It is my belief that most Christians wish to make their lives as effective for the Lord and His cause as possible. We are not satisfied with the ordinary, just being mediocre, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Eccl. 9:10). We want to give God our full measure, using to the greatest possible potential the talents He has given us. What will help us please Him in this way?
One, the Christian must have “God within,” Enthusiasm. “What do ye more than others?” (Matt. 5:47). Do we go the extra mile (Matt. 5:39-44)? Let Christ be seen in you (John 3:1-2; Matt. 5:13-16; Acts 6:10).
Two, the Christian must prepare for effective, dedicated service. If you have the ability and potential to preach, develop those talents (2 Tim. 2:2). If you have the ability to teach Bible classes, prepare yourself (Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Tim. 2:15). If you can carry a tune, young men, develop as good song leaders. And, what a need we have to develop as great elders and deacons (I Tim. 3:1-15)! Use your talents, brethren.
Three, the child of God must be confident in the Lord. “And who is sufficient for these things?” (2 Cor. 2:16). Paul knew that in the Lord and with His help (Phil. 4:13), he was sufficient. The Spirit strengthens us through His Word, through faith (Eph. 3:16, 17; Rom. 10:17; Eph. 6:17). Realize, dear reader, that you (as Esther) may be raised up “for such a time as this” (Esth. 4:14). Stand in the gap, dear friend!
Four, Christians must have the courage of their convictions. The Christian soldier is not afraid of criticism. In fact, the Lord tells us the faithful will undergo persecution (Matt. 5:10 -12; 1 Pet. 4:16). “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye men, be strong (1 Cor. 16:13). “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord is with thee…”(Josh. 1:9). If you work for the Lord, believe me, the devil is not pleased and will criticize you! One can do nothing and avoid criticism.
Five, faithful children of God have one unified goal — to seek the kingdom first (Matt. 6:33). What did Paul say? “This one thing I do…”(Phil. 3:13-14). Those who seek the praise of God rather than of men have their priorities straight (John 12:42-43).
Six, we must be dedicated, diligent, hard workers. With our minds on the Lord (Phil. 1:21), we will labor. “…if any would not work, neither should he eat,” Paul observed in the secular realm (2 Thess. 3:10); can we expect approval from God and be lazy slackers in the spiritual realm? Success does not come from breaks in life but from hard work. The command is to “work” (2 Thess. 3:12; 1 Cor. 15:58)! “Give of your best to the Master” (cf. 2 Pet. 1:5-11). Do not be satisfied with mediocrity; God is not!
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