For the past few weeks, the messages on Sundays have been focused on the WORK that we are supposed to do, as believers in Jesus. 1 Corinthians chapter 3 teaches that every person will one day stand before God to have his/her "work" judged. Verse 13 says, "his work will be shown for what it is," and verse 14 says, "it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work." (Heavy stuff, huh?) One more thing: only if your work survives will you receive a reward.
So, the questions start rolling in like waves at the beach: What is my work? Am I doing it? Will my work survive the fire of God's judgment? Will I receive a reward? What if I'm not exactly sure? Can I know for certain that God is pleased with my work? The answer to the last question is YES! You CAN know what pleases the Lord. (Ephesians 5:10 says, "find out what pleases the Lord.")
So, let's take it one step further... Ephesians 4:1 says, "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ask yourself an important question: "Do I have a CALLING?" You're thinking that stuff only applies to pastors and missionaries, right? Wrong. Every follower of Jesus is called to do something unique for Him. So what is your calling? Your purpose? Your job to do?
I encourage you to spend some time TODAY asking God these questions. Then, ask again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. And keep asking, keep praying, keep searching...and God will begin to show you things. I promise He will, because He is a "rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)
And for those of you who are interested in further study, I would like to recommend a few resources that have greatly inspired and challenged me. You can pick them up at Barnes & Noble, or order them online from Amazon.com. Here they are: Visioneering, by Andy Stanley; The Dream Giver, by Bruce Wilkinson; and What On Earth Am I Here For?, by Rick Warren. Any of these would be helpful on your journey. Enjoy the search!
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Thank you Pastor David for Sundays message. My family plans on sharing your message with friends in Maryland.
ReplyDeleteIt hit me upside my head and has me thinking and seeking answers to those very questions within your post (So what is your calling? Your purpose? Your job to do?). I thought about what(Jeremiah 29:11) says, "For I know the plans I have for you,...) The Lord knows the plans he has for us. I just need to get better connected. I want more than a hamster wheel of energy that generates enough electricity to power a night light. My desire is to be a nuclear explosion of light for the kingdom when I walk into a room. So, I shall be meditating and praying on those question this week.
Have a great day on purpose!
James