There's no doubt about it: God wants His of people to do more than live a selfish, self-fulfilling life on earth. Like the single, business-minded women I introduced you to on Monday, God wants to use us, our abilities and our strengths (the same one we use on the job), and even our weaknesses, for His glory. How? By focusing two sets of people, those outside and those inside.
Outside
Before Jesus went to be with the Father, He left marching orders for the apostles. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. teaching them to observe all things I have commanded to you," - Matthew 28 v 19, 20. These marching orders still hang over us today: There is a world out there that is void of the blessed hope that only God can bring; they are outside of Christ. God wants us to be the good shepherd that herds those wayward, hurting sheep into the fold.
A lot of Christians take the Great Commission to have a conventional meaning: Get out there and evangelize in a foreign country. Pass out Christian literature on the street corner. Go door to door witnessing to people.
However the truth is so much more liberating. Yes, as Christians, we should relish the opportunity to go on a mission trip or to witness to people in the mall. The Word of God is the strongest tool we have. Hebrews 4 v 12 says it is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. This is the tool we ought to take to the world.
However did you know you can also fulfill the great commission when when you start a Christ-centered program for inner city youth? Or, when you live a holy life while an athlete, competing in a major sporting event? Or, when you start a business that runs on Christian ideals? These are the foolishness of the world that God uses to minister to unbelievers. God doesn't care about businesses, books, programs, politics, or sports. He does care about the people these things reach.
Inside
As believers, we are not above mess ups, slip ups, sorrows or hardship. That's why God called us to witness not only to the unsaved, but also the saved. Love is not the greatest of all the fruits of the Spirit for no reason! The Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4 v 8 "And above all things have fervent love for one another, for 'love will cover a multitude of sins.'" We all need encouragement. We all need a boost from our girlfriends from time to time. That's Paul is talking about. When we love one another, we can use the very same talents that we use on the job: coordinating bible-based programs to teach and uplift, organizing trips to the sick, even performing arts such dancing, singing and acting.
Before giving the Great Commission, Jesus told told the apostles, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and earth." As Christian women, we too have all authority through Jesus Christ. Isn't that liberating news in a society where women are oftentimes marginalized, underpaid and under appreciated?! Oh yea, it is! But, how are we using that authority? Lets take a more Christian approach to building our resumes: by building people.
In Your Quiet Time, Read This: Matthew 28 v 16 to 20, 1 Peter 4 v 1-11.
After Reading, Meditate on This: How am I fulfilling the Great Commission in my life? How can I reach the unsaved with my talents, my gifts, and my experiences? Am I really loving my girlfriends in Christ? How can I be a better steward of the manifold grace of God?
If you read this and you do not have a personal relationship with the God the Father through Jesus Christ the son, you too are called to break away from the selfish life! Read the bottom of Monday's post.
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