"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow."
-Paul (1 Cor. 3v6)
What is our goal in following Christ? Do we want people to notice how "holy" we are? Do we want to help all of our friends with their problems? Do we want to convert everyone we meet? While I'm not saying these are all bad (except for number one), these can't be the goal.
God wants RESULTS OBEDIENCE!
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul drops this incredibly profound tidbit to the church. Paul, a well educated follower of the law, knew his role. What was that role? Whatever God told him to do. Paul could have gone around doing what he thought was best for the situation and lots of people would have thought nothing of it. But Paul knew that in order for God's grace to be know that he must do his part and let God do His.
So often we feel the pressure to say the right thing or live in fear of screwing up the opportunity in front of us.
So often we feel the pressure to say the right thing or live in fear of screwing up the opportunity in front of us.
Do we really believe that we have the ability to thwart the work God is trying to do?
When we get these thoughts it's because we've become concerned with the results instead of obedience. We need to know our role. Paul's role was to "plant seeds". Apollos' role was to "water" them. God's role was to make them grow.
Having finished off my school year for the term last week I was enjoying a relaxing afternoon at home. I looked out our living room window and saw our neighbour outside shoveling his driveway. I have met him one time (last winter I pushed him out at midnight when his car got stuck by our place) and, while I have had intentions to meet him again, I have always been hesitant to do such.
As he was shoveling I felt God place it on my heart to go and talk to him. I ignored him. The thought wouldn't leave. I tried to justify that it was just my thoughts but I thought back to our talk at LDP where we talked about if it's our thoughts or God putting that thought there it doesn't really matter. It's the message, not the messenger. Finally I tossed out a little prayer along the lines of, "God, I don't know what I'm going to say but I'm going to go talk to this guy."
So off I went. I'd like to say that my presence caused an instant conversion and we became the best of friends, but that didn't happen.. nothing really happened. All that happened was his 1 year old started crying and he had to go inside. So that was it? I was able to talk to my neighbour for 5 whole minutes? What a waste. Or was it? As a matter of fact it was 5 minutes that I am pumped about. We don't always know when God will call our number and take us from the bench and put us in the game. Our job is to be ready and do what He calls us to do. God didn't tell me to go and preach to my neighbour - He told me to go and talk to him. My calling wasn't to convert him, it was simply to do what I was called to do. Would it have been sweet to have had him come to know Christ right there in the street? No doubt, but I know that God is busy doing His part now.
As he was shoveling I felt God place it on my heart to go and talk to him. I ignored him. The thought wouldn't leave. I tried to justify that it was just my thoughts but I thought back to our talk at LDP where we talked about if it's our thoughts or God putting that thought there it doesn't really matter. It's the message, not the messenger. Finally I tossed out a little prayer along the lines of, "God, I don't know what I'm going to say but I'm going to go talk to this guy."
So off I went. I'd like to say that my presence caused an instant conversion and we became the best of friends, but that didn't happen.. nothing really happened. All that happened was his 1 year old started crying and he had to go inside. So that was it? I was able to talk to my neighbour for 5 whole minutes? What a waste. Or was it? As a matter of fact it was 5 minutes that I am pumped about. We don't always know when God will call our number and take us from the bench and put us in the game. Our job is to be ready and do what He calls us to do. God didn't tell me to go and preach to my neighbour - He told me to go and talk to him. My calling wasn't to convert him, it was simply to do what I was called to do. Would it have been sweet to have had him come to know Christ right there in the street? No doubt, but I know that God is busy doing His part now.
With Christmas on the horizon it is very easy to shift our focus towards us. Remember: IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU! Never has been, never will be. It's all about Christ and what He has done for us. Keep your eyes, ears and hearts open and your feet ready to get in the game when Christ calls your name.
Do your role, let Christ do His and see what He will do!
Do your role, let Christ do His and see what He will do!
Merry Christmas from the Wielers!
-CW
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