly love others if I don’t follow my Savior and “seek and to save that which was lost”? (Luke 19:10) |
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