06/14/2018
Sometimes, when we have been serving the LORD for a while, we find ourselves going about the things He has called us to do without keeping in mind that this is the will of the LORD. When we fall victim to this snare of familiarity, it will bring discipline upon us. Going through the motions of our calling without honoring God, and seeing the blessings He intends to bestow on us as we do His will, is placing our desires before His.
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.”
1 Corinthians 11:27-29 ESV
When Paul speaks to the Corinthians of taking communion he warns us too of lightly doing so without concentrating on why we do this... in remembrance of Jesus. The elements should cease to be bread and wine to us, and should become body, and blood. It is the same when we serve the Father in answer to His call in our lives... in our serving Him the things we do take on greater significance.
“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.”
Ephesians 6:5-8 ESV
When we cease to remember God, and Jesus Christ in the things we are called to do then we are performing those things out of routine, or for reasons that are about ourselves, and not from our heart; not meant to please and glorify God. When this happens then we lose the blessing, and place ourselves in a position to be chastised.
I work for a healthcare company, and I took this job to help and care for people. I do it by working in an office with computers, but this is my way of contributing to the care of others. On a day to day basis I am blessed by the thought of how my actions help those in hospitals experience care, and healing, but some days I am absorbed in my own life; there is a problem at home, or there are things I must do for my family that preoccupy my thinking. When this happens I lose the blessing in what I was originally called to do. I am accomplishing the same tasks at work, but not for the same reasons... I am not helping others, but just getting through my day. This may go on for awhile, but eventually something happens that reminds me of why I do what I do... I am led back to why my caring is important. I might find myself in the hospital, or become sick and in need of the very care I have been facilitating. It becomes personal and rewarding once more. I am receiving the blessing again.
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!”
Psalms 143:10 ESV
God will teach us concerning His will; He will teaches of it, and He will teach us in the midst of it, but He will also teach us when we stray and lose sight of it. The later lesson is not a pleasant one, but like the prodigal son it can end in joy if we return to His will in contrition and repentance.
So, we should remain focused on God when we are doing His will, and on Jesus when we take communion. When we are preparing to do those things that God has called us to do then we should clear away our own needs and distractions... then focus on Him. Paul said this about preparing to take communion, and it is as true today for us as it was then... don’t eat to satisfy yourself... eat to remember Jesus and His gospel.
“So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.”
1 Corinthians 11:33-34 ESV
How will you answer God’s call today? How will you come to His table?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the many blessings as we go about doing your will in those things you have called us to, but more than that Father, thank you for correcting us and keeping us focused on you as we do them. Serving the poor is an honorable thing to do in any circumstance, but doing so in your name, and for your glory sets that effort apart, and makes it holy. Help me Father to order my life so that those things I do as s matter of course do not conflict with the holy righteousness of doing your will. When I come to the Table let Jesus be all I see, and when I answer your call, and say “Here am I!” let nothing else cloud my vision. Teach me Holy Father to be your good servant, and reward me as I do so. My blessing is in your presence, and in your satisfaction with my effort and attention to you. Help me Father in my weakness, and strengthen me as I humble myself in your will. You are my LORD and Master, and are Great beyond measure... Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, the beat of my heart, the joy and blessing in all I do in your name. Praised be your name!
Rich Forbes