DAY SIX - What Does God Expect Of Me?
In ( John 16:7)
, you
will read that the Holy Spirit "will
guide you into all truth." Some phases
of this truth will be very pleasant, but some phases will
emphasize your responsibilities as a child of God.
It's all a part of growing up spiritually, you see. In the natural,
a child has a very carefree life. But as he matures, he must assume
some responsibilities. You don't want to remain a spiritual baby,
of course. Let's see some of the responsibilities which now are
yours.
MAKE CHRIST THE MASTER
To express their loyalty to Jesus when He was living on earth, His
disciples often called Him "Lord" or "Master."
Jesus accepted this position and said, "If ye love me, keep
my commandments"
( John 14:7)
You
see, as a believer, you now belong to Christ. You did belong to
Satan, but Christ has bought you with His blood. When we realize
how much Jesus has done for us, how He died for us, how He saved
us from hell, we are glad for opportunities to show our love for
Him by obeying Him.
PUT CHRIST FIRST IN YOUR LIFE
This topic will include anything else I could say to you. Cultivate
a sense of Christ's presence. Talk to Him in prayer at definite
times, and also when by yourself throughout the day. When reading
the Bible, think of it as Jesus talking to you. Make Jesus the center
of your life.
GIVE CHRIST YOUR TIME
There should be a change in your life and habits. If you really
want to be a successful Christian, you will want to attend every
church service. You will want to have a definite time of private
devotions-and of family devotions, if you have a family. You will
want to participate in church activities. All this takes time-but
it will be worth it!
GIVE CHRIST YOUR ABILITIES
Everyone can do something. If you have special talents, dedicate
them to the Lord's work. You may want to take training to develop
some latent ability. Besides the jobs which call for special talents,
there are many, many other tasks where you can help. Your pastor,
or other church leaders, will be delighted to have you volunteer.
Here is a suggestion that would be helpful: promise the Lord you
will try to do anything you are asked to do.
GIVE CHRIST YOUR MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
You were told earlier that you belong to the Lord. That means all
you own too. It's not really giving to the Lord, since He owns it
already. What we give is an investment in the greatest business
in the world-the gospel. You will want to begin tithing-contributing
a tenth of your income to the work of God. It looks hard to do?
But this is a promise, you will find the nine-tenths going farther
than the whole.
BECOME A MEMBER OF A CHURCH
You belong to a new family-the people of God. Show you belong to
a family by joining a Bible-believing church. It will give you an
increased sense of belonging and will provide an increased opportunity
to help others. Through your church and it's ministries, you can
reach to the ends of the earth. You will find your church ministering
to your own needs too.
TELL OTHERS OF YOUR FAITH
Someone told you about Christ, probably, or you would not be saved
today. Don't you think you have an obligation to help others too?
As you witness at every opportunity, you will become constantly
more effective. Next to your salvation, your greatest thrill will
be leading someone else to Christ. Talk to someone every day.
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SCRIPTURE
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