June 4 I Friday

2 Chronicles 21-22

John 14

“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 places we need to invite God to have a say in, but the Bible actually teaches the opposite. 

      In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 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 first 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. 

      The late British evangelist and author Alan Redpath wrote, “…to do any any service for God without regard for what may be the will of God, without understanding the real principles of Christian service, is not only foolish but sinful. To do so asserts the right to choose your own task, your own sphere of service, your own life, and ignores the claims of the Saviour, which should take first place.” 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 full-time 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, 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: Almighty God, You are the God of my life. I surrender to Your will and purposes, accepting Your rule and authority over my decisions. Thank You, God.