Bible
Have you ever noticed that God created each of us to be unique? And yet, we are all created in the image of God. Have you ever noticed how God has given different abilities and talents to each of us? Even so, His purpose for each of us is the same. Paul tells us in Ephesians that the risen Christ gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. The common purpose of each is “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” The following story reminds me that each of us in personally responsible to do the part of God’s work that Christ has prepared us to do.
Fred SOMEBODY, Thomas EVERYBODY, Susan ANYBODY, and Joe NOBODY were neighbors, but they were not like you and me. They were odd people and most difficult to understand. The way they lived was a shame. All four belonged to the same church, but you would not have enjoyed worshipping with them. EVERYBODY went fishing on Sunday or stayed home to visit with friends. ANYBODY wanted to worship but was afraid SOMEBODY wouldn’t speak to him. So guess who went to church–NOBODY. Really, NOBODY was the only decent one of the four. NOBODY did the visitation. NOBODY worked on the church building. Once they needed a Sunday School teacher. EVERYBODY thought SOMEBODY would do it, and SOMEBODY thought ANYBODY would do it. And you know who did it? That’s exactly right…NOBODY! It happened that a fifth neighbor (an unbeliever) moved into the area. EVERYBODY thought SOMEBODY should try to win him for Christ. ANYBODY could have made an effort. You probably know who finally won him: NOBODY!
I’ll leave you with some food for thought from the scriptures:
John 9:4 “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” The work of the Lord is URGENT.
Acts 13:2 “While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” The Holy Spirit CALLS us to service.
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Put ALL YOUR ENERGY into what you do, remembering whom you serve.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The BIBLE is your training manual. Refer to it regularly.
Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.” When you become weary and discouraged, remember that God sees and knows your heart and will bless you. HE IS ABLE TO SUSTAIN us to the very end.