Spiritual Workout
“This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father; to visit orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself unstained by the world.”(James 1:27)
Somehow most Christians, especially American Christians, have gotten the idea that being saved is the end of their journey. They walk down the aisle, and say a prayer with the preacher, and miraculously their long journey is over.
In one sense their search is over, but their journey is just beginning. Once you get saved you are supposed to take on the image and characteristics of Jesus Christ. Just listen (read) to these words, and let them sink into your being so that they will penetrate your soul.
Philippians 2:5-7, “Have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus; who although He existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself taking on the form of a bond-servant…”
As Christians it is our job, no it is our privilege to serve those who are less fortunate than we are. Some people may think that their situation is as bad as it gets, but like the saying goes, “no matter how bad off you are, you can always find someone worse, I’m not saying that to sound crass, but I’m trying to make people realize that we are never as bad as we think, and there is always someone that we can serve or some way that we can serve others. (read my testimony)
As Christians Jesus Christ did not save us to sit on our butts, and listen to a preacher for a few minutes every week; and then go on our way and live for ourselves. We were saved so that we could take on His characteristics, and represent Him to the world. Listen to the following words of Jesus,
“And as He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, ‘Good teacher what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments…’ And he said all of these things I have kept since my youth up. And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, ‘One thing you lack, go and sell all you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me.’ But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property.”(Mark 10:17-22)
“Teacher which is the great commandment in the Law? And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets.”(Matthew 22:36-40)
Am I the only one who sees a pattern???? Our religion and our relationship to God depend on our service to others.
PLEASE DON’T MISREAD ME!!!!!I am not saying that you will not be saved by keeping your butt on the pew; the Bible says, “All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”(Romans 10:13)
But, if your butt never leaves the pew it will barely squeeze through the Pearly Gates!
So, today, and everyday, look how you can serve others, and get some Spiritual exercise!
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Father, I thank You for giving me the ability to serve You by serving others, and I ask that You would use my service to show others the truth of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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The above image can be found at:
http://www.jesterartsillustrations.com/details/13179/blue-man-jumping-on-a-trampoline
Yes, You Can Ministry 