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Sowing Seeds
The previous chapter gave us answers about why people work. In those pages, we covered the basic situations. Perhaps you discovered the motives behind why you go to work each day.
In this chapter, we look at two areas: working for the right reason and putting action to the reason. Working for the right reason begins with giving. Giving is the cornerstone of Christianity. Love is the placing of that stone. This kind of giving is of total self. When we give our total being for others, we express these words God is love.
Loving God and loving man are the fundamentals for working. We reap the rewards of our labor. We reap exactly the same fruit as the seeds we have sown. If you want to know what your coming harvest is, recall in your mind what kind of seeds you have planted. Better yet, what kind of seeds do you sow now?
Everything on this earth reproduces after its kind. This principle also extends beyond created things such as trees, cows, fish, apples, wheat, and so on. We know plants and animals have life, but did you realize that spiritual entities also have life?
When the Lord said that every living thing was to be of its kind, it also included these: hate after its kind, love after its kind, anger after its kind, grace after its kind, and so forth. If you think about this for a moment, you will see this principle at work everyday in your life. Sow what you will; expect what you sow.
From the beginning, God proclaimed each living thing would bring forth its own. Diligence brings forth diligence. Mercy brings forth mercy. Enthusiasm brings forth enthusiasm. Compassion brings forth compassion. Kindness brings forth kindness. Friendship brings forth friendship. Love brings forth love. As you labor, so shall you reap. What does your work bring forth? The crop declares the planted seeds.
"And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:24-25
"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:37-38
Love is our foundation for working. Our love is shown by giving to others. The measure of our giving is our service to others. Jesus serves and gives His all. Jesus Christ is The Servant. There is none greater. Jesus earned His title of servant when he fulfilled God's law. He serves through us.
A servant's sole purpose is to give his life for others. A servant's nature requires that he gives his all to both God and man. A servant's giving is done by specific ways. His giving can take the form of service or materials. More often, his giving is a spiritual blessing through prayer.
One of the reasons Jesus worked was to bring God's salvation to men. This work also brought pleasure to His Father. Do you remember Proverbs 8:6-31? In everything He does, Christ thinks only of others. His nature, reason, or purpose is to do the will of our Father by giving His all as a humble servant. The Lord is The Servant; The Servant is The Lord. He has a serving mind, and He has a serving heart. Do you recall what happened to the woman at the well? What did Jesus say to His disciples when they returned from town and offered Him food? This scripture explains what sustained His thoughts and actions.
"Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." John 4:34
The apostle Paul served to save men. We know, however, no man can save another. Paul knew it to the fullest extent. As our goal, Paul's saving of men was to keep them from destroying their souls. Following the Lord's ways protects one's soul.
The Lord, Jesus Christ, taught Paul freedom. It was so that Paul could share the teaching. Therefore, Paul chose the servant's life to have gain in Christ. Paul became a watchman of men's souls. Paul taught men to follow the spiritual commandments of Christ. Paul knew that real freedom springs forth from service. He also knew that bondage sprouts from selfishness.
"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." I Corinthians 9:19-22
"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:17
Now, let us look at Christ's works. As we review these scriptures, allow Him to teach us the purpose for sowing good seeds. Read the following seven verses; they tell why Christ walked this earth. Afterwards, ask yourself why you walk this earth?
"Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself: but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." John 12:44-50
Obviously, Jesus Christ came to save His world. Every Christian knows that. Salvation was the earthly work of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, Jesus never acted on His own. He served only at the direction of our Father. Look at these words that Jesus spoke. See that His work always pleased the Lord.
"I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: for I do always those things that please him." John 8:26-29
You might be unfamiliar with the truth that Jesus Christ works today. After He completed His salvation work, most people imagine Jesus Christ sitting at the right hand of our Father. They are correct. Jesus does sit at the right hand of our Father. Christ also sits on the throne of our Father to do the will of our Father. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are One. They are one being, GOD ALMIGHTY. They are all the same, and they are all one. No dissimilarity is in or between them. When you have seen the Father, you have seen the Son and vice versa. Each of the three have their proper place. Each is Servant and Lord. I pray that you understand this truth. The Lord is God; He is not gods.
"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Ephesians 1:17-23
Getting back to the main subject, Jesus does work. As He does, He asked nothing for Himself as payment for His deeds. How can you pay someone for a true gift? When Christ gives to us, with what will we repay it? The Faithful Servant has no reason to ask anything for himself. Jesus knows our Father has made preparation to compensate all His faithful workmen. Jesus knows His Father is honorable. All this is in the scriptures. The Lord keeps His word through Christ.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isaiah 55:8-11
Recorded in the scriptures, Jesus Christ gave spiritual blessings to all people. At the command of Christ, however, money, food, and other items were given by His disciples. Either way, Christ has the glory.
In searching the scriptures, I found no occasion where Jesus personally gave a tangible article to any person. If you know where He did, please, let me know. Jesus Christ gave tangible goods; money, food and clothing; the same way our Father gives them. He gives these items through His servants.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." Ephesians 1:3-6
Jesus Christ gave spiritual gifts everyday of His three and one half year earthly ministry. He gave healing. He gave encouragement. He gave admonition, yes, even rebuke, and He gives eternal life. He gave to each person what they required, according to our Father.
Christ's earthly ministry was another perfect segment in His life. Christ did not start His work on a given day with nothing before it. Jesus' works began long before John baptized Him in the Jordan River. Being a human, as us, Jesus did the things He learned through study and application. Contrary to us, He made no mistakes. Jesus followed the path of our Father, so He could show us the path of serving. Christ gives His total being to our Father and to man. Jesus worked and works to give His total being. As servant, He asks nothing in return for Himself. Doing for self-gain is lust. You should not confuse lust and love.
"This is the disciple which testified of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:24-25
Have you ever thought your labor was in vain, or that no one cared about your work? Our labor always receives due reward, whether it is good or bad. Our rewards equal the motives in our hearts and the actions of our hands. If you think no one cares about your work, take a look at your motives and your deeds. Take another look at your thoughts and your actions.
"Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat." Matthew 10:9-10
"For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward." I Timothy 5:18
Jesus Christ received His due inheritance because of His excellent name. Through eternity, He upholds His name by what He does toward God and man. He gave us many scriptures explaining the benefits of seeking a good name, report or reputation.
In the workplace, we must earn a good name; it is not given to us as a gift. A good name matures over time, after its testing. A good name must be one of faithfulness for it to have worth.
Where you work, have you forged a good name? Is your work built on a good name? Does your name reflect credibility? Do you have pride in your name? Your name is commensurate with the kind of service you provide. A name is after its kind. As a business sign, a name is the advertisement of the person.
"The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot." Proverbs 10:7
"The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold." Proverbs 22:1
"Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?" Proverbs 30:4
Think of your name for a moment and what it stands for where you work. How do others see you when they think about or hear your name spoken in the workplace? What is underneath, behind or supporting your name? What makes you tick? What motivates you to do the things you do? Do you want a good name? How do you acquire a good name? Knowing what you have read to this point, can you apply it? If you answer, "not yet," then stop reading for a while. Ponder what you have read. Understanding what you read is more important than rushing through this book.
Now..., look at how all this entwines or weaves itself together. These facts apply directly to you and your daily work. The Lord is Servant. He serves everyone. The Servant is Lord. The last shall be first. The Father is Lord. He created us. He gave Jesus Christ as our example. We are to follow our example. Jesus serves both our Father and man. As servants, we are to serve both the Lord and man. We are to follow in His footsteps. We are to give as He gave and gives.
The Lord has an excellent name because of His servant nature. What kind of nature do you have? At this point in your life, what name or reputation have you earned? Christ's nature is to do the will of our Father. Jesus obeys the will of His Father. What is your will? Who do you obey? Do you give to all men as they should have, including admonishment?
"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Romans 13:7-8
If you want to be obedient to Jesus Christ, do what the scriptures command. Before one becomes a servant of the Most High, he must commit himself unto the Word of God. At times, obedience includes speaking the truth in a direct manner, regardless of the outcome. A servant's life is the life of Christ. A servant knows in whom he serves even in times of hardship. Sometimes, serving both God and man is difficult. When one must choose between God's ways and man's ways, Jesus Christ must be the choice. Choosing Jesus Christ means choosing the Word of God. Peter had made his choice and then announced it when he stood before the council.
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29
"And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the counsel, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Acts 5:38-42
We must differentiate between love and lust. A servant gives to all men what they need, not necessarily what they want. Man craves lust. Christ, on the other hand, gives love, Himself. Jesus gave love to the religious crowd. It was more than they asked for or wanted; however, they needed it. A servant stands as a tower of strength. His spirit is never passive. He does not cower as a whipped dog. A servant takes an active posture. He stands on the Word of God, not on what seems right or what man teaches.
"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the boarders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:1-12
Regardless of your workplace, the commandments of the Lord apply to all situations. The Lord gave scripture so that we might prosper. Wanting His children to prosper, He gave His word.
I have heard the words in the next scripture, the man of God, taught to mean an official of a church. What law sets this person above others? What makes everyone else exempt from the Word of God?
Think about this for a moment. The man of God is the inner one created for Jesus Christ. The inner one grows into the full likeness of Jesus Christ. The inner one behaves as Jesus Christ. All God's children are to be thoroughly furnished unto good works. God's children show their good works by their service to man. They serve man according to God's Word.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." II Timothy 3:16-17
What kind of leader do you have? On the job, you know of easy-to-please supervisors. You also know of impossible-to-please supervisors. No matter how much you try, does your boss enjoy condemning your efforts? Would you say, "I can serve God and any human, but not my boss?" Would you think or say that? Is your boss the only impossible case?
If you believe God and have read the scriptures, you know that all things are done for our good. At times, dreadful things come our way, but fear not! All things are for our good. Good means right or rightness. For our good refers to making us better servants.
The Lord approves of everything entering our lives. He leaves nothing to chance. He even allows the trivial things that annoy and irritate us to be a part of our lives. Friction shapes stone. Pressure forges iron. The Lord uses tribulation to develop patients (Romans 5:3).
We learn and grow by living through our troubles. It is the Lord's intention to stretch us to our maximum potential. None of the allowed circumstances in our lives are to harm us. As vines, He prunes us so that we can mature and bear much fruit. Change is to bring us into the likeness of Christ. We prosper by it.
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." I Corinthians 10:12-13
"Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." Ephesians 6:5-9
No matter where you are or what you do, the Lord put you there. All things in heaven and earth are tools in His hands. The clay is the Potter's to shape. When thinking of the Lord working in you, do you also think of Him working around you? He gave you the work and a place to do it. How well will you do it?
"And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." I Thessalonians 4:10-12
When you belong to the Lord, He makes you a Planted Tree in His garden. He creates the seasons, climates, and circumstances around you. He brings you into full fruit. No one ever repented of the Lord's salvation. It is in your best interest to understand this concept and walk in the ways of our Lord.
"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doeth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalms 1:1-3
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." II Corinthians 7:10
Again, the answer to the question: "Why should we work?" We work to serve both God and man. This service is the total giving of one's self, without any selfishness or reservation. If you work for any of these three reasons: want, greed or selfishness, you will experience emptiness in your work. Depression will dominate your life, and you will weary of your work. You will find no rest in your labor.
Many look for satisfaction outside of Christ. Regardless of where you work or what you do, you will find no satisfaction outside of Christ. The Man of God, a new creature, must live the life of Christ. The only way a person can have satisfaction and rest in his labor is to do his work God's way. Christ is our living example; our work should follow His course.
"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the LORD's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." I Peter 2:13-17
I must point out something of significance here. To prosper in Christ, you must do what the Lord said. In addition, you must do it the way He said. Failure to do a task the way God said will bring emptiness to your work. You will find yourself just going through the motions.
Do you remember Cain, the son of Adam? He did as the Lord commanded. He offered a sacrifice, but Cain did not do it the way God said. Cain sacrificed in his own way. He chose to offer vegetables on God's alter, not blood as the Lord had commanded. Cain did what God said: he gave a sacrifice. Yet, he erred when he did it Cain's way.
You know the rest of the story and how God cursed Cain for his ungodly deed. Friend, be careful when you serve God and man. Only a fool allows himself to fall into the Lord's impending judgment. Ask the Lord for guidance and understanding. He will listen. Ask for wisdom before you step forward. Asking afterwards is too late. Standing before God, you will utter words like these. "Lord, I didn't know; I'm innocent; it wasn't my fault."
"And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and his offering: But unto Cain and his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him." Genesis 4:3-7
After the world had put Christ to death, our Lord was still in control of His Son's life. Jesus Christ keeps His Father's word. The Lord keeps His Son. On the third day, the Lord raised His Son from the grave. After that, He glorified Christ above all else. No one is beyond the hand of God Almighty. The world has its glory. Is it more than clay? The elements of earth or clay shall burn with fervent heat (2 Peter 3:10).
"And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up on the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be judge of the quick and the dead." Acts 10:39-42
Joseph, son of Jacob, went through hard times. While doing so, he trusted in what the Lord was doing with his life. Joseph accepted that God's work was right.
When it looked as though there was no hope for Joseph, the Lord delivered him, time and again. The smallest glimmer of light can best be seen at the darkest hour. Do you think the Lord will do less for you? Do you know that our Lord is bringing all His children into the likeness of Christ? Joseph's brothers learned this. When his brothers came to Egypt, their guilt caused them to think that he was going to have them killed. But, look what Joseph said to them.
"And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." Genesis 50:19-20
We are looking at incidents where the Lord recognized His servants for doing right and doing it the right way. Every seed of Adam falls short of this worthy goal. Only the seed of God, Jesus Christ, does anything right, and Christ does it all the right way. The power of God Almighty rests on His Son, Messiah.
Power of God is not the same as power of men. God's power is grace, wisdom and understanding. Man's power is force, control and domination. Do you remember the definitions of the words wisdom and understanding?
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:40
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts." Zechariah 4:6
Jesus Christ served to please His Father. Is that simple? His Father watched over Him, provided for Him, and taught Him. The Lord is everything to Jesus Christ. Do you see the relationship? Do you see how thankful Jesus is for His relationship with our Father? Do you know the same relationship exists between men and Christ? Man refuses to recognize this fact. Man's revolt does not change God's heart. Look at the two great commandments written here. Try to comprehend the necessary relationship between you and your neighbor and God.
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40
Now that you have taken time to ponder your sown seeds, let us look at what motivates people in their daily quest for work fulfillment. Man's reasons for working all boil down to the same thing, greed: greed of money, greed of time, greed of pleasure, greed of position, greed of power, and so forth. All these say, "I want." There must be more purpose in our lives than greed. Our lives must have a better way. The Lord provided a better way for those able to understand it. See if this is a better way of living, while you read these scriptures. Decide for yourself if your present life fits perfectly into His plan.
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. he maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:1-6
Our Lord provided the perfect way. It is not what you do for a living that counts in our Lord's eyes. It is the attitude you have in doing it. We all work at or for something. Just how many incentives are there anyway?
True spirits and false spirits, how do we distinguish between them? The spirit of greed is not the Spirit of God. What is the Spirit of God? As we work, how can we know when we have the right spirit? Do you know if you have the Spirit, the one acceptable before God?
Many people say they want to know about the hidden mysteries of God. They speak of their earnest desire to learn, but their words are more of curiosity than commitment to labor. You will also find many people impatient to teach God's Word. These zealots want to tell others how to dress, what to say, what to do, and how to do it. Since they mold man, they attempt to mold God, The Potter. These teachers even set themselves up as authorities on a specific mystery of the Lord. They are anxious to tell others what they think they know about God ways.
"Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold. I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD." Jeremiah 23:29-32
What is the true measure of a teacher? If a man is a true teacher, God's power flows from the teaching. Right teaching brings about change. Inaccurate teaching changes nothing, yet might be pleasant to hear. When the teaching is powerless, what does it say about the teacher? Have the teachers been too quick to teach and, thereby, missed the middle step, doing or living the teaching?
The doing is the part of the sequence that makes the difference in the power of teaching. Doing is the important part. It separates real from counterfeit. If you receive teaching and your life does not change, where was the power in the teaching.
True teaching either draws you nearer to God or drives you farther from Him. Your heart will either lighten or harden. One or the other will take place. When you hear and do, your life will teach; you will not have to do anything of yourself. Even when you are unaware of it, your life teaches.
"Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, doest thou steal?" Romans 2:21
In this next scripture try to understand what the Lord said about how we should act. When we meet someone and they walk and talk as Satan, we are to withdraw from him. The Lord does not say for us to wave a Bible in his face. Be harmless as a dove.
"Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren: but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." I Timothy 6:1-5
In the previous verses, did you notice the evil doers thought worldly gain was evidence of godliness? They accumulated gain and, by it, justified their own evil actions as godly. When the Lord saves you, you understand that worldly gain has nothing to do with Holiness. When gain becomes the final gratification, the gainer's greed becomes an idle before God. The Lord will deal wrathfully with the idolatry. Choose our Lord. You will have gain in Him. Serve the world or mammon, and you automatically reject Christ and His ways. You cannot have it both ways.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24
While reading this chapter, did you recognize the kind of seeds that you sow today? Did you recall those you have sown? Do you remember about the maturing of a child? In that, he must learn the ways of the Lord for him to be old or mature. Over time, all of us are able to be better gardeners and grow better crops. Those willing to mature in Christ will find the blessings.
Serving Jesus and man is God's nature. Waiting on Christ does not mean to tarry until He comes. Waiting on the Lord is serving God by serving man. Waiting on the Lord means to serve Christ.
The next verse is a treasured promise. Are you still a youth? Will you faint at His promise? Everyone looking-back will faint. Look forward as you serve the Lord. A serving heart is a Godly heart. A Godly heart is a heart bent towards God's heart, Jesus Christ.
"Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary: and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
Now that you have read this chapter, write on these lines the kind of seeds you sow. Also, state why and how you want to work. Set your goals by using the scriptures as your guide.
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The LORD Is GOD Even At Work
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