Good Morning Friends,
“Do everything without complaining or arguing,
so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a
crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe
as you hold out the word of life -- in order that I may boast on the day of Christ
that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like
a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad
and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”
(Philippians 2:14-18)
What you do is not all that is important. The
attitude with which you do it is also important.
Grumbling or grudging obedience is not pleasing
to the Lord. It is a wholehearted and willing sacrifice He desires.
Note the example of Paul. He was in the process
of giving his life for the Gospel, for the good of other people. He did it
gladly and with rejoicing. He challenged the Philippians to embrace the same
attitude in their own service and sacrifice for the Lord.
If you have children, then you understand what
Paul is talking about. Parents are pleased with obedience, even if it comes grudgingly
and with grumbling. But that is not the kind of obedience they truly desire. Parents
desire to see obedience that comes with a willing and even cheerful spirit. That
kind of obedience doubly pleases their hearts. So, too, with the Lord.
It’s not just your actions that matter. The
heart and spirit behind the actions matter, too. In fact, they matter most!
His, by Grace,
Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment