“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” -Luke 17:10.
There is a lesson from scripture that the Lord showed me years ago, and it involves a simple comparison between Peter in Acts chapter 2, and Stephen in Acts chapters 6&7. In each account, these believers were noted to be full of the Holy Ghost; Acts 2:4, 6:5, and 7:55. The results of this spiritual condition for each of the 2 men, however, are very different!
Peter spoke in this condition in Acts 2:14-41, with the end result being that 3,000 people came to salvation. Stephen's speaking situation is found in Acts chapter 7, but in the end he was stoned to death. The results are quite opposite from one another. What do I take from this?
What we are dealing with today is a “prosperity gospel,” one that is all about positive outcomes, especially to the appearance. The testimony of Stephen's account flies in the face of such thinking. It shows us that the immediate, apparent result of our obedient service in no way indicates whether it was right or wrong in God's eyes. If we walk by faith and not by sight (2Cor.5:7), then we need to believe God and the direction He gives us, and not get caught up in appearances;
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” -John 7:24
Think of all the ways in which the professing church has become oriented to getting good results in men's eyes. How many came to church? How much money came in? How many participated in your programs? How many at the altar? How lively are your services? What is your status in the community? With local officials? I thought we were here to please God, not men!
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15.
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:18.
Jesus promised that in Him we would have peace, but in the world, tribulation (John 16:33). And through Paul it is affirmed that through MUCH tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 22:14). We walk by FAITH, which is the evidence of things that are not seen (Hebrews 11:1). So when we have discovered God's will for us we need to carry it out, and remember that God's ways are foolish in men's eyes (I Corinthians 2:14). Are we willing to be fools for Christ?
Maybe you have experienced this; obeying God to the best of your prayer-sought ability, but the results outwardly gave the appearance of a bad decision: DO NOT give up! You are in good company with many others. Be patient, and lean upon the Bible, for we have wonderful promises to rely on. Keep an expectant eye open to observe the way God will use it for His glory. And always remember the examples of Peter vs. Stephen.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” -Hebrews 10:35&36.
No comments:
Post a Comment