There are diversities of gifts

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. There are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” ~1 Cor. 12:4-7

Nick,

Sometimes we can get so used to the practice of associating the word “ministry” with “preaching,” that we come to think that’s the main form of ministry. “Sure, ministry is also things like helping the poor, the widow, and the orphan, but it is mainly preaching the gospel,” we think. Is this the Biblical view, though? Look at the passage above. It implies that there are many different types of ministries. These can be simple things such as helping someone carry their groceries, opening doors, or giving an arm to an elderly individual. Just the other day, we came upon an older man who had lost his whole semi load of building materials. My dad got out and told the bewildered driver to go ahead and stand to the side, not only because the parts were much too heavy for him, but also because he didn’t look too steady on his feet after his traumatic episode. Just by getting out and helping, my dad inspired about 15 other people to aid in clearing the road. What all ministries, great or small, have in common is that every ministry mirrors the love of Christ. Now we are all to show the love of God to people. Thus we are all to be involved in ministering to others. This could be even such a seemingly insignificant thing as smiling at a person passing by. But that is a simple task that often brightens up a person’s day.

Let me ask you a question that my mom asked me: how many people have you shared the gospel with? 20? 10? 1? None? An excuse we are all tempted to make is, “We’re out in the country and don’t get very many opportunities to do that.” Well all the more reason to seize every opportunity you do get! And if you can’t go to the people, bring the people to you! Research the crochet kids. Mow brainstorm and figure out the talents the Lord has blessed you with. After all, the passage says, “diversities of gifts.” Your talent won’t be necessarily the same as another’s. Then, after you’ve highlighted some talents or skills, brainstorm and figure out ways you can use them to God’s glory. If you are good at history or math or English or science, offer your skills, free of charge, to those in your neighborhood. If you’re good at carpentry, metal working, of plumbing and electricity, contact Vibrant Communities and offer to take all the needs in that line. Or start a yard maintenance service for the elderly. There are literally thousands of different ways to bless others. Don’t be satisfied with little things, comparing yourselves with modern day young adults’ efforts. They are not the standard; Christ is the standard. Strive to be like Him, not the errant youth of today’s world. Give God the glory in all that you do and make His ways, your ways.

Your brother in Christ,

Corey

Lay Up Heavenly Treasures

Corey,

Earlier this week I was driving to work when I heard a song on the radio. The name of the song was “Temporary Home” and its theme is that earth is our temporary home. We are not here forever, but just for a moment. Unfortunately, many of us forget this and focus on this life. Matthew 6:19-21 says,

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus clearly tells us that we should not store treasures up for this life, but instead in heaven. From the beginning of Bible we are told that “dust you are and to dust you shall return.” (Gen. 3:19) We will not remain here forever, but instead will spend eternity either heaven or hell. Those who are focused on this life will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

I want to clarify something though. This does not mean we should ignore everything in this life. God tells us to glorify Him while we are here. We can, and are commanded to, care for the poor, sick, and oppressed. We are also commanded to encourage you to not focus on the things in this life, but instead focus on glorifying God through serving and obeying His word.

Your Brother in Christ,

Nick

God's Absolute Authority

"In You, O Lord, I put my trust..." ~ Psalm 71:1

Nick,
One of the greatest temptations we suffer is to disregard God's authority. I don't mean a flagrant violation of the laws He has put in place. What I'm talking about is a much more general category. When I say, "disregard God's authority" I'm also saying, "substitute man's foolishness for God's authority." God's laws are perfect, just, and wise; they are the first thing we should look at in any type of situtation, whether it is an argument at a discussion or edification. In contrast man's laws, though often based off God's laws, are often twisted a little bit. The laws of man, when they are against what God says in the Bible, are foolish and have no goodness in them.

Now I'm not saying that we should disregard the authority of man. I'm just saying we should check it agianst Scripture, which we should be doing with everything. The best way to do this is to have God's law written on your heart and your soul wholly given over to the Lord. Why is this the best way? Because we can check things against Scripture if we know what the Word says. However, we must also have our trust be fully in the Lord. We can only do things because the Lord allows us.

So put your trust in the Lord and "lean not on your own understanding." Let us make God's standards our standards and His law our law. Do not give 90% of your heart to God; give him 100%. You may have to give it to Him several times, because you have taken your heart back for yourself. Daily, even hourly, reaffirm that your heart is the Lord's.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15) Let that be your motto.

Think about all the things God did to make it so that you could enjoy His creation. Though we constantly rely on our own foolishness, He does not impute the punishement of our iniquity upon us. No, He sent His Son, His own, only begotten Son, perfect, blameless, just, merciful Son. Jesus was present before the world began and will exist forever. Yet He became flesh and took on the full punishment of our sins. He suffered the wrath of God, so that we might gain eternal life. He was willing to be made a curse for His people. He was willing to be separated from the Father, because as a result, you would be joined to the Father. If the Lord was willing to make such great sacrifices for you, why shouldn't you give your life to Him?

Your Brother in Christ,
our Savior and Lord,
Corey