We are just about done the class Muscle and a Shovel. Hopefully it has encouraged you to seek God’s boldness to talk with a friend, co-worker, neighbor, etc. about Jesus, or at least, plant the seed. The next class, entitled Spiritual Giftedness, will seek to help each of us to come to understand our abilities and responsibilities when it comes to serving those around us. It could be asked like this: What has God given me, so I can serve others?
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
Our theme verse for this year is Galatians 6:10. One word that jumps out at me in that verse is the word opportunity. Opportunity is defined as a set of circumstances that make it possible to do something. Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” The Macedonian church saw an opportunity, even in the midst of “great trial of affliction” (2nd Corinthians 8:2) to help serve others. In its early conception, the Lord’s church saw a chance to serve one another (Acts 4:34-35). While confronted with persecution, the early church saw the chance to talk about Jesus (Acts 8:4). Taking advantage of a situation even when one seems to be at a disadvantage.
What is even more compelling is how the Lord desires us to evaluate these opportunities that come our way. The overriding principle is this: DO GOOD TO ALL! No one should be exempt from the loving reach of God through His church. That being said, I am challenged by these words from Jesus, “Love your enemy, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28) Taking it one step further, Paul emphasizes the need for us to care for one another first and foremost. Why is this so important? There are a number of reasons, but I believe the biggest one has to do with our need to be authentic as God’s family. Once again, Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”(John 13:35)
As this year goes along, it is my hope and prayer that we view life through such lenses; that is, the circumstances we find ourselves in are God appointed opportunities for us to use our gifts and abilities to glorify Him. That our conduct each day, reveals to the world around me that I am His disciple, a member of His church which I love like I do Jesus. May God bless us in this journey.
