|
Pastor Bob's Two Minute Devotion
July 14, 2008
Set Apart
Followers of Christ are called to a higher standard. When your leader is all-powerful, all-knowing, wholly majestic and everlasting, then his followers should reflect a portion of his greatness. The Apostle Paul says that he is "set apart" because he is a servant of Christ.
In Romans 1:1-6 he says, "Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God . . Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to be a servant of Christ Jesus?
-- In WORD:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect " 1 Peter 3:15
Words unapplied become a lie. When we say we are going to do something and then we don't follow through our word is broken.
-- In ACTION:
Good intentions are not enough. We need to "Put our money where our mouth is."
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." James 1:22
What does it mean to FOLLOW CHRIST?
Is it Convenience or Commitment?
Do we CONFORM when we shouldn't?
Do we try to TRANSFORM the situation into something better, and acceptable to the Lord?
I often think of the words of Martin Luther when he confronted the injustices and errors being taught by the Church prior to the Reformation. In front of the Tribunal Council, facing excommunication and danger, he stated, "I cannot and will not recant. Here I stand, I can do no other."
When do we need to take a stand for what is right? What opportunities do we have to make a difference for good? Not that we can transform a situation by ourselves, but if we are willing to be a servant, God can work through us to bring transformation about.
We face dilemmas every day and we need to decide what to do in each circumstance.
Is this the time to be "set apart" and to stand firm and work to transform the situation?
Set apart,
Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth
Media Fellowship International
Click here for an archive of Pastor Bob's Two-Minute Devotions
|
