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Scripture for the day: Matthew 5:13-17 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Thought for the day: I’ve spent the past few days discouraging people by reminding us how far our nation, and our churches, seem to have fallen. I know this isn’t true for every person or every church, but the trend is unquestionably downward. So, what do we do? How do we respond and even, if at all possible, reverse this downward spiral we seem to be caught up in? There are a couple of responses I think are important and I’d like to share them with you. Be encouraged, with Jesus all is never lost.
The first thing we need to do is, I think submit ourselves once again to the Lordship of Jesus the Christ, understanding that, in the cause of Christ there are no volunteers. Look once again at the Sermon on the Mount, which can be seen as the Christian Manifesto. Read once again the character traits that describe a follower of Jesus, as outlined in the beatitudes. Without each of these characteristics attitudes, there is an aspect of the Christian life that is missing. In fact, the more I look into this the more I wonder if a person can even claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ if he or she doesn’t possess each of these attitudes in some measure; much like the fruit of the Spirit outlined in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. We are to have each of these to a greater and greater degree as we grow and develop in the Lord.
Paul told the Corinthians that, before they took part in the Lord’s Supper, each one should “examine himself.” And again, he told the Corinthians, “Examine yourselves, as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). And when the examination is over there must come one inevitable conclusion or another. Either I have passed the test and can truly say I am in the faith, based on the changed nature of my being and my attitudes and actions, or I have failed and must repent, seek forgiveness and return to the faith.
But here’s the point; Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.” He also said, “You will be my witnesses…” There was never a question of whether the believer wanted to be the light of the world or the salt of the earth or a witness for Him; the only question is this: will we be worth our salt? Will we be a shining example or a burned out bulb? What kind of witness will we be; one that points the way to the Savior, or one who remains silent?
There are NO volunteers. We are either obedient or disobedient.
A volunteer offers himself for service – a servant responds to the call of God for service.
A volunteer’s service is at his or her option or convenience – a servant’s service is a matter of obedience to God.
A volunteer is master of his or her own life and time – a servant acknowledges Jesus as Lord of life and time.
A volunteer is accountable to the organization and its leaders – a servant is accountable first to God, then to the organization and its leaders.
A volunteer is motivated by need and recognition – a servant is motivated by the Spirit, the Christian community, and need.
A volunteer reserves the right to choose what he or she will do – a servant relinquishes the choice of what he or she will do to the higher principle of spiritual gifts and divine call.
“So you, likewise, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’” (Luke 17:10).
Now go take on your world. - Bill