Are you Devoted?
Are you a person who is devoted to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
If so what happens when distractions and past or future hurts and problems come your way? What can you do to not let these things consume you?
Read Colossians 4:2-6
This passage tells us to dedicate yourselves to prayer and be alert; think, and be aware of your situation and opportunities so you can be your best for His Highest in all situations. This is a call to “occupy yourselves” with Christ, as in to live out your new life by being loyal and faithful to our living Lord. If we are truly devoted to Christ, we will be devoted to the things of Christ—His interests, principles, and plan. Thus, to set our minds on things above, meaning to be in “fullness” with Christ, to live and perform from what we think and trust. To cement this precept, Paul gives several practical activities we can do to further keep our minds and hearts in Christ. This attitude is what spurs on our commitment and our outreach. Without persevering with Christ, we cannot keep trying to persuade others well, or even at all. Our fullness in Christ will reflect His work in us and be the beacon of hope to others. This is how Paul lived out his life and hoped others would follow (Isa. 7:9; Acts 1:14; 2:42; 6:4; Rom. 12:12; 1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 6:18; Col. 1:3-12; 3:2)!
This will give us an open door. This means the opportunity and the freedom of movement. It refers to the willingness to be alert and take advantage with good character the occasions of relational connections and ministry opportunities. It is to be discerning with our time, talent, and resources as an offering to God and to use for others. It is a choice for us to make rather than a command, but as mature Christians, we ought to do so because of what Christ did for us and wanting the same in the lives of others (Matt. 24:42; Luke 16:1-12; Acts 20:31; 1 Cor. 16:8-9, 13; 2 Cor. 2:12; 1 Thess. 5:6).
This will also help us be appreciative to God and others. This will allow a sense of gratitude for Christ fuel, mold, and encompass you so the days of your life go well. In this way, you can pray for others, be sensitive and kind, be open to the wondrous prospects and plans that God has for you, and be able to take action. We can indeed, trust in Jesus Christ and He will take care of you and allow you to be the good opportunist that serves and grows. You can realize that Christ is for you and He is not hidden. Look what Paul says. Paul, am in prison, and all I can think and pray about is for the Gospel to go out effectively. Can you do likewise? Yes, you can and you can proclaim His Message with power, conviction, clarity, and in Truth. So, make sure you live wisely and make the most of what He has for you so you can invest in what Christ brings you.
When we have the right attitude and aptitude to set our minds on Him, we can be of better use to those around us, powerfully and effectively. Our words and deeds will show His love and care. Our relationships and the details of our conversations will ooze of His love and precepts because our minds are focused on Him and our hearts are poured out to Him. People will see this; some may come against us, but that is their problem. Others will see Christ through us and receive the power and impact of the Spirit through our example being the means God uses. What an incredible opportunity we have! Let us make the most of it!
So, do not squander what He has given for you or what He still has for you. Be kind with your actions and words so your gratitude will allow you to be gracious, as Christ was with you. In this way, you will be far more effective and content in the Kingdom and be used far more successfully and with more power.
1. How would you define “being devoted to Jesus Christ?” What are the distractions and past or future hurts and problems that may cause one to not be so devoted? What can you do about it?
2. What do you need to do or be aware of so you will not squander what Jesus has given you or has for you?
3. If you were more devoted to Christ, what would your life be like? Relationships? Worries? Past issues? Future problems? Or?
More here: http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=54231&columnid=3803
posted by Richard @ 2:56 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Great focus! Thank you for allowing the Lord to speak through you.
The enemy uses so many tricks to keep us from living the will of God, but thank God for pastors and servants of God who keep you encouraged and motivated to use our failures as stepping stones AND to turn around and pull another solider up and out AND sinners who have not accepted Him.
I thank God for every humble servant who yields to God and those whom He purpose to go down the valley of the shadow of death.
What a great and mighty God we serve! Again, thank you for sowing such a life changing message.I think we don't intentionally get caught up as we serve, but it happens after we take our eyes off it being for God and not others. I need ro recommit to God and the service He has called me to. Thank you for aiding in my humbling process.
I almost gave up and thought that after being in the church and being unloving and unforgiving to others, that He had no use for me. But this reminded me that He has made a way for me to escape the wiles of satan and walk in victory!! God is not like people, He does not give up on us; but will humble us and make away out of know way.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH...keep praying for me and my family. May God bless you and yours.
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