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Pastor's Blog July 23, 2020
"The Work and Life I"
{Scroll over scripture reference to read the scripture or reference.
When thinking about what a Christian is supposed to do in the world, I am often "challenged" by others with this quotation: "So those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may share the heavenly gift. They will do all they can to make the world better for their stay in it" ("Steps to Christ," 53; 1977 edition).
It's a wonderful quotation. But it is usually used as a definition of Christian mission: it's your job to get people to make decisions for Christ - and if they don't and you're unable, then you're doing it wrong. However, we often forget the contextual remainder of that quotation: "This spirit is the sure outgrowth of a soul truly converted. No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus" (53).
It's true that those who believe in Jesus are called upon to share their faith, but it's incorrect that the work is up to you. Instead, those who believe in Jesus will tell others about him because they love Jesus and they love others enough to tell them about Jesus. Likewise, they love to tell others about Jesus because Jesus has placed love for himself in their hearts. "Wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing" (52).
So if your life is not really loving and blessing others, perhaps you have not yet opened yourself up to God pouring his life into you. "When the love of Christ is enshrined in the heart, like sweet fragrance it cannot be hidden" (52). So if you find it easy to "keep Jesus to yourself," perhaps you have not yet fully encountered Jesus and let him change your heart with his love. "Love to Jesus will be manifested in a desire to work as He worked for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. It will lead to love, tenderness, and sympathy toward all the creatures of our heavenly Father's care" (52). So if you find it hard to work for others who are not part of your family, circle of friends, or church, perhaps you have not yet fully recognized and embraced the love Jesus has for you. "If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good we shall have something to tell" (53).
Friends, don't take Jesus' love for granted. Embrace it - and let it fully embrace and change your life.
When thinking about what a Christian is supposed to do in the world, I am often "challenged" by others with this quotation: "So those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may share the heavenly gift. They will do all they can to make the world better for their stay in it" ("Steps to Christ," 53; 1977 edition).
It's a wonderful quotation. But it is usually used as a definition of Christian mission: it's your job to get people to make decisions for Christ - and if they don't and you're unable, then you're doing it wrong. However, we often forget the contextual remainder of that quotation: "This spirit is the sure outgrowth of a soul truly converted. No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus" (53).
It's true that those who believe in Jesus are called upon to share their faith, but it's incorrect that the work is up to you. Instead, those who believe in Jesus will tell others about him because they love Jesus and they love others enough to tell them about Jesus. Likewise, they love to tell others about Jesus because Jesus has placed love for himself in their hearts. "Wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing" (52).
So if your life is not really loving and blessing others, perhaps you have not yet opened yourself up to God pouring his life into you. "When the love of Christ is enshrined in the heart, like sweet fragrance it cannot be hidden" (52). So if you find it easy to "keep Jesus to yourself," perhaps you have not yet fully encountered Jesus and let him change your heart with his love. "Love to Jesus will be manifested in a desire to work as He worked for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. It will lead to love, tenderness, and sympathy toward all the creatures of our heavenly Father's care" (52). So if you find it hard to work for others who are not part of your family, circle of friends, or church, perhaps you have not yet fully recognized and embraced the love Jesus has for you. "If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good we shall have something to tell" (53).
Friends, don't take Jesus' love for granted. Embrace it - and let it fully embrace and change your life.
(*) Steps to Christ, Chapter 9— The Work and Life, 1977 edition
God Bless.
Pastor Nathaniel Gamble
