12/9/2020
We say that we serve and obey God, and that we do His will when it is revealed to us, but how do we go about it? Do we approach our work by demonstrating faith, doing God’s will with joy, and serving Him with a fullness of heart? Maybe we make a checklist and dutifully perform every item? Or, perhaps we pick and choose just those things we find pleasure in? Doing the will of God isn’t meant to be a chore, or something done halfway, but an act of over abundant Love.
“not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,”Ephesians 6:6 ESV
I grew up on military bases across the nation, and around the world, and as I moved from place to place there were certain characteristics exhibited by the men and women who served us there that were similar at each of these places... honor, courage, diligence, duty, and so many other fine qualities, but how each soldier performs these duties can be as different as night and day. Some of those who serve us do so out of a love for country, some to simply make a living, or for the benefits, and others because it is a stepping stone to a better life and career... to obtain an education. It is the same with those who serve God. They might serve with one set of admirable attributes of faith but these are exercised in several ways as they go about working for The Lord, or doing God’s Will... serving Him.
“... But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””Matthew 20:26-28 ESV
There were a couple of sayings that were common in military service when someone was witnessed doing just enough to get by, or without giving it all their heart. The first was “Good enough for government work.”, and the second was “He’s playing the army game!” Both of these were derogatory phrases, and often said about those who didn’t exhibit the proper characteristics of a good soldier. These have now been adopted in the civilian world, and they fit just as well in describing some religious men and women too. Many Christians do just enough of what Jesus would have him do, so that they can be called believers, but they stop short of demonstrating a fullness of faith. These brothers and sisters confess their belief in Christ, and go down in the waters of baptism, but do few of the works that loving God would lead them to. They do just enough to get by, and are deemed to be lazy in their faith. One could say they were doing “Good enough for government work.” The parable of the talents speaks to behavior such as this as two servants who doubled the money they were given, and received their master’s praise...
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’”Matthew 25:21 ESV
While the third who, out of fear, did nothing more than protect what he was given, and received the admonishment of his master...
“For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”Matthew 25:29-30 ESV
As men and women of Faith, how do we wished to be judged? Are we doing just good enough, or serving God with all our heart? Is it time to change our behavior before it is too late, and Jesus comes?
“let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”Isaiah 55:7 ESV
So now we know what happens to those who profess faith, but do little to advance it, but what about those of us who do everything that is required, and written in law, but nothing more or less? In the military, soldiers such as this are said to be “Playing the army game.” They are good soldiers in that they do everything they are told, but they exhibit a form of passive resistance by adhering precisely to their orders. There is no desire to please, or do an ounce more... just to do the task, even if by not taking the next step they would do great harm to another. In the Christian faith we see this when scripture says...
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,”Matthew 25:35 ESV
The argument could be made that one doesn’t have to offer water to another unless they are thirsty, give them food unless they are hungry, or welcome them unless they are a stranger.... we are still in obedience if we don’t offer food to a traveler preparing for a trip through the wilderness because they aren’t hungry of thirsty right now, or welcome a neighbor because they aren’t a stranger to us. Can you see the adherence to the letter of the law, but not the heart of it? When we play this game then there is punishment for this as well...
““Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’”Matthew 25:41-43 ESV
Do we attempt to play these games, or do just enough as we obey the will of God? Are we hedging our bets against the world by doing a few good works resembling faith without truly loving God and wanting to serve Him, and Jesus Christ, with all our heart?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving me, and giving me a heart that loves you completely. Thank you Lord for opening my eyes to serving you in such a way that would bring me great joy, and give you pleasure in my efforts. Know me always Jesus, and let me find myself filled to overflowing with the grace of God that flows through you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God, my Father, who shows me your will, and loves me as I work to perform it. Praised be your name for every mercy you show me, and all that you do for me as you help me succeed in accomplishing all you command. You are good Lord, and I worship you from wherever I am sent to serve you best... I worship you from the mountains, and lift up your name from every valley! Hear my prayers of contrition, confession, and humility, as I ask for your forgiveness. Wash me clean of sin, and see Jesus in me as you pass judgement on me Lord. Call me your child, and seat me at your table forevermore, because you are my Abba, and eternal Father.
““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”Matthew 7:21-23 ESV
Rich Forbes