Called to Be Free

Galatians 5:13 says, you, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 

 In the early 1900s, immigrants from the old country brought their sense of the importance of hard work and community with them when they went into their jobs, into their factories, and in their homes. There they planned to meet the needs of those around them and give of themselves as much as they could. When they came to church, they came the same way, walking in with that “what can I do to help attitude”.

 As you are aware, we now live in a consumer-oriented society where we no longer ask, “What can I do to help?” We ask instead, what will this church do for me? We are more prone to come to church asking, do I like the Pastor? Do I like the worship? Do I like the songs we sing? Are these my kind of people?

 When we understand the true nature of God's calling as servants, and his plan for the growth of His church, our question will no longer be, will this church meet my needs? The real question is, how can I use the gifts that God has given me to make a contribution to the advance of His kingdom.

 We would all do well to apply the old-fashioned work ethic and giving of ourselves to our spiritual lives if we hope to see God's work prosper.

 From the devotion “Strength for the Journey” by Joseph Stowell.

 Selah

Pastor Mike