Step #3-Service
Service. True generosity [not just giving to get] only occurs when one is not idolatrous. The absence of idolatry opens up one's ability to hear clearly from God.
Inability to hear God is a by-product of having an idolatrous life-style. Why? It is because an idol by definition is something that so absorbs our attention in life that it diminishes our ability to see and interact with God.
Abraham in the Holy Bible is a good example of someone devoted to God.
Abraham, an extremely prosperous man, is reported to be actively looking for a visit from anybody that he could serve. Instead of counting his possessions in his tent, Abraham stood outside his tent and scanned the horizon looking for an opportunity to serve. It is during one of those times that God visited Abraham. God told Abraham what was going to happen to Sodom, thus giving Abraham the opportunity to effectively intercede in behalf of that city and save Lot.
All that we possess really is God's possession. We can see that once we are save. All that we are and have is His. He has given us these things to steward. And, with that realization begins the life of service.
"Service" is not an insignificant issues, Saints.
From a governance perspective, service defines good leadership.
"Good" leadership is the direct consequence of submission to God through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus who then gives direction as to how to proceed. The Holy Bible is opened to us so that we may study its precepts by which we who live by His Written Word are warned.
Christ Jesus says my sheep know my voice!
Idolatrous sounds squelch the voice of God.
To have a "Rhema" understanding, we must be devoid of idols.(Ex. Abraham in Genesis) Also see: Matthew 4:4; Luke 1:38; 2:29, 3:2, 5:5; John 6:63, 15:7,8; Acts 5:20,11:16; Romans 10:8–9,17;II Corinthians 13:1; Ephesians 6:17; and, Ephesians 5:25–26. In our day, all "understanding" must be tested by careful examination of the written word of God! God does not contradict Himself.
I consider among my human teachers, the authors of books I have read. But, without reservation, if the choice had to be made, I would trade all the books in the world for just one copy of the Holy Bible. Depend on God's Written Word!
Literature, just like everything else, should be assessed on the basis of the Holy Bible and not just accepted at face value if we are to discern truth from error.
Discernment comes with comparing what is said in these books, conversation, and thought to that which is found in the Holy Bible, the entire book. For example, Oswald Chambers, a theologian of yesteryear wrote,
"True religion does not consist primarily in outward observances, or in a moral rectitude, or even in relationships that demonstrate genuine friendliness or fraternity. Instead, it is an inner assurance that God is with us. It is a supreme confidence that His grace is sufficient to overcome all obstacles to faith and all barriers to fellowship. It is characterized by an invincible faith in the holy God and an unquenchable love for our fellow human beings not based on mutual attraction (as in friendship), simply on the desire to serve without any expectation of personal gain or reward." p.29 Our Utmost for His Highest.
That statement, or notion is reasonably acceptable to me on the basis of scripture because I can find biblical references that substantiate the claims, along with the caveats or parameters of thought that delimit the application of Oswald's claims.
The first idea is that on "an inner assurance that God is with us," when we accept Christ Jesus is true. The book of Romans expresses this Truth. Of course, whether or not we operate in agreement with Him remains a choice we must make moment to moment with every thought and decision we make. I know this from reading the book of Ephesians.
The second idea is that of "His grace is sufficient to overcome all obstacles." This is true because of what has been expressed by the Apostle Paul who says, 2 Corinthian12:9. However, in no way does that mean we will not have trouble in this world. John 16:33 assures me that trouble happens. What it does mean is that we will not be alone in those difficulties. Hebrews 13:5-6
The third idea is that requirement of God orchestrated "love of our fellow human beings." We are admonished to "Love our neighbor as ourself." And, the love we shed abroad does not require reciprocity. Matthew 5:44
These ideas hold merit only because they are substantiated by a careful reading of the Written Word of God, the Holy Bible.
Saints, We are to operate on the basis of biblically substantiated ideas, alone.
The Holy Bible is the final authority on all things.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
God even says that He has place reverence for His Word even higher than His name. Psalm 138 says so! And, this is the case even though God's name is higher than any other name. Philippians 2:9 Which only makes sense because if you can't trust God's Word why would you reverence His name?
The inextricable relation between one's word and one's name once was well understood in our nation, thus giving rise such statements as "My word is my bond." Now, we
even seek international agreements with nations whose religious tendencies see no problem with lying and indeed find it quite meritorious. Click here if you want to know more about that diabolical thought pattern.
But, back to what is True, Wholesome, Worthy of Good Report! AMEN! Philippians 4.
Folks, ONLY the Written Word of God, the Holy Bible, gives hope.
And, godly giving only happens to the extent we are not captivated by possessions.
But, be careful:
WARNING!
Do not confuse giving for godliness nor even right relationship with God.
Do not confuse prosperity with being in right standing with God.
Do not think that if you follow biblical ideas but do not accept Christ Jesus as Savior that you will be "Ok."
You and I, we who collectively constitute our nation in the aggregate may individually and even collectively experience prosperity while awaiting eternal damnation if not saved by the blood sacrifice made by Christ Jesus, Who serves as our propitiation for sin.
God can mercifully send the devourer can also send worldly prosperity, and simultaneously send but"leanness" of soul. Psalm 106:15
A final warning is in order.
"Anti-Christ" is that which is accepted as a substitute for the Christ of the Holy Bible.
BEWARE!
Economic solutions can come from ungodly sources.
The enemy of our souls would love to redirect our attention on to preoccupation with the "goods" of this world and away from Christ Jesus and the salvation that only Christ Jesus offers.
Saints, the Great Commission is job #1.
We must take every opportunity to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others and accept NO SUBSTITUTES, no matter how "good" they appear.
Dear Heavenly Father,
May those that seek benefits devoid of Christ Jesus of the Holy Bible be made easily recognizable to all. May those who seek to surplant God's will be thwarted. May they fail miserably in full view of the world especially if they create plans that emulate God's work without commiting to the God of the Holy Bible.
But, may all who genuinely seek Your Face, find You when they seek You with their whole heart. May they be saved, sanctified, filled with the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit, and committed to serve You according to Your plan making disciples of men!
In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray.
AMEN!
---Livvy McDonald :)<><
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