ARE YOU A GIVER OR A TAKER?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you,
leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
(1 Peter 2:21)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever noticed that there are some who only want to consume?
They welcome anything and everything from others,
but seldom give anything in return.
Some horde things they don’t even need and readily accept more of the same.

Unfortunately, there are some
who claim to be followers of the Lord who fall into this category.
They readily accept God’s salvation, but are not willing
to accept the whole package, including their individual responsibilities.
Many will not even return
the tithe God requests from those who say they love Him.

When we receive God’s salvation, we are called to serve Him;
to give back; to pay it forward.
When Jesus rebuked the temptations of Satan, He mentioned serving God.
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written:
‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:10)

Jesus told His disciples (followers) that He came to serve and not to be served.
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)
Note: Sincere followers are those who mimic the one they are following.

When Jesus was predicting His death, He talked about what is expected
of those who are His followers, and how God will honor them for their service.
Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.
My Father will honor the one who serves me. (John 12:26)

Imagine for a moment what it means to be ‘honored by God’.
It doesn’t say that He will honor those who do nothing,
but He will honor those who serve the Lord.
That’s quite a ‘perk’ for those who do ‘what is expected’ when they are saved.

Does serving the Lord include suffering?
It might, but when God honors our service, He will help us
cope with any problems that may arise, and give us hope for better days.

Look at His promise to those who are true followers of His Son.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Christ suffered for us, and we are going to experience a certain amount
of suffering in our lives regardless of whether we are saved, or unsaved.
Read Isaiah 53 and see the challenges in the life of Jesus when He was on earth.

ACTION:
Surrender and submission to God is the way
we receive His grace and power over our life.
Joy, peace, and worry-free days are ahead
for the one who lays his life down for the glory of God.
Suffering may come, but joy will follow, because God blesses those who use
the skills, talents and spiritual gifts He has given them, to give back to Him.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gift of salvation. Forgive me
if I have failed to serve You and meet Your expectations of those who
are followers of Christ. I recommit my life to You and I am ready to
serve You in whatever capacity You have chosen for me. Help me to
discover my spiritual gifts and guide me in the use of those gifts so I
will become a participant in Your earthy ministry. I have complete
confidence that You will help me in serving You and coping with
problems that I may encounter. Thank You, Jesus, for establishing
the example of service for me to follow as one of Your disciples.
Thank You for how You suffered so that I could become a servant
and receive eternal life!”

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