Just Desserts
Yesterday was an amazing Saturday filled with activity. I found myself immersed in more than I bargained for when I surveyed my day via the early morning hours I've been putting in lately. I really should know better that a girl just can't plan her day with accuracy any longer. Our youngest daughter was the flower girl in a friend's wedding and that excursion took on the entirety of my day. Two year olds are handfuls already but dress them in a formal and send 'em to a reception and you're asking for it. She really did an amazing job considering all that transpired yesterday.
The point of this post is not my daughter however, it was the caliber of servanthood I witnessed around me at the said event. I love watching people truly give themselves for others. You know the kind of laying down your life for another that says, "I'm doing this for you and for God, not for what I can get in return but for the sheer pleasure of serving." Almost sounds ridiculous doesn't it? So many times we run into people, maybe even recognize in our own hearts, the every man for himself mentality.
I've heard it said even in ministry that someone had paid their dues and now they're basking in the fruit of their labor. At the time I remember thinking that I really hoped I would never feel like my job was done. It seemed somewhat prideful to think that someone thought they could be the judge of their own works. Jesus paid the ultimate price and laid down His own life for mankind yet His job isn't finished. So what makes us think we can slow down?
The point of this post is not my daughter however, it was the caliber of servanthood I witnessed around me at the said event. I love watching people truly give themselves for others. You know the kind of laying down your life for another that says, "I'm doing this for you and for God, not for what I can get in return but for the sheer pleasure of serving." Almost sounds ridiculous doesn't it? So many times we run into people, maybe even recognize in our own hearts, the every man for himself mentality.
I've heard it said even in ministry that someone had paid their dues and now they're basking in the fruit of their labor. At the time I remember thinking that I really hoped I would never feel like my job was done. It seemed somewhat prideful to think that someone thought they could be the judge of their own works. Jesus paid the ultimate price and laid down His own life for mankind yet His job isn't finished. So what makes us think we can slow down?
2 Timothy 4:1-8Take your cue from Jesus, the ultimate Judge, and your encouragement from Paul, a man who never slowed down. Keep running, let God be the one to exalt you, not yourself.
I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
Comments