Could This Be True of Me?
24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself. . . Acts 20:24 ESV
It is easier to serve God without a vision, easier to work for God without a call, because then you are not bothered by what God requires; common sense is your guide, veneered over with Christian sentiment. You will be more prosperous and successful, more leisure-hearted, if you never realise the call of God. But if once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God wants will always come like a goad; you will no longer be able to work for Him on the commonsense basis.
What do I really count dear? If I have not been gripped by Jesus Christ, I will count service dear, time given to God dear, my life dear unto myself. Paul says he counted his life dear only in order that he might fulfil the ministry he had received; he refused to use his energy for any other thing. Acts 20:24 states Paul’s almost sublime annoyance at being asked to consider himself; he was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had received. Practical work may be a competitor against abandonment to God, because practical work is based on this argument—“Remember how useful you are here,” or—“Think how much value you would be in that particular type of work.” That attitude does not put Jesus Christ as the Guide as to where we should go, but our judgement as to where we are of most use. Never consider whether you are of use; but ever consider that you are not your own but His
Chambers, Oswald (2011-05-01). My Utmost for His Highest, Classic Edition (p. 46). Discovery House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Just yesterday I was talking with a friend about involvement in a Christian ministry. The ministry in which he had been involved for several years had been disbanded several months ago. Since that time He had remained consistent in church attendance, but had not become involved in anything more.
During the course of the conversation I asked him if he had given the situation to the Lord in prayer, and he hadn't. I followed up by asking if his lack of prayer on this topic was out of concern that God might actually give him an answer. His answer was honest, and perhaps all to common among Christians--"Yes". He had not sought God's direction in this area because of the possibility that God would ask him to serve. At that point, ignorance would no longer be an option not to serve. It then becomes a matter of obedience or sin.
I completely understood his reluctance. There have been times in my life where I tried to avoid obedience by not seeking guidance. If I don't know, I can't be expected to follow. Therefore, I am not being disobedient. What I failed to realize was that my very lack of seeking God's direction in ALL areas of my life was disobedient. God wants to be Lord of all areas of our lives: money, time, service, actions, thought, career, relationships.
Until we are willing to adopt Paul's attitude of devaluing our lives to nothing when compared to our service to God, we will not realize all that God has for us here on earth.
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