|
|
Christian Indie Radio
GetChristianMusic
Solid Walnut Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devotionals
|
|
Cartoons
Culture
Family
Games
Health
Homeschooling
Humor
Inspiration
Kids
Men
Ministry
Parenting
Poetry
Teens
Women
|
|
Statement of Faith
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
Diligence in Christ
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)
Send this page to a friend
We live in a day and age where society encourages us to flutter about like a bee, sampling every delectable flower we can find. Gone are the days where people were taught to apply themselves and work diligently to obtain their needs. The mass majority of society seem to be interested in self-service, a "what's in it for me" attitude of heart where jobs and marriages have become disposable just because someone has become dissatisfied with the situation. They are driven by greed (more money), lust (better partner), and self (what "I" want), always hungering and thirsting for that "ideal" that the world can never give them. As Christians, we need to make sure that these "attitudes of heart" are not creeping in to our relationship with God. We do not serve God in order to gain material wealth or fame or to fill some self-serving desire. We serve God because we recognize our sinful selves and realize that without His grace and mercy in our lives, we are condemned to eternal fire. More than that, it is a relationship with the Living God and it allows us to put off the misdeeds of the flesh and partake in the divine nature of Jesus Christ by giving us a new heart and a new nature so that we are transformed from "glory to glory" by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. How does all this come about in the life of a believer? It requires the application of diligence.
Our relationship with God is subject to the amount of time and effort we pour forth. It is not a one way street. God is not going to do everything for you. As God's beloved children it is important that we understand what must happen on our part so that we can remain productive and continue in the faith. It takes diligence: never giving up no matter what odds you think you are facing, and it requires obedience to His Voice and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Without these, a Christian is in danger of falling asleep in the faith and becoming unfruitful and lukewarm.
Flee the World
One of the most important things to remember about being a Christian is that "bad company corrupts good character". This is a fact of life and it doesn't matter how strong you think you are as a Christian, if you do not flee the world with its corruption, lust and desires of the flesh, then you will die spiritually.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world…for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world." 1 John 2:15-16
"…whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
James 4:4
"No man can serve two masters…ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Matthew 6:24
Every Christian faces this same dilemma: a choice that must be made. Choose this day who you will serve…The world with its continuing corruption and ungodliness or the Living God through whom you can overcome the world.
Be About the Father's Work
As a Christian you must be aware of and focused on the things of God. You need to understand exactly where God is working around you and what you can do to join Him in that work. This is a vital part of our continuing relationship with God, working with Him to win ground for His kingdom. We are servants of the Most High God and a servant always has in mind the priorities of his Master.
" Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Mark 16:15
" Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 7:21
"This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
John 6:29
We are all called to fulfill a position in the kingdom of God and to serve each other in love while building up one another in the faith even as we patiently endure until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. See to it that you are diligent in serving God and reaching the lost for Christ. The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.
Increase Your Knowledge of God
Be diligent in obtaining an increasing knowledge in God and His ways. Remember that His ways are far superior to our ways and His understanding far greater. It is important to know the Word of God and to apply it to your life every day. By doing this you will gain an understanding that surpasses that of the world even as you are renewed in mind and spirit by the transforming power of the Word. We are commanded:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
This is not done for recognition among men, but because you are responsible to God for your knowledge of Him and His ways. God was gracious enough to give us the Bible, a readily accessible book full of life changing power, and it is our responsibility to increase in our wisdom and knowledge of Him through diligent study and application of the Word in our lives.
Stay Focused on the Goal
Our purpose on this earth is to serve God with our whole being and to walk in His righteous ways while laboring to bring others to Christ. The goal we long for is the heavenly city where we will all dwell together in the presence of God for all eternity. As Paul said, "…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14. We must look forward, to the inheritance that is reserved for us in the heavenly realm. Do not be preoccupied with the things of this world, for we are strangers and aliens in this land, rather keep in mind the goal for which you labor, eternal life with God.
The Results
This diligence in pursuing the wisdom and knowledge of God will keep you from being barren and unfruitful in your Christian walk. It will become the catalyst for increased grace and mercy upon you even as you labor to make your calling and election sure. Through this, God will grant you all things that pertain to living a life of godliness even as you apply these basic principles to your life: flee the corruption of the world, be about the Father's business, be diligent in studying the Word of God and keep in mind the goal set before you.
"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." 2 Peter 3:14
Amen!
Copyright 2002, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea |
Send this page to a friend: