What a privilege it is to be called “a child of God.” This marvelous distinction has been made possible by the unparalleled sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. A sacrifice so glorious and powerful that we, who were once far off, have now been granted access to the throne of our loving and forgiving Creator. And by His grace we also have Jesus as our intercessor, our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and have been made partakers of His divine nature. Knowing these things, God’s people should be the most thankful, joyful and obedient people to walk on the face of this planet. In fact, our membership in God’s family requires a sacrifice from us and a willingness to conduct ourselves in a particular manner. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
As our bodies are the temple of God, we must examine ourselves, maintain it properly and repair any breaches which may be present. And there can only be one of two responses as to whether or not those breaches exist. Either they do or they don’t. And if there is a problem with defining or interpreting the context in which the word “breach” is being used, let us clear that up. Webster’s Dictionary defines “breach” as the breaking of a law, obligation, friendship or standard. Nelson’s Bible Reference Companion defines the same word as an infraction or violation of a law or obligation.
We just read in Romans 12:1 what our obligations to our Creator are, therefore we may extrapolate the word “breach” to infer unrighteousness, unholiness or conduct unbecoming of the saints of God. So, armed with that knowledge and powered by the Holy Spirit, we can only come to one conclusion. We pray 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 usward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” (Ephesians 1: 17-19)
Of course we know that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But if we serve the same God, who is one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all, where there is one body, one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith and one baptism, then should we not speak the same things, be of the same mind and have the same judgement? If so, then we can conclude that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3: 23) And this requires us to be honest enough with ourselves to admit it when we are wrong, necessitating a process whereby we must expose, convict, confess, and be forgiven for those sins. In short, repent. Thank God for Jesus Christ, Who is our peace and Whose blood has made us nigh to the Father.
So now that we can agree and acknowledge that “breaches” actually do exist (remember that all have sinned), we are in position to do something about it. So let’s return to Paul’s epistle to the Romans, arguably one of this Apostle’s greatest works. In that 12th chapter, Paul outlines directions for maintaining these temples of ours which belong to God. It is a “code of conduct,” so to speak, for Christians and gives instructions in several areas, including pride, respect of persons, divisions of the body, the work of the ministry and stewardship. As we can all benefit from the wisdom of God’s Word, let us take a deeper look into each of these areas.
PRIDE
Take heed and make no mistake brethren, pride is a killer. Pride places us in one of the worst positions we can be in. And that is being on God’s “list” of the 6 things that He hates. “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6: 16-19)
If you’ll notice, just the “look of pride” is #1 on that list. That’s because any outward manifestations of pride that we see have already occurred in the heart indicating an inward pollution. And we can’t hide because God created us and knows even the thoughts and intents of our hearts. Therefore, we must make every effort to continually humble ourselves in His sight realizing that He is all-knowing and always watching.
RESPECT OF PERSONS
Anyway we slice it, this behavior is tantamount to idol worship. Anytime we elevate anyone or anything higher than it should be, we pay to them what we owe to God. It’s no good for them and it’s no good for us. And it makes no difference why it occurs. Whether its ignorance, fear, affinity or affection, it’s all the same. The bottom line is God doesn’t do it, “For there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2: 11), so we shouldn’t do it either. "…..”If ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin." (James 2: 9)
God's Word very simply puts this issue into it's proper perspective so don't complicate it. Of course there is a difference between having respect of persons contrasted with encouraging or being thankful about what God has done for or through someone. Just make sure that God always gets all the glory. Simple.
DIVISIONS
Earlier we read about the 6 things that God hates. But there was a 7th item that God said was an abomination and that was “…he that soweth discord among brethren.” According to Mark 3: 24-25 we all know that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Rather, it’s an easy target, ripe for plunder by the enemy. Separation of the body by cliques, clubs, petty jealousies, any type of discrimination or even genetic relations is not how we were intended to live. It is imperative that our love for one another overrule any tendencies we may have not to embrace the entire body. We belong to a family who has only one admission requirement. And that requirement is obedience to God. According to Jesus’ own words, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” (Matthew 12: 50)
There may be many ways divisions can be manifested and this may be for any number of reasons. But we must remember that God has given us all different abilities and He has placed us in the body at His good pleasure to use as He sees fit. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased Him.” (1 Corinthians 12: 18) What we need to do is to submit ourselves to one another as we are directed in Ephesians 5: 20-21, “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”
My dear Brothers and Sisters, love is paramount in this way. God is love and He doesn’t change. But we should be changing, getting better all the time. We’re talking about a process of growth where we are to cultivate, nurture and develop that love and go on unto perfection. We have not attained that perfection yet, but we should be continually moving in that direction. We should not be the same as we were 30 years ago or even one week ago. We should constantly be trying to get better. So, in reality, it’s not a matter of division, but a matter of unity where we should grow together in Christ to the glory of God. We must endeavor to find ways to come together for support, comfort and encouragement of one another so that our house will be strong, rather than distancing ourselves from each other, thereby paving the way for our own ruin.
WORK OF THE MINISTRY
Gifts are given to servants of the most high God for the purpose of “perfecting the saints, for the work of the ministry and for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4: 12) As members of His body, we are entitled to benefit from those gifts bestowed upon other members. So when that other member is not using that gift or purposely absenting themselves, then we are all deprived of what was intended for the good of the body.
There are many reasons why we may be reluctant when it comes to working in the position that God has placed us. We may have been intimidated by the thoughtlessness of others, we may feel that we are unworthy and incapable of such an honor and responsibility or we might be just plain old disobedient.
Don’t be discouraged but be of good cheer and obey God rather than man. Don’t you know that you were called by God and promoted by God to do His will? In fact you were chosen by Him before the foundation of the world that you should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Therefore you are responsible for what you have been given and you must use it or you risk losing it. Remember the parable of the talents in Matthew 25: 14-30 where a servant’s failure to properly manage his Master’s assets resulted in those assets being stripped away.
There is a beautiful hymn with lyrics that state , “If God gives you a song to sing, be faithful and sing that song. And if you’ve got some love to show, then show it all day long.” These are wonderful words to encourage us to have faith in God believing that He knows what He’s doing, leading and placing us exactly where we should be. So be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
STEWARDSHIP
When Jesus said “I must be about my Father’s business” (Luke 2: 49), He was indicating that He was determined to fulfill the purpose for which the Father had sent Him. Some 20 years later as He hung bloodied and battered on the cross, having suffered and now ready to die for our sins, He cried, “It is finished” (John 19: 30), then died. Again indicating He had been a faithful servant and Son, completing a job well done.
So what does stewardship entail? It means we have been entrusted as custodians of God’s property and purposes, designated as managers, not owners, to protect and develop His assets. And who does this involve? Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein.” I believe that just about covers everybody and everything. So, guess what? Your body, your money, your property and your talents are not yours. They belong to God. Guess what else? Those things along with any spiritual gift, charge, calling or office is your personal responsibility. In other words, anything that you’ve been given control over, you are responsible for.
If we really want to be like Jesus, we have to be obedient like Jesus. Can we truly say we are about our Father’s business with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength? And when it’s all over, will we be able to declare with confidence, “It is finished?” I cannot lie to you my fellow-servants, stewardship means work. It means doing our best at all times for God through Christ who strengthens us to be able to do all things.
So there it is Brothers and Sisters. We thank God for His mercy and His grace and for giving us another opportunity to serve Him in an acceptable manner. The end result is that if we do not perform the reasonable service that God has called us to, we will be held accountable.
The question is, what do we want to hear when it's all over? A proclamation of death? “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” (Matthew 7: 21-23) Or a proclamation of life! “…Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” (Matthew 25: 21)
The choice, as stated in Deuteronomy 30: 19, is ours. “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
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