February 10 I Saturday

Leviticus 8-10

Matthew 25:31-46

 

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”

—1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 

There are people who think Christian service is reserved for pastors and missionaries. They believe those in professional ministry are the ones truly doing God’s work while the rest of us are merely to share the Gospel when an opportunity presents itself. We may not think of our workplaces, schools and communities as things we need to invite God to have a say in, but the Bible actually teaches the opposite.

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul’s discussion on sexual morality concludes with the statement, “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” This is a difficult concept to accept in today’s world. Society praises individualism and making a name for ourselves. It tells us we can accomplish anything we put our minds to, and that each individual should make decisions based on what they think is best for them. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he opposes this misguided belief and says, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 6:12). We too can decide to do whatever we want without consulting God, but this will leave us with an utterly frustrating Christianity void of spiritual depth and benefit.

British evangelist and author Alan Redpath writes, “To enter a business career, to study for any profession, to go and preach the gospel in the far corners of the world, to teach a Sunday school class, to lead a small group or do anything as a Christian without regard for what may be the will of God, is not only foolish; it is sinful.” It does not matter how wise or good our intentions are if we leave Christ out of our decisions. Jesus is Lord, meaning a Christian has no right to pursue their own course without first bringing it to God, and allowing Him to have the final say.

This mindset is not an add-on for exceptionally spiritual people. The Christian life is one that recognizes we are not our own. Many of the key characters throughout the Bible were not involved in jobs we would consider fulltime ministry, nor were they always excited to obey at first, but because they submitted to God and lived in a dynamic relationship with Him, God’s work was accomplished through them. The same will happen today when we submit to the lordship of Christ. In whatever sphere of work, school or community God has placed us in, He will use us. Revival will not come from training more pastors, but when people from all walks of life seek the will and purpose of God in all things.

Prayer: Lord God, I surrender to Your will and purposes today, accepting Your authority over my decisions, for I know Your plan is infinitely better than I can imagine. Thank You, Lord. 


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