What Do They See?

When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

Genesis 39:3-4 NIV

What do people see when they observe when they observe us going about our daily life? If we are just doing what we should be doing as servants of Christ, people should see someone acting righteously, serving others. 

A few years ago I attended a funeral of long time friend of the family. One thing that I was impressed with was that nearly ever person who worked with him said that he would always take the time to help others. No matter what he was doing he would help them with whatever they were dealing with. As a Christian he left a powerful impression on those around him. That is a good legacy.

The Apostle Paul instructed us to, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each of one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free" (Ephesians 6:7-8). Do what you do as if you are working directly for Jesus and trust him to be glorified in your efforts. He will use you in some way. If we concern ourselves with what God sees, he will take care of what others see as we serve him.

How come no one is...?

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV

What is the gift of God which is in you that you need to fan into flame? What is your passion? What it is you wonder why nobody does that? 

I once attended a church and there was no one greeting at the doors, so, I picked up some bulletins and started handing them out and greeting people. I did that for quite a while. Sometimes fanning into flame simply means "just do it". Sometimes it means start studying or going on a short term mission trip. Just start. Just serve. 

Are You Letting Your Hands Be Strong?

As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13

If you channel surf you will definitely come across some fitness coach promising that if you use their system you will lose weight and feel better. Self-help programs can aid you to lose some weight and feel better about yourself to some degree. But, they all share the same weakness. Self. 

That is what makes the grace of God so powerful. Grace is built upon the Sovereignty and faithfulness of the Almighty God. His promise is to save us and make us a blessing.  If you lift weights you should have a partner who acts as your spotter. Sometimes when you need just a little help they will pull up on the bar just a bit to help you finish the set. 

The grace of God is where he does a lot more than pull us up a little bit to bring us through. Because we know that we can let our hands be strong, we can act in faith without fear. You see, having a spotter allows you to try as hard as you can without fear that you will be halfway through a lift and your arms will give out and the weights will fall back on you. Let your hands be strong. Don't be afraid to fail. Be a blessing. Be strong in the Lord!