Romans 15:14-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
In Romans 15 Paul talks about how Christ is for both the Jew and the Gentile. Then in verses 14-21 he specifically points out his efforts of being a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. But Paul is quick to point out that what he has accomplished is in and through Christ.
"In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience--by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God. . ." (vs. 17-19).
So what does your work for God in and through Christ look like? What can you do to develop, and maybe even increase, that work going forward? Tami W.
What a great passage of Scripture. My "resume" is certainly not comparable to Paul's but the great thing is that it doesn't have to be be. If I will remain in Christ and stay close to Him, He will accomplish what He desires through me and He will get the glory. For many years I would attempt to evaluate my work against the work of someone else. Not a good idea! Now, i can be content in knowing Jesus and following HIs plan for my life.
I have seen that Christ has used me as a giver. My giving is in and through Christ because it is my human nature to be selfish and self-centered. Though my giving is in and through Christ, it is His grace that works in and through me toward those that have need.
For me to grow in this grace of giving I have to give myself entirely to the hand of the Holy Spirit, being faithful to the study of the Word of God and devote in prayer.Unless I abide in Him and He in me, and unless I live and work for His glory, honor, praise and pleasure I cannot accomplish anything.
To put to song what Paul said in Roman 15:17, there is a song titled "only one life". The chorus is:
Only one life, so soon it will pass
Only what's done for Christ will last
Only one chance to do His will
So give to Jesus all your days, it's the only life that pays
When you recall you have but one life
Here is a youtube link if you'd like to hear it, (this is kind of a jazz style of the song I found, with the lyrics)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZIFBN7RauA
Christ has used me to be a exsample to the people around me,mostly my family.The proof is in the pudding.My life is unlike many of their's and I'm sure that draws some of them to me.Reading God's words and knowing His answers to lifes questions and issues is the main way to develop and increase His work in my life.
Like Eric, I use to measure against others but not any more. Last August my husband encouraged me to start a daily lifter to persons via their phone. I send, on our behalf, one liners that I usually get from my devotions. Persons over time have said it has made their day or lifted some else they had forwarded it to. Then I think what am I doing - those words are not really mine? or the shake up from the "get thee behind me Satan" remark from that someone I know but who did not know I was the one sending the texts via email!
But today I have started the Powered by 4 journey as I want to search the scriptures decisively as God allows me to minister to others. Coupled with my Wednesday Bible study course at church and a two-year Ministry in Discipleship course, I plan to develop this Woman of God as my only purpose is to serve Him because He empowers, allows and desires it. God bless,