Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Monday, February 20, 2017

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“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6).

Be honest! Are you a giver or taker? Would the majority of people with whom you regularly interact say you have made more deposits into or withdrawals from their lives?

I will admit that assuming the role and responsibility of being an ambassador of Christ is a tall order. Yet the apostle admonishes us to do so. Wherever you go, if you have accepted God’s blessings, forgiveness, and power to live above sin, you have also agreed to be a heavenly spokesperson. It’s sort of like representing a company, brand, sports team, or organization under a millions of dollars endorsement deal, but better.

Jesus has entrusted His Spirit to anyone willing to be His children so they can overcome addictions, pride, self-centeredness, and unholiness and help others experience the same. The payoff is eternal life. Our fee for becoming one of the many faces of heaven on behalf of our Savior, which we don’t deserve, is being numbered among the countless people seen in Revelation 7 rejoicing around the throne of God. Oh, and by the way, these people are givers. They give the love, support, sympathy, resources, and anything else God has entrusted to their care, to anyone they can help. They follow the example of Jesus who lived His life ministering rather than being ministered unto.

If you find that you are a taker, it’s OK if you take the grace of God today so you can learn to give Him your active service, and service to others as He gives you strength. Just be honest with yourself and submissive to God, and your new life of walking like Jesus walked can begin today.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)